HomeMy Public PortalAbout01-07-2022 MinutesMinutes of Meeting
Commission on Human Relations
Friday, January 7, 2022
Due to COVID-19 and social distancing recommendations, the Commission on
Human Relations meeting was made available by using a Webex meeting.
ATTENDEES:
Commission members present:
Mitchell Woodrum, Frank Rycyk, Kim Woodruff, Missy Creed, Donna Adams, Donna Cavette, Jane
Barnes
Others present:
Councilmembers Mike Lester and Laura Ward, Christine Boston, Rebecca Lee – city staff
The meeting came to order at 9:03 a.m. by Mitchell Woodrum. Frank Rycyk made a motion to approve
November’s meeting minutes, second by Kim Woodruff. Motion unanimously passed.
New Business:
Welcome New Commissioners: Mitchell Woodrum introduced the two newest Human Relations
Commissioners, Donna Adams and Donna Cavette. They will each serve a three-year term on the
commission.
February Speaker Series Event: Mitchell Woodrum updated the commission that this event will tie in to
Black History Month. Due to the continued unpredictability of COVID, discussion ensued regarding
virtual or in person speaker series. A hybrid option will also be considered. This event will tentatively be
on February 24, 2022 and Mitchell Woodrum, Donna Adams, Jane Barnes, and Kim Woodruff will work
to plan the details of this event. Their first subcommittee meeting will be Wednesday morning via
phone. All other commissioners were invited to participate. During this commission meeting, the topic
of the event as well as potential guest speakers were discussed. Donna Adams suggested a professor at
Lincoln University to discuss resources and access to mental health services, particularly in minority
communities. Laura Ward shared the name and information about a speaker she recently heard who
presented on historic preservation code in the “Foot” area of Jefferson City. Michelle Brooks, a local
writer who recently published a book called “Lost Jefferson City” was also mentioned to consider for this
event. The commission will be updated as plans are made.
Sharing Black Owned Businesses on HRC Facebook Page throughout Black History Month: Mitchell
Woodrum discussed the positive feedback that came during last February with sharing local, Black-
owned businesses through spotlight recognition through the HRC Facebook page. This will be repeated
this February and Missy Creed offered to oversee this on social media. The content will be organized and
shared through interns at Dogwood Social. It was also suggested that HRC consider spotlighting other
local-owned business groups including Women Owned, Hispanic Owned, Islamic Owned, and Immigrant
Owned.
Unfinished Business:
Frank Rycyk offered a commissioner development moment sharing with the commission about Kwanzaa
and the seven principals central to this celebration. They include: unity, self-determination, collective
works and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. April is Fair Housing
Month so the suggestion was made that this be the topic for a commissioner development moment.
Donna Cavette suggested considering a poster contest. Frank Rycyk also shared that Passover will also
be in April, which may lend itself to another topic for enrichment.
Kim Woodruff shared she continues to be participating in conversations regarding recent graffiti on an
overpass. She will share an update on this with the commission in time.
Mike Lester shared information on the resettlement efforts for Afganistan refugees in mid-Missouri
through Catholic Charities. He will share the website and contact with Mitchell Woodrum for any
interested volunteers as individuals help these new residents relocate and join our community.
Adjournment:
The next commission meeting will be offered in hybrid, with some members remaining virtual and some
in person at City Hall. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned with a motion by Frank
Rycyk, second by Kim Woodruff at 9:45 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 1, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.