HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-2018 Human Rights CommissionAGENDA
Human Rights Commission
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Helling Conference Room, City Hall
5:30 p.m.
1 Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call.
2. Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda. Commentators shall address the
Commission for no more than 5 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in
discussion with the public concerning said items.
3. Approval of Minutes:
a. Approve minutes from May 15, 2018.
4. Correspondence.
5. Iowa City Pride 2018 Update.
6. Immigration Raid in Mount Pleasant Update.
7. Lending Disparities in Federal Mortgage Data Update.
8. Funding Request: Refugee and Immigrant Association.
9. Strategic Planning 2018 Subcommittees.
0. Collaboration/Advocacy with the Iowa City Community School District.
1. Juneteenth Freedom Week (June 18 - 23).
12. Human Rights Breakfast Speaker Selection (October 24).
13. Commissioner Reports of Items not on the Agenda. Commissioners shall not
engage in discussion with one another concerning said reports.
14. Adjournment.
If you will need disability -related accommodations to participate in this meeting, please
contact Stefanie Bowers at 319-356-5022 or at stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org. Early
requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Item 3
Minutes
Preliminary
Human Rights Commission
May 15, 2018
Helling Conference Room
Members Present: Jeff Falk, Joe Coulter, Adil Adams, Cathy McGinnis, Eliza Willis.
Members Absent: Jonathon Munoz, Barbara Kutzko, Tahuanty Pena.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Call to Order:
Willis called the meeting to order at 5:34 PM
Approval of April 17, 2018 Meeting Minutes:
Coulter moved to approve the minutes; the motion was seconded by McGinnis. A vote was taken
and the motion passed 5-0.
Funding Request from Refugee and Immigrant Association:
Funding in the amount of $400 is requested for an event to celebrate the courage, contributions,
and resilience of refugees. Coulter moved to approve the funding request for $400; the motion
was seconded by Adams. The motion was tabled until the June 19 Commission meeting. Staff is
directed to seek more information on the event; including number of performers, the time of the
event, and how many participants are anticipated.
Strategic Planning Report 2018:
Staff will send out a Sign -Up Genius to allow Commissioners to select what subcommittees they
wish to serve on based on the following areas of interest: Coulter (Public Safety and Housing);
Kutzko (Community Outreach/Support and Education); McGinnis (Public Safety, Housing,
Education); Pena (Education and Housing); Falk (Housing and Education); Adams (Community
Outreach/Support and Education); Jonathan (Community Outreach/Support); Willis (Education
and Housing).
Collaboration/advocacy with the Iowa City Community School District:
Willis will set up times for the advocacy group of the Commission to meet to further develop
ideas on what Commission members could do to achieve this goal. Staff will send out minutes
and information on the Iowa City Community School District's Equity Committee and also for
the Board of Directors.
Lending Disparities in Federal Mortgage Data:
Falk, the City Manager, Assistant to the City Manager and the Equity Director & Human Rights
Coordinator will meet with representatives of Hills Bank and Trust in the next few weeks. In a
blog on its website, Hills Bank stated that it erroneously over -reported a significant number of
loan denials. This, in turn, led to Hills Bank "being named in the Reveal organization's report
and painted an inaccurate picture of our bank's lending practices. We have since corrected these
Minutes
Preliminary
Human Rights Commission
May 15, 2018
Helling Conference Room
numbers, re -filed them with the federal reporting agency, and shared this information with
Reveal. " Falk requested the new information submitted to Reveal and was declined by Hills
Bank and Trust until after the joint meeting. He also requested the new information submitted by
Hills Bank and Trust from Reveal, but to date, has not received a response.
Youth Awards:
There were fewer honorees this year than in past years, but the event was well received and
enjoyed by the community.
Iowa City Pride 2018:
Willis, Coulter, McGinnis, and Pena will alternate times to staff a table at this community event
being held on June 16. Staff will send out a Sign -Up Genius once the time schedule has been
published.
Juneteenth:
The event this year will continue with the annual Trailblazers Awards on June 22, followed by
the community celebration on June 23. The Commission will sponsor an art and essay contest
like in past years for youth.
Human Rights Breakfast
The event will be held on October 24. Possible key -note speakers include: Cecilia Norris
(Director of the Free Medical Clinic), Tammy Nyden (Advocate for Children's Mental Health),
Maureen McCue (Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in The University of Iowa Colleges of
Public Health and Liberal Arts and Sciences), and Melissa Shivers (Vice -President of Student
Life).
Reports of Commissioners:
Coulter will be attending a returning citizen re-entry simulation on May 18.
Adams spoke on illegal drug use by youth in the immigrant community.
Falk has been keeping a running spread sheet with the list of detainers in the Hardin County jail.
There have been 23 new detainees since the Mt. Pleasant ICE raid. He also attended the
Community Police Review Board's Annual meeting.
Willis has asked staff to invite the Police Chief to an upcoming meeting.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 6:47 PM.
The next Commission meeting will be on Tuesday, June 19, 2018.
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Item 8
HRC APPLICATION FORM REQUESTING
SPONSORSHIP FY18
Today's Date: `"f — Zq' —
Group/organization Name:
Contact person:
Phone number: I
Date of activity/event/program: do tie, [ �j Zo [6
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington. 5lrcct
Iowa Clly, Iowa 52240-1826
(319)356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
hp11I e-orh
E(en os-t an� address,
Is the event location wheelchair accessible? Yes
Is the event location accessible to individuals with visual impairments? `1
Describe the activity/event/program and how it contributes to Human Rights:
-(hts- e✓a-It WIt1 (e,-Ia -LAC,, r00rU6e, r?)/
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the budget on separate sheet):
Other funders involved? TrA 5
How wilj this activity/event/program be.marl eted? (t V ( V Ei 1 m /71l
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Will sponsors be mentioned and/or sponsor logos be used in the marketing of the activity/event/program?
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Is the activity/event/program a fundraiser? If so, explain:
Please acknowledge by initialling here that you have read the cover letter to this form:
Submit request to:
Stefanie Bowers
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
Or
By facsimile to 319-887-6213 or email to Stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org
World Refugee Day 2018 (revised 5-7-18)
Budget
Income
Sponsorships
Expenses
$2,300
Supplies/Printing $300
Performers from Burundi $2,000
Total Expenses $2,300
*Most of the food will be donated by members of the refugee/immigrant community
From: Jim Olson [mailto:jimolson921@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2018 9:17 AM
To: Stefanie Bowers <Stefanie-Bowers@iowa-city.org>
Subject: Re: Revised World Refugee Day Budget
Hello Stefanie,
Thanks. Here are the answers:
The hours of the event are 2:00 - 6:00 pm
There will be music at the event (the Burundian drummers and dancers and also local performers) and
also one or more speakers on the theme of the day: the strength, courage, and resilience of refugees.
I believe there are 9 Burundian refugee performers and I am not sure of the number of local performers.
We anticipate 200. The RIA has booked the Rec Center to serve food starting at noon and as a backup
space in case of bad weather.
Thanks,
Jim
Sent from my iPad
On May 16, 2018, at 9:02 AM, Stefanie Bowers <Stefanie-Bowers(a)iowa-citv.ora> wrote:
Good morning Jim,
At the meeting yesterday the Commission tabled the funding request until its June meeting because
they had some questions. Please see below. Thanks.
The hours of the event?
Is only music being performed at the event?
Number of performers?
How many do you anticipate will attend?
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Maureen McCue I UI Center for Human Rights
Item 12
Page 3 of 4
Tributes
Annual Reports
Contact Us
Maureen McCue is an adjunct clinical assistant professor
in The University of Iowa Colleges of Public Health and
Liberal Arts and Sciences. She is a founding member,
faculty, and former Director of the University of Iowa Global
Health Studies Program. Prof. McCue has been
coordinator of the Iowa Chapter of Physicians for Social
Responsibility for 10 years and has worked as a physician
fora local women's clinic for over 16 years. She was a
founding member of the UICHR's former executive board.
"OilF —_ ! Selina Martin Jodi McKay_
https://uichr.uiowa.edu/who-we-are/advisory-board/maureen-mccue/ 5/17/2018
Cecilia Norris, MD
Medical Director since 2005
Hailing from Sioux City, Iowa, Dr. Norris leads a busy life. When she's not driving her three
children to their various activities or walking her dogs, Shelby & Mocha, you might find her
volunteering with the Girl Scouts, her church, or local schools.
Dr. Norris says, "I think that health care should be a right and that we all have a
responsibility to help those in need however our talents allow us to. 1 am fortunate to be
able to do this in an environment that is inclusive, understanding and committed to give
patients the best health care we can. "
Tammy Nyden Wins Isabel Turner Award I Grinnell College
Page 1 of 2
to Grinnell College
Tammy Nyden Wins Isabel TurnerAward
November 12016 02:45 pm
From left: At the awards ceremony are Jeanne Nunley,
recipient of the Linda Severson Award; Tammy Nyden,
recipient of the Isabel Turner Award; Eliza Willis, a
member of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission and
professor of political science at Grinnell; and Chelsey
Markle, representing the Pilot Club of Iowa City,
recipient of the Rick Graf Award.
Tammy Nydenassociate professor of philosophyrecently received the Iowa Citv
Human Rights Commission's Isabel TurnerAward at a ceremony in Iowa City. The award
recognizes Nyden's outstanding achievements in advocacy for improving children's mental
health services in Iowa.
Nyden has spent the last two years tirelessly advocating for children's mental health
services in Iowa. After seeing the difficulties her own family faced in finding children's
mental health resources, she, along with two other families, formed Parents Creating
Change, a group to advocate for local and state reform. Working with the National Alliance
on Mental Illness (NAMI), Parents Creating Change then formed the NAMI Iowa
Children's Mental Health Committee.
https://www.grimell.edu/news/tammy-nyden-wins-isabel-turner-award 5/17/2018
Tammy Nyden Wins Isabel Turner Award . Grinnell College
Page 2 of 2
In partnership with Parents Creating Change and the NAMI committee, Nyden has
organized rallies at the Iowa Statehouse, generated media coverage, and raised awareness
about the needs of children with unique mental health needs in Iowa. Last year, she
created the Coalition for a Children's Mental Health Redesign in Iowa to work with
lawmakers, families, and organizations to create a comprehensive proposal for redesign of
children's mental health services.
"Not only has Tammy Nyden been the primary spokesperson for this coalition, but she
spent hundreds of hours researching data, asking questions of parents and professionals,
and preparing this document," says Renee Speh, co-chair of the Coalition for a Children's
Mental Health Redesign. "She continues to be an outspoken and powerful ambassador for
children and families."
"The Human Rights Commission does such amazing work; it is humbling to receive this
award from the commission," Nyden says. "I am grateful to NAMI Johnson County for the
nomination, particularly Mary Issah, who was so central to getting our efforts off the
ground. It is rewarding to see incremental changes already starting to take place at the
state level, but there is so much work left to do."
Nyden was honored at an awards breakfast (starting at approx. 34:30 minutes).
Nyden has been recognized widely for her advocacy work. In 2014, she received the
Advocate of the Year Award from Iowans with Disabilities in Action.
The Isabel Turner Award is presented each year to individuals who show exceptional
commitment to volunteer service in the areas of human rights and the environment. The
members of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. including Professor of Political
Science Eliza Willis. choose the recipient each year from a pool of nominations.
Turner, for whom the award is named, was an activist for human rights and the
environment in Iowa City for many years. As a member of the Citizen's Advisory
Committee of the Johnson County Regional Planning Commission (now Metropolitan
Planning Organization of Johnson County) from 1974-1980, she helped develop the
county -wide transportation plan. She also served on the City of Iowa City Human Rights
Commission from 1981-84.
Share / Discuss
https://www.grinnell.edu/news/tammy-nyden-wins-isabel-turner-award 5/17/2018
nflmi Johnson County
NAMIJC Children's Coalition
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Johnson County (NAMIJC) would like to invite you to
the initial meeting of its new Children's Coalition:
May 24, 2018 4 pm
1105 Gilbert Court, Iowa City
What?
The Mission of the NAMIJC Children's Coalition is to foster collaboration and innovation in
children's mental health services and supports in Johnson County.
How?
The Coalition will meet 4 times a year to:
• Share information on current programming, resources, opportunities, and barriers to
children's mental health services and supports in our county.
• Listen to presentations on innovative projects that have been successful in other parts
of the state and country and learn how they were implemented.
• Discuss and plan ways to work together to improve children's mental health in Johnson
County.
Who?
Public and private agencies that serve children, elected officials, service providers, educators,
families, and other stakeholders. All are welcome.
When?
The initial meeting is May 24, 2018 at 4 pm-5:30.
3 Regular Meetings / Year: The first Thursday of the months of September, December,
March, and June from 4:15 — 5:30 pm at the 1105 Project (1105 Gilbert Court, Iowa City)
1 Annual Summit: A day -long event to allow more in-depth discussion and
collaboration. To be held in Iowa City during early June. (location to be announced)
Where?
The community room in the 1105 Project (1105 Gilbert Court)
Why?
By coordinating efforts, we can better meet the mental health needs of Johnson County kids.
For more information, Contact Tammy Nyden at tammvnvden@smail.com or Mary Issah at
marv.issah6a namiic.ora or 319-337-5400.
digital.
t�l
MOTHERS ON THE FRONTLINE
LA Digital Grinnell
The School -to -Prison Pipeline Project
The School -to -Prison Pipeline is a set of policies and practices that lead to
the over -representation of students of color and students with disabilities in
prisons, jails, and juvenile detention facilities.
Mothers on the Frontlines is collaborating with Grinnell College Professors
to create an audio archive of personal stories about how elements of the
School -to -Prison Pipeline has touched one's life. This archive will not only
document this social justice issue of our time, but also provide scholars,
activists, advocates, and policy -makers access to real lived -experiences and
the wisdom that goes along with it to better understand and fix this issue.
This project is supported by a Grinnell College Innovation Grant and a Digital Bridges Fellowship.
To participate or for more information contact Tammy Nyden at nyden@grinnell.edu
University of Iowa names new vice president for student life' Iowa Now
Page 1 of 3
Search this site
IOWi Now
University of Iowa names new vice
president for student life
Melissa Shivers to begin in June
BY: OFFICE OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION 1 2017,05.25 108:15AM
The University of Iowa has named
Melissa Shivers the next vice president
for student life.
Shivers has 20 years of experience
serving students and is currently
associate vice chancellor for student
life and dean of students at the
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a
role she has held since June 2014. She
previously served as the assistant vice
chancellor for student life at the
University of Tennessee, where she
helped coordinate the university's
ambitious initiative to become one of
the nation's top 25 public research
universities, and has also held
positions at the University of Georgia,
Search
Clemson University, and Georgia Melissa Shivers, the next vice president for student life at
the UI, has 20 years of experience serving students and is
Southern University. currently associate vice chancellor for student life and
dean of students at the University of Tennessee,
Knoxville, a role she has held since June 2014. She
https://now.uiowa.edu/2017/05/university-iowa-names-new-vice-president-student-life 5/17/2018
University of Iowa names new vice president for student life I Iowa Now Page 2 of 3
Shivers will succeed Tom Rocklin, who previously served asthe assistantvice chancellorfor
student life at the University of Tennessee, where she
has served as vice president for helped coordinate the university's ambitious initiative to
student life since 2010 and will retire
in July after serving the UI in various
capacities for more than 30 years.
become one of the nation's top 25 public research
universities. Photo by Tim Schoon.
"Dr. Shivers has a long history making sure everything she and her team does is focused on
having positive impact on students and their success," says UI President Bruce Harreld,
who selected Shivers after reviewing the search committee's recommendation. "She will bi
an immediate and tremendous asset for the university."
Shivers' educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in communication
arts with an emphasis in broadcast journa[ism from Georgia Southern University, a master'
degree in education from Clemson University, and a PhD in college student affairs
administration from the University of Georgia.
"I am humbled by this opportunity to serve the University of Iowa in this collaborative role
to support student success and be part of the Hawkeye family," says Shivers. "I look
forward to immersing myself in the culture and understanding the unique values and ideal
that make the UI a special place for all students to learn and grow. I am eager to begin
listening and connecting with students, staff, and faculty."
Laura McLeran, senior adviser to the president and associate vice president for external
relations, and Ken Brown, professor and associate dean of undergraduate programs at the
Tippie College of Business, co-chaired the search committee.
"We are especially proud of the large role played by students on the search committee,"
says Brown. "Five of the committee's 20 members were UI students who made invaluable
contributions to the committee's final recommendation."
Shivers will start at the UI on June 30, 2017, with a salary of $280,000. Her appointment
must be approved by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa. The board is expected to review
the appointment in its June meeting.
https://now.uiowa.edul2Ol7lO5/university-iowa-names-new-vice-president-student-life 5/17/2018
June Correspondence
Stefanie Hmrnn
From:
HARRY OLMSTEAD <harryo3@aol.com>
Sent:
Tuesday, May 29, 2018 2:15 PM
To:
Stefanie Bowers
Subject:
Request letter of support
Dear Organization Leader
In a few months Iowa City and Coralville will be in contract negotiations with the Johnson County Board
of Supervisors for para-transit (SEATS) service. We must insist and encourage late night service for those
getting off of work late or working third shift jobs, also our communitties have wonderful festivals ie: Jazz
Fest, Fry Fest, Art Fest, 4th of lul Fireworks, Book Fest, Soul Fest and many more, however persons with
disabilities who depend on SEATS have to leave early on Friday and Saturday evening (due to
service ending at 6:30 pm) and unable to participate on Sundays.
I request that your board of directors send a letter to Iowa City Council, Coralville City Council, Johnson
County Board of Supervisors and please copy me.
Furthermore, because of concerns coming from marginalized persons in our community who need City
bus service schedualed hours extended including late night service and Sunday service for the same
concerns mentioned earlier in this email. We must also support the need for City bus service and in your
request please include this in your letter.
Iowa City says they will be doing a bus needs survey which they indicate will take at least 3 years to
complete, but we need the services now and not wait further.
If you have any further questions call me at 319-855-2666 or email me at this address.
Sincerely,
Harry Olmstead
t;-:: m:<s A(A-3r-p mail. mobile.aol.com
Healthcare as a Community
Development Strategy
Mission and Margin
Related - Investing in
Housing for Health
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Angelo Mingo, Director of Community Relations at Columbus Children's Hospital
Mingo most recently served as Columbus CityCouncil's community affairs director since 2001 and was a
senior planner in the City of Columbus Planning Office from 1999 to 2001. Previously, she was a research
coordinator for the State of Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission and a volunteer graduate associate at
South Side Settlement House. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Mingo holds a Master's Degree in
City and Regional Planning and Bachelors of Arts degrees in International Studies and Portuguese.
Megan Sandel, MD, MPH, Associate Director of the GROW clinic at Boston Medical Center,
Principal Investigator with Children's Health Watch, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Boston University
Schools of Medicine and Public Health
Dr. Sandal is the former pediatric medical director of Boston Healthcare for the Homeless, and is a national-
ly recognized expert on housing and child health. In 1998, she published with other doctors at Boston Medi-
cal Center, the DOC4Kids report, a national report on how housing affected child health, the first of its kind,
and over the course of her career, Dr. Sandell has written numerous peer -reviewed scientific articles on this
subject. In 2001, she became the first medical director of the founding site for medical -legal partnerships,
Medical -Legal Partnership -Boston, and from 2007-2016 she served as the Medical Director of the National
Center for Medical -Legal Partnership.
9:00-9:30 Registration and Networking Afternoon Panelists
9:30-10:00 Opening Remarks
10:00-12:00 Plenary Session Bruce Hamous, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Senior Architect at Shive-Hattery Architect
p�p 12:00-12:45 Networking Lunch (lunch provided) Mazy Nelle Trevz, MPH Health Policy Associate, Child and Family Policy Center
12.45-1:30 Panel Presentations fey Pennington, PhD, Director Integrated Health Division, Amerigroup
1:30-330 Small group work sessions Erin Sullivan, Mental Health Recovery Manager, Shelter House
For more information about INVEST Health, visit public-health.uiowa.edu/invest-health/
httpsJlwww.facebook.com/RiAssociationMdeos/193406232666u7lu/
WORLD REFUGEE DAY
Iowa City, Saturday, June 16
3oin us for a celebration of World Refugee Day, with music, singing, dancing
refreshments and community fellowship. Admission is free and open to the
Refreshments,
Noon-2 pm
Robert A. Lee Community Recreatloi• Center, Iowa
S€ka Celebration:
2-6 orn
The Pentacrest*
(in front of the Old Capitol, downtown Iowa City)
*In case of rain, the event will be held in the Social Room, RobertA. Lee
Community Recreation Center
Visit our website or Facebook page to view videos from past celebrations:
httpIrefugeeimm (grant org
httpsl/www.facebook-com/RIAssociat[o n/
Organizer
Sponsors
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Thank you to all our sponsors
- A Pttxcuxrts lF Ua0•l�ti�PICNs hrrv�xrx�N
and volunteers!
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Looking for an entry level, permanent, or temporary/seasonal position?
Meet with over 20 companies with job openings or find local jobs &
trainings
Free Entry
Tuesday, September 1 1, 2018 •
•
1-4 Gymnasium at Robert A. Lee Recreation Center �
220 S. Gilbert Street., Iowa City ■
■
All Welcome, Community Venue ■
Sponsored by Iowa Works & the City of Iowa City •
■
Professional Attire Encouraged ■
If you are an employer and would like to rr ■
have a table at the event (here is ! • ■ a ■
a $35 registration fee.
Sign up at
hops://iobandresourcefair2018.eventbritexom
Contact us at 319.356.5022
Sponsored by ih. QIy of :n.a &tv and Iowa Work,
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CPYUi IOWA CYTY
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The following documents were handed
out during the meeting.
Americorps
From: Mariam Keita <marbeingmar@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 03, 2018 10:22 PM
To: Americorps _
Subject: Other Mothering Essay Contest Entry- Mariam Keita,
Braided to My Roots by Mariam Fl. Keita
I grew tip with my head in hetween the hands of strong women. My Gambian mother always reminded
me to refer to them as "auntie" out of respect. These wise sages divined the thick, unruly mass of kinky -curly 4c
hair that has tumbled from my scalp since my worldly debut. The feeling of warm hands on either side of my
face and the gentle, yet firm maneuvering of my neck are memories so deeply ingrained that even now, they
usher in feelings of safety.
Back in Akron, Ohio, where I was born, hair salons were my second home. Just a whiff of Blue 'Magic
and freshly pressed hair will still send me back to long afternoons playing Uno with my cousins in my Auntie
Macie's hair salon.To my four -year -old self, she was magical: her intelligent fingers could transform anyone's
hair into a breathtaking crown atop their head inj ust a few hours, A true hairy godmother. In her salon, I
became royalty by association: a princess, watching the queen transform her subjects.
Occasionally, I was the focus of her spells. Some of my earliest memories include my hair being tugged
by relentless hands as I squirined. I take the adage "beauty is pain" from my mother, who would often repeat it
on such occasions. Whine I may have hated the process (with the fiery passion of a thousand flatirons on full
heat) of getting my hair done, I was almost always in love with the end result. After how s of tears and boredom,
would come the moment when I was released to behold the finished product. Whether I was adorned with
colorful plastic beads or meticulous twists, I would stand marveling for long moments in front of the mirror,
mesmerized by the intricate art that my scalp carried. The medium: my hair.
When I moved to Iowa after preschool, I left behind the strong women that had reared me and their
insurmountable love. Even though I was too young to understand it, I had suffered an extreme loss. My father
was perplexed by my disobedient curls, and my stepmother had never had to deal with such rowdy loss. In
Iowa, separates from the village that had raised me, I was no longer a princess on her court.
While my parents tried their best to make me feel at home with them, I had become a foreigner in
unfamiliar land. Many mornings passed with my father as he tried to manage my hair in a way that wouldn't
leave me in a lit, tearily insisting that I was simply too ugly to go to school that day. My stepmother tried to
tame my hair by malting it more like her silky blonde strands, trying relaxers that she found at the drugstore.
Occasionally, site gave tip and took me to a hair salon, where, with my head in between the hands of strong
women I did not know, I was treated to a taste of home,
I was around nine when I first met Dina Kimble, the wife of my father's good friend. Long weekends
were spent sitting between her knees as she gifted me hot -oil treatments, leave -ins, and silk scarves. The
Kimbles provided me with a much -needed hone away from home: the kids filled the space of the cousins I bad
left behind, their living room floor replaced the hard salon chairs of my younger days. Their gentle, yet firm
guidance was crucial..
My parents had plenty of love for me, but without the influence of the communities that I've grown up
in, which have played such a large part in shaping my identity as a Brack woman, a Garnbian-American, a
confident and capable human being, my life would not be as rich and colorful as it is today.
The strategic planning subcommittees still have spaces if you have not selected an area yet.
Housing
1. Jeff Falk
2. Joe Coulter
3. AN Adams
Public Safety
1. Cathy McGinnis
2. Joe Coulter
3.
Education
1. Jeff Falk
2. Eliza Willis
3. Barbara Kutzko
Community Outreach
1. Jeff Falk
2. Jonathon Munoz
3. Adil Adams