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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-28-2023 Human Rights CommissionHuman Rights Commission November 28, 2023 Regular Meeting — 5:30 PM Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall Agenda: 1. Call the meeting to order and roll call 2. Reading of Native American Land Acknowledgement 3. Presentation of "Big Check" to the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa 4. Approval of the October 24, 2023, meeting minutes 5. Public comment on 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 or one another concerning said items) 6. Correspondence 7. Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department s. Funding Request —Jewell Amos 9. Racial Equity & Social Justice Grant • First Quarterly Reports for FY23 Grant Recipients • FY24 Grant Updates and Information io. Commission Committees • Building Bridges (Maliabo, Paul Shantz, Pandya) • Reciprocal Relationships (Lusala, Qadoura, Jons) • Breaking Bread (Kollasch, Pries, Ismail) 11. Save the date: MLK Day 2024 Mercer Aquatic Center • January 15, 2024, 10AM-2PM 12. Staff Announcements 13. Commissioner Announcements (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with one another concerning said announcements) 14. Adjournment Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all City of Iowa City - sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in these events, please contact the Office of Equity and Human Rights at 319-356-5022 or humanrights(&iowa-city.org. Agenda Item #2 Native American Land Acknowledgement Prepared for the City of Iowa City's Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Human Rights Commission PURPOSE Iowa City owes its existence to the many Indigenous Peoples who were the original stewards of this land and who were subjected to manipulation and violence by non-native settlers, invaders, and governments in order to make this moment possible. Acknowledgement of this truth is central to our work toward reconciliation across all barriers of difference and injustice. Starting with a Native American Land Acknowledgement, this Commission will bear witness to the legacies of violent displacement, migration, and settlement that have marginalized those who were the first inhabitants of this land. We must also address the mistreatment and exclusion that Native Americans continue to face today. The Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Human Rights Commission encourage the community and City of Iowa City to join us in these efforts through the use of a Native American Land Acknowledgement. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT To be read at all public meetings and events: "We meet today in the community of Iowa City, which now occupies the homelands of Native American Nations to whom we owe our commitment and dedication. The area of Iowa City was within the homelands of the Iowa, Meskwaki, and Sauk, and because history is complex and time goes far back beyond memory, we also acknowledge the ancient connections of many other Indigenous Peoples here. The history of broken treaties and forced removal that dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their homelands was and is an act of colonization and genocide that we can not erase. We implore the Iowa City community to commit to understanding and addressing these injustices as we work toward equity, restoration, and reparations." LEARN MORE Native Governance Center Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement US Department of Arts and Culture: Honor Native Land Virtual Resources and Guide Meskwaki Nation - History Special thanks to the University of Iowa Native American Council for their work and guidance, as well as members of the public, for their input. Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission October 24, 2023 Emma J. Harvat Hall Commissioners present: Jahnavi Pandya, Sylvia Jons (via Zoom), Doug Kollasch, Bijou Maliabo, Roger Lusala, Mark Pries, Viana Qadoura. Commissioners absent: Kelsey Paul Shantz, Ahmed Ismail. Staff present: Stefanie Bowers, Tre Hall, Sergeant Kevin Bailey. Recommendation to City Council: No. Meeting called to order: 5:35 PM. Native American Land Acknowledgement: Pries read the Land Acknowledgement. Approval of meeting minutes of September 26, 2023: Kollasch moved, and Maliabo seconded. Motion passed 7-0. Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department: Sergeant Bailey introduced Community Outreach Specialist Tre Hall. Hall provides updates on Community Violence Intervention, Safety Village preparation, the Community Police Academy, and the upcoming coat drive for youth and adults. Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant: Grant informational sessions will be held on November 8 and 15. Maliabo, Kollasch, Lusala, and Paul Schantz will do November 8, and Kollasch and Maliabo will do November 15. Staff will assist in getting the check delivered to the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa. Paul Shantz and Jons will deliver it to Great Plains Action Society at Truthsgiving in early November at The Englert Theatre. Jons provided an overview of her Guide for Human Rights Commissioners Supporting Iowa City Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant Recipients for 23-24. Commission Committees: Breaking Bread — No update. Reciprocal Relationships — Qadoura will replace Channon on this committee. Building Bridges — No update. Partnerships with Recreation Department: All Around the World, scheduled for November 12, has been canceled. Announcements of commissioners: Pries spoke on a meeting that coincided with the Commission's Page 1 of 2 meeting this evening on manufactured homes. Jons mentioned an upcoming program the Commission is co -sponsoring with the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council. Lusala asked for Commissioners to keep Israel and Palestine in their prayers. Maliabo noted that October 24 is United Nations Day. Kollasch spoke on watching the recording of the City Council meeting from October 17 and the reaction or lack of reaction from some council members. Qadoura introduced herself to her fellow commissioners. Announcements of staff: Staff provided an overview of the upcoming Human Rights Awards Breakfast. Adjourned: 6:36 PM. The meeting can be viewed at this link httos://citychannel4,com/video.html?series=Local%20Government, Page 2 of 2 N ti ti Q N Q` z Q Q a N N �O N 0. 0. N N 0. N 0. m � 0. 0. < C 0. 0. C. x N a- a- rL a ¢ a a N Q N Q Q rn- Q Q a. a VO O O O O C O C C r� zl N N N N N N N N N i C R R R r Z N =a p y ca O A i R M1 C L O O R o-i Q -,� N The Iowa City Human Rights Commission is allocated $2000 annually to provide financial assistance to community events designed to eliminate racial, religious, cultural, or other intergroup tensions, including but not limited to, sex, color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or national origin. Rules and Requirements for Sponsorship: • The organization must be physically located in Iowa City. • The program must take place in Iowa City. • The program must have a date and location. • The event date must be prior to the request for financial assistance. • Applicants cannot be governments, public schools, or colleges/universities. • Applicants request cannot exceed$250.00. • Request must include a budget. • Request must include other sponsors. • Request cannot be for reimbursement or honorariums to speakers or guests. • Request cannot be for rental deposits for the venue. • Request cannot be for fundraising purposes. • Requests will be denied if another city department/division has financially contributed funding or will be contributing funds for the program. • Funding will not be disbursed without the submission of a W9. • If the request is approved for financial assistance an organization cannot request any further assistance in the same fiscal year. Signature* Sign here that you have read and understand the rules and requirements. Date Time 2023-10-20 11:39:57 AM Name* Jewell I amos Address* Street Address 1607 Hollywood Blvd Address Line 2 City State/Province/Region Iowa City IA Postal/Zip Code Counter 52240 United States Name* jewel) I amos Preferred pronouns she/her Phone number* 3199311092 Email address* Jewell amos@gmail.com Date of Program* 12/1 S/2023 Program Title* T-shirt contest Location name* Grant Wood Elementary School Location Address* Street Address 1930 LAKESIDE DRIVE Address Line 2 city Iowa City Postal/Zip Code 52240 State/Province/Region IA Country United States Describe how the program eliminates racial, religious, cultural, or other intergroup tensions, related, but not limited to: sex, color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or national origin. Contest will be for 5th and 6th graders that are moving to middle school next fall. Each student will be provided a free shirt with all their classmates names. This will help with building community and eliminate the need for the students families to fund the shirts. Over 75cYo of Grant Wood students are from a minority group and over 75°h are from low-income families. Is there a financial cost to participate in the project? * Yes i No Describe how socioeconomic barriers to attendance will be addressed. Free for the students to participate in and free shirts for the students Amount Requested (Maximum request $250.00) 1250.00 Has any City of Iowa City department or division provided any support for this event? * (Include in -kind and Financial support) Yes am Will any City of Iowa City department or division provide any support for this event?* (Include in -kind and financial support) Yes No Please list all funding sources or in -kind support for this event including the amount* HIIIS Bank $100 Old Capitol Screen printers will discount shirts to $3.70 from $10.33 X100 shirts-$213 in kind. Attache Itemized Budget _shirt contest.pdf Previous 21.4KB Next T shirt costs 100 shirts 1 color screen on back 1 color screen on front 1 color logo on sleeve $8.70 per shirt for the Gildan 5000 100% cotton T. Screen charge $25x3=$75 Houses into Homes 401 6th Ave. Suite 1 Coralville IA 52241 319-435-1075 directors@housesintohomes.org October 31, 2023 RESJ Report: Houses into Homes Change Your World Youth Volunteer Academy At this time, the Change Your World Youth Volunteer Academy (YVA) has just started a fall session. For this session we are trying a different format; instead of 14 (two-hour) sessions, we condensed the curriculum and are holding four (three-hour) sessions between October 28 and December 9. The school calendar for the first semester has a number of holidays and days off that make it difficult to schedule 14 meetings. Our first meeting was on Saturday, October 28th. Nine students enrolled, although just five participated at our first meeting. At Saturday's session, students got to know each other and the Houses into Homes warehouse. Areas of learning included the following topics: Houses into Homes's values and mission, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and the cycles of poverty and eviction. These initial discussions will be followed up at the next meeting by a deeper look at housing discrimination and the consequences of such policies. Students also did volunteer work, choosing bed linens; toys, games, and books; and kitchen items for several households who will receive delivery next week. Students said they enjoyed choosing the requested items, and felt connected to the individuals in the households, even though they didn't know much about them. They were able to choose sheets and blankets to fit the color preferences of the children and adults in the household, and select the dishes and cooking items requested. Subsequent meetings will include the topics of identity, stereotypes, prejudice, and ACES. One of the four sessions will include delivering beds, furniture, and other items. As we mentioned in our application, the number of referrals for households needing the basic comforts of home has been steadily high. We are experiencing a staffing shortage right now, and our waiting list is growing longer each week. To help us carry out the YVA, we have a project coordinator, who is responsible for recruiting students, communication, and paperwork (applications, waivers). We also hired a YVA teaching fellow who will be present at and lead each meeting, and who is responsible for communication with the facilitators. Our teaching fellow is also on our staff as an Operations Associate. Houses into Homes Directors are planning the volunteer activities. We are beginning to plan the second semester YVA, and will be working toward our goals of collaborating with other youth -serving organizations and creating a guide to be used by other organizations. Expenses so far include payroll for our project coordinator and teaching fellow, bags and other supplies, and snacks and drinks for students. Our first -session facilitators were unable to make it at the last minute, but our teaching fellow filled in as facilitator. Vendor Category Amount Vistaprint tote bags $149.33 Faraway food $27.17 Fareway food $58.87 Staples supplies $8.47 Walgreens supplies $12.17 Project coordinator I $659.62 Facilitators $162.98 Total $1,078.61 Thank you, Lucy Barker Director of Development Houses into Homes /- T ""R ' N FY23 Racial Equity & Social Justice Report Nov.01,2023 AI-Iman Weekend School is pleased to have this opportunity to expand the library, and to build a more resourceful outlet for its students. The 1,000 Book Nook project aims to purchase enough diverse books to suit the vast assortment of ethnic, cultural, and racial backgrounds of those served weekly at the Center. Many limitations surround Muslim and Arab authors thereby hindering the availability of their literature to communities further reducing the sizeable market of books within the Arab/Islamic genre. However, we have designed and implemented an extensive process to facilitate finding such books, verifying their authenticity, and efficiently acquiring them. Our commitment to providing the Muslim community with a wide array of literature that adheres to their beliefs and accurately reflects their traditions has proven to be a challenging yet successful venture. In the past couple of months, we have purchased eighty-one books, and three metal steel cabinets to house the books. Furthermore, we are continually expanding our list of potential titles and approved vendors in anticipation of future purchases. The process upon acquiring the books will consist of two phases. Phase one will specify the categorizing of each title and second phase will be the completion of accurate labeling of the literature. The first phase is anticipated to begin early first-quarter of 2024 followed by phase two slated to begin towards the conclusion of the first quarter. Students of AI-Iman Weekend School will have access to some of the books during this current fall semester which will be extended into late March 2024 due to the delayed start of the semester. Progress of purchases: - 81 books - 3 metal cabinets Total cost = $1,781 Plans and tasks to fulfill the use of the grant: Assemble the metal cabinets. Continue to compile a list of suitable book titles and vendors. Purchase books to expand knowledge base and to satisfy the needs of the community. Categorize purchased booked based on genres and age. Label the books to be displayed in the library of AI-Iman Weekend School. Mariam Girls' Club and AI-Iman Center along side our community members are beyond thankful for your generous support, and for granting us the opportunity to directly impact the lives of our youth members. FY23 Social Equity & Racial Justice Grant Report CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank Overview The "Expanding Culturally Appropriate Food Options" project is intended to advance racial equity and socialjustice by helping to maintain the cultural identity of individuals facing food insecurity while also directly supporting minority -owned business enterprises within Iowa City. Our hope is that refugees and the diverse people we serve will feel an increased sense of belonging and become more comfortable connecting with us for services. Project Successes Perhaps the greatest success of this project so far is meeting a small portion of the demand for culturally -familiar foods of our Hispanic clients. Each time the food purchased from Acapulco Mexican Bakery with Racial Equity & Social Justice grant funds has been loaded onto food bank shelves (at least $1,000 worth of food each time), food is gone within one to two days of stocking the shelves, indicating the tremendous value of this project. Not only are these funds increasing availability of familiar foods and supporting a local business, but they are creating opportunities for greater learning and collaboration. In discussions with Alex at Acapulco Mexican Bakery about food orders, the topic of common holiday meals for Hispanic populations arose. Thanks to Alex's input, CommUnity will be purchasing ingredients for posole, winter stew, in bulk for our Project Holiday distribution of holiday meals in December. Another partnership that supports the success of this partnership is a collaboration with Open Heartland. CommUnity had observed that only a small number of Hispanic clients were visiting the food bank, despite knowing there were more people in the community who could use the resources provided. Open Heartland not only helped promote the Food Bank to their clients, but recruited a donor who gave gift cards to Acapulco Mexican bakery for any clients who gave CommUnity's Food Bank a try. Since that collaboration and the addition of more Hispanic foods to the food bank, more Hispanic clients have been visiting the food bank. Amount Spent To -date $3,131.81 total has been spent on two food purchases from Acapulco Mexican Bakery. Receipts/invoices for these purchases are included with this report. Items purchased include sugar, maseca (corn flour), guajillo (dried chili peppers), traditional sauces, frijoles (beans), and more. • 1 As noted in the application, CommUnity still intends to purchase food monthly from Modina African Market as well. After a recent discussion with the Modina African Market owners, there are plans in place to place our first order by mid -November Next Steps After the two initial orders noted above, CommUnity will move forward with monthly purchases from Acapulco Mexican Bakery for the remainder of the grant period. Future purchases will focus on bulk items (such as 50 pound bags of maseca or rice) to provide the most food possible with these funds. These bulk foods will need to be repackaged into smaller quantities for distribution on pantry shelves. These repackaging projects are ideal volunteer opportunities for the corporations who reach out in search of group service opportunities. Aside from signing up for general food pantry volunteer roles on the same shift, CommUnity has a limited number of group volunteer projects each year. By offering more re -packaging projects, we can educate more members of the community on the importance of offering these culturally -appropriate foods! Our first re -packaging volunteer group will be a team of nine from the University of Iowa Sports Marketing Department on November 14. Because the foods purchased through this grant have been so popular, CommUnity continues to seek additional opportunities to expand purchases of culturally -appropriate food beyond what is currently available through the City of Iowa City's Racial Equity and Social Justice grant. We intend to submit an additional grant proposal to Amerigroup for $10,000 for culturally -appropriate foods Later this week. While it is too early to name the long-term impact of offering culturally -appropriate foods, we are eager to evaluate whether consistent availability of these foods increases the number of clients who return for a second visit. We suspect the expansion of these foods will improve visitor experience and inspire clients to visit regularly, improving food security and reducing the need to visit multiple food pantries to fulfill their family's diet staples. Pictured above: Guajillo (dried chilis), Maseca (corn flour), and a selection of canned goods, sauces, and dried beans purchased from Acapulco Mexican Bakery and distributed at CommUnity's Food Bank in the Pepperwood Plaza Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa 1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org Email report to humanrights@iowa-cites Project Details Project Name Community Technology and Education Improvement Location Center for Worker justice of Eastern Iowa Grant no. 10210400 Reporting period 04/01 /23 -11 /01 /2023 Report compiled by Majid Tana Date submitted 11/1/23 Summary Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa 1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org The Center for Worker Justice received a $7,000 grant from the Racial Equity and Social Justice (RESJ) program, which has been pivotal in our mission to advance social and economic justice for low -wage workers in Eastern Iowa. This report offers a detailed overview of our journey, emphasizing key milestones and our future vision. CWJ's core mission unites low -wage workers across diverse backgrounds, striving for social and economic justice through education, organization, direct service, and community alliances. The RESJ Grant, divided into priority areas like Education, has empowered us to extend our outreach, particularly to marginalized residents who often lack access to technology, internet, and safety -net programs. Our "Community Technology and Education Improvement Initiative" is the cornerstone of our recent activities, dedicated to bridging the digital divide, providing educational opportunities, and empowering those facing socioeconomic challenges. This initiative now includes a series of classes and workshops hosted within our lab, offering a tangible solution to address the digital divide and extend educational opportunities to the community. Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa 1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org SMART Board Installation - Empowering Learning One of our pivotal milestones was the installation of a SMART Board in our computer lab, a transformative addition that amplified our ability to serve the community effectively. This interactive display system became the epicenter of our educational programs, enabling us to host a series of workshops and training sessions. Beyond being a technological marvel, the SMART Board became an instrument of empowerment, as it allowed us to connect with diverse audiences, serving various linguistic communities. Empowering the Underserved - Classes and Workshops CWJ's mission revolves around empowering individuals through education. Our ongoing series of workshops, which include computer literacy, business development, ESL, and more, are key components of our empowerment initiative. To date, we've organized multiple workshops, with the first three focusing on Business, Computer Literacy & ESL, attracting over 66 participants. These workshops aim to dismantle barriers and provide practical skills and certifications that can lead to better employment and living conditions. For example, some of our computer courses offer 3 Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa 1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org valuable certificates, enhancing participants' career prospects. We're committed to inclusivity by offering interpreters in English, Spanish, Arabic, and French, ensuring language is not a barrier. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and opens doors to more community members. To support parents and caregivers, we provide daycare services during certain workshops, enabling them to attend without childcare concerns. Additionally, we offer lunch during specific sessions, ensuring participants don't face hunger as an obstacle. Through these initiatives, we are actively working to empower our community, making a tangible impact, one workshop at a time. Building a Stronger Community At the heart of our initiative is a commitment to addressing systemic inequalities that persist within our community. It's the recognition that equitable access to education is a fundamental right that should not be determined by socioeconomic or language barriers. We started this initiative to empower individuals to transcend these barriers, pursue better opportunities, and be active contributors to society. Challenges We Faced During our journey, we faced challenges, with early difficulties in attracting and retaining attendees being prominent. Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa 1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org Initially, we grappled with engaging a diverse and transient community, including low -wage workers and immigrants. Nonetheless, our commitment to our mission allowed us to make progress. Financially, the SMART Board installation required an expenditure of $6,473, and we allocated $2,488.25 for participant distribution in our lab's classes and workshops. To meet these costs, we sought additional funding from various sources, emphasizing our commitment to the initiative's success and the need for ongoing financial support to extend our impact. 9111 9/19 9/20 Business session 1 Food Handling Business sessioi Business session 3 Total Instruction 120 0 120 120 360 Translation 120 600 240 360 1320 Child care 36 90 0 36 162 Lunch 0 76.24 284 0 360.24 Indirect Cost 0 0 286.01 286.01 Total 276 766.24 930.01 516 2488.25 5 Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa 1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org Future Plans and Vision As we look to the future, CWJ remains committed to racial equity, social justice, and community empowerment. Our journey is far from over, and here's a detailed plan of what we aim to achieve: 1. Empowerment through Diverse Avenues While our current project focuses on enhancing digital access and educational opportunities, we recognize that empowerment can take many forms. Our vision includes diversifying the avenues through which we empower the community. We aim to provide support in areas such as financial literacy, workers' rights advocacy, and leadership development, creating a comprehensive approach to community empowerment. 2. Expanding Reach A portion of our budget will be allocated to extend our services to a larger lower -income community, ensuring that more individuals can access the opportunities we provide. 3. Collaborations We are actively exploring partnerships with the University of Iowa, local unions, religious centers, and other community -based organizations. These collaborations will help us amplify our impact and create a broader narrative of community development. 4. Capacity Building Internal capacity building remains a priority. Staff training, program development, and leveraging technology are all integral components of our strategy. 2 Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa 1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org S. Impact Measurement Data collection and analysis will continue to be central to our efforts. We will closely monitor participants' progress and gather feedback to refine our strategies. 6. Advocacy and Awareness Beyond direct services, we are committed to advocating for systemic change. We aim to foster long-term change by addressing the structural barriers that perpetuate inequality. In conclusion, CWJ'sjourney towards a more equitable future is rooted in action and impact. We are committed to addressing the systemic issues that affect our community members. The SMART Board installation and the classes we've hosted represent significant milestones, and they highlight the essence of our initiative - empowerment through education. We look forward to future challenges and successes, as we strive to make a profound and lasting impact on the community we serve. Executive Director Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa 1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org L Q 4�!: r,,. 10 Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa 1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org 10 Wright House FY23 Social Justice Racial Equity Grant Report November 1st, 2023 Wright House of Fashion (WHF) is incredibly grateful to receive $25,000 for the 2023 Big Dream Fashion Experience. With the funding we successfully organized programs and events as part of the Big Dream Fashion Experience. WHF was able to offer training and workshop opportunities to over fifty young individuals in the Iowa City community. WHF sought out additional expertise and ongoing engagement from individuals in varies fields such as set production, music, modeling, graphic and visual arts. We strived to create a landscape to attract innovative, creative, job -creating entrepreneurs whose location decisions are influenced by the presence of diversity and resources in Iowa City. Fashion Shows 1. WHF utilized the funding to curate a variety of fashion experiences and opportunities. This encompassed the creation of fashion shows, mock shows, production of garments, and the collaboration of various individual's integral to the successful execution of these initiatives. One of WHF's notable achievements was staging shows in an alleyway and outdoor spaces, drawing hundreds of attendees, where we showcased fashion directly from WHF using recycled clothing. 2. In June 2023, WHF hosted our first Juneteenth celebration event, marking a significant milestone in our organization. This occasion was a tribute to the descendants of enslaved Black Americans, acknowledging their resilience and using art and fashion to reclaim a shared heritage, while expressing their social and political freedoms. To make this event a reality, WHF leveraged grant funds to produce garments and materials, empowering young fashion designers to craft unique, self -inspired pieces. These creations took center stage at the Juneteenth fashion event, allowing us to showcase the incredible talents of emerging artists. This event provided a welcoming space for many Iowa City community members, uniting them and fostering a sense of togetherness. We welcomed young deejays and served delicious food, enhancing the bonds among the people we are proud to represent. Our celebration was honored by the participation of artists, community leaders, cultural partners, donors, and representatives from the media. 3. Together, we commemorated and uplifted the resilient Iowa City community of artists that WHF has both nurtured and been nurtured by over this past year. This event served as a powerful testament to Iowa City's transformative influence of art, fashion, and unity. Why is this important? 1. Empowerment: Our efforts empower young fashion designers, models, and various professionals within the industry by providing them with opportunities, experience, and fair compensation. 2. Sustainability: By using old clothing and recycling materials, we promote sustainability and responsible fashion practices, aligning with contemporary efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. 3. Community Impact: The alleyway shows and the involvement of WHF directly engage the community, bringing art and fashion. I iA16L. Ar 7�- ail \ T I pp It k fig L• 13 t'70 IWAWic I Wright House FY23 Social Justice Racial Equity Grant Report November 1st, 2023 Fashion Workshop/Practices As our mission is to build an ecosystem for entrepreneurs and creatives. The model calls and workshops assist with this goal by bridging new people into the space so they can experience what it would be like to be a part of an emerging industry like fashion. This also builds essential skills about time management, confidence, trusting and working with others. These are. essential to the workforce and building civic minded residents in Iowa City. Held 4 workshops and paid workshop assistant and workshop trainers. In house DJ and production of a soundtrack to then use for fashion shows. Provided training for 12 models and they performed in 2 different shows. This is important to social and emotional training for a lot of people involved it teaches responsibility and the skill of personal development. 9 Wright House FY23 Social Justice Racial Equity Grant Report November 1st, 2023 Fashion Activism Workshop This thirteen -week course explored the dynamic relationship between fashion and activism. The central themes of the class focused on harnessing the potential of fashion as a potent tool for advocacy, catalyzing social change, and addressing critical societal issues. Distinguished leaders from Warner Music Experience's Creative Department (WMX) introduced WHF students to the creative aspects of the music industry, such as merchandise design, collaboration with artist teams, and the art of expressing an artist's identity through fashion. We also collaborated with the University of Iowa School of Art and Art History, which provided us with the necessary resources, including computers and a dedicated volunteer to assist in design instruction. Furthermore, our students had the unique opportunity to engage and present their design concepts to Warner Music staff from various departments such as marketing, e-commerce, sales, and human resources. This course marked the conclusion of an open house and graduation event for students to showcase their work to family, friends and the community. This programming became a reality thanks to the generous grant funding that supported various critical elements, enabling us to craft a dynamic and enriching learning journey for all program participants. This played a pivotal role in ensuring access to Adobe software for creative endeavors and covering utility expenses to guarantee a well -lit and fully powered environment. It also provided resources to host distinguished guests who offered valuable insights and experiences, and supply nourishment and beverages to foster an ideal learning atmosphere. WHF was also able to purchase two TVs for career development sessions and obtain merchandise for fashion shows and associated activities. Why is this important? 1. Empowerment: It empowers participants to recognize the transformative potential of fashion and how it can be harnessed to effect positive change in society. 2. Education: By providing access to Adobe software, utilities, and career development sessions, it equips participants with the necessary tools and skills to pursue a career in the fashion and activism industry. 3. Engagement: Hosting special guests and offering food and beverages foster an environment for rich dialogue and the exchange of valuable insights, enhancing the learning experience. 4. Community Building: The acquisition of TVs and merchandise for fashion shows contributes to building a strong sense of community among participants and the wider audience. 5. Partnership Impact: The partnership with Warner Music and collaboration with the University of Iowa School of Art and Art History demonstrate the strength of working together to support educational initiatives and create opportunities for young individuals interested in fashion activism. 6. Sustainability: By addressing utility expenses and providing access to technology, this program ensures that essential resources are available for an enriching learning experience. a i.. WHF's commitment to maintaining this yearly pro- gramming underscores the profound influence of fashion and the vital role of partnerships and grant funding in nurturing the next generation of fashion activists and advocates for social change. This com- mitment is a platform for empowering individuals to effect positive change in society by bridging the inter- section of fashion and activism. WHF will continue to craft experiences and opportunities as a testament to our dedication to fostering talent, sustainability, com- munity engagement, and principles of human rights, all the while highlighting the transformative potential of art and fashion in our broader community. The Social Justice Racial Equity Grant is a cornerstone in providing essential financial support to sustain the livelihoods and creative expression of those involved in these initiatives. The following documents were handed out during the meeting. Ask: Solidarity from the Human Rights Commission - Submitted by Amel Ali The University of Iowa is making calculated moves towards the censoring of marginalized voices. On 10/16, right-wing student group Young Americans for Freedom hosted Chloe Cole, an anti -trans activist, at a university -approved event at the Iowa Memorial Union. Over 100 demonstrators showed up to protest the event. There were no arrests made at the protest. UIPD spent the ensuing month after the protest utilizing county and university resources to track down six protesters, all of trans identity, to single out for charges. Charges included a serious misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct and a simple misdemeanor Interference with Official Acts with a maximum penalty of imprisonment for thirteen months and a maximum fine of $3410. It is no coincidence that the same day, the Iowa Board of Regents voted on and approved 10 measures to scale back DEI initiatives at public Iowa universities. These measures require the universities to eliminate "any DEI functions not necessary for compliance or accreditation." Other recommendations include exploring recruitment strategies for "advancing diversity of intellectual and philosophical perspective" and "establish a widespread initiative that includes opportunities for education and research on free speech and civic education". The intentions of the Iowa board of Regents and UI police are clear: the protection of free speech and the right to assemble only apply to conservative voices who spread hateful rhetoric. Marginalized voices will be arrested and charged. The arrest of these 6 trans activists is nothing short of discrimination and intimidation. These arrests are part of a greater movement to censor diverse perspectives on campus. They are part of a fascist movement that continues to threaten democracy in America. County Attorney Rachel Zimmermann Smith has the power and authority to not only drop these charges but also to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion in her office that would discourage this kind of targeted prosecution. County Attorney Zimmermann Smith is showing us in pursuing charges against these peaceful protesters that she bends to the will of State pressure to silence dissenting voices. This is deeply concerning not only because of the current charges but also looking ahead to the ways in which reproductive justice is threatened in Iowa. What are the limits to County Attorney Zimmermann Smith's willingness to pander to conservative pressure? Criminal trials and imprisonment of six people who are no danger whatsoever to the community is not in the best interest of the community, is a clear violation of the constitutional rights of the six individuals facing charges and is nothing short of persecution of an already marginalized group. These six trans protesters are being charged as a result of showing up to a hostile environment (created by The University of Iowa chapter of Young Americans for Freedom and amplified by UIPD and Johnson County sheriffs deputies) and asking to be regarded with basic human dignity. At least 3 other trans individuals were targeted earlier in the year for protesting a similar event at the same location. From: Ben Black, Realtor <benblackrealtor-Agmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 24, 2023 1:44 PM To: uiowa <uiowa@foriowa.org> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Hawkeye Pride Alumni Network Caution: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, will you please forward this message to the board of the Hawkeye Pride Network? ------------------- Hawkeye Pride Network, We would really appreciate it if you can spread the word to the members of Hawkeye Pride Network! I'm excited to share some exciting new with you for Eastern Iowa. The National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce recently began a new chapter in Iowa that launched in Des Moines about a month ago. We had a great turnout and have decided to start a group that connects specifically our region of Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. See attached flyer that explains the mission of our organization. We are hosting a small kick off event on December 7th at Tin Roost in North Liberty at 4:30-6:30 PM with special guest speakers State Senator Liz Bennett, Mayor Bruce Teague, and City Councilor Aime Wichtendahl. We believe that solidarity among our community is greatly needed at this time. We would love for you to join our kick off event, and hope that you consider joining our organization in the future. Please invite your friends and allies and together let's prove how much our presence matters to the diversity and economic growth of Iowa. RSVP requested but not required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/746419921077?aff=oddtdtcreator Check out our Website: https://iowalgbtqchamber.org/ Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551467047015 Looking forward to seeing you there! Best, Ben Black I REALTOR c. 319-400-8956 Ben Black's got your back! Keller Williams Legacy Group 708 5th St, Suite 2 Coralville, IA 52241 benblackrealtor.com facebook.com/benblackrealtor Happy with your service? The best compliment is a referrals Second best is a Google review! Ben Black REALTOR, LLC. Licensed to sell real estate in Iowa. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail including attachments is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. §§2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, disclosure, copying, or dissemination of this transmission, or taking of any action in reliance on its contents, or other use is strictly prohibited. Ifyou have received this transmission in error, please reply to the sender listed above immediately and permanently delete this message from your inbox. A/ IOWA LOBTO N� CHAMBER OF COMMERCE You are invited to join us for the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City launch of the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. DATE LOCATION December 7, 2023 4:30-6:30 pm Tin Roost, 840 W. Penn St. North Liberty, IA 52317 Six protestors at UI Chloe Cole lecture charged with disorderly conduct, interference with official acts The charges were made almost a month after the protest and lecture occurred. 0 Alejandro Rojas, News Editor November 16, 2023 After a protest against the lecture of conservative speaker Chloe Cole on Oct. 16, six people were charged with disorderly conduct and interference with official acts. Students and residents protested the lecture of Cole, who was invited by the conservative UI student group Young Americans for Freedom. Around 150 people gathered for the protest, holding signs that read "Let trans people exist," and "You can't legislate away trans people," among others. Protestors gathered on the road and Iowa City and UI police redirected traffic. Later, after cars broke through, protestors blocked the entrance of the Iowa Memorial Union parking lot and Madison Street. The protest ended with a march to UI President Barbara Wilson's house. According to police reports provided to The Daily Iowan, the following individuals were charged: Tara Dutcher, Jean Horbuckle, Chan Dolan, and Emma Denney are facing charges of interference with official acts and disorderly conduct for obstructing a street, sidewalk, or highway. Vincent Shoppa was charged with disorderly conduct for obstructing a street, sidewalk, or highway and Harry Manaligod is facing interference with official acts and disorderly conduct for obstructing a street, sidewalk, or highway charges. Police reports explain the offenses committed. The report on Manaligod writes that they reportedly used a megaphone to "encourage civil disobedience" and also said, "Don't let the police tell you what to do." According to the report for Denney, she reportedly "hip -checked" an officer who was attempting to escort her out of the roadway. Although the protest took place on Oct. 16, people are only now being charged due to an investigation into what happened, UI's Campus Safety Public Information Officer Hayley Bruce wrote in an email to the DI. "Not all person's identities were known immediately after the event," Bruce wrote in her email. "Officers had to review evidence, identify individuals involved, and confer with the Johnson County Attorney's Office." She also said that members of the community are free to exercise their First Amendment rights provided it doesn't break the law. The six people reportedly broke the law by obstructing the street or the police. HRC — Police Points 11/28/23 V U U` • / �7, • Broadway Neighborhood Center Fraud Presentation by Joshua • IC Church follow-up • Trunk or Treat • Outreach Engagement Circle • Senior Center Coffee Connection • Encampment Follow-up • Holiday Lights at the Lake 11/29/23 @ Coralville Lake 5:30pm-8:30pm • Coat Drive 12/2/23 @ Mercer Rec Center 12pm-5pm (while items are available) • Community Police Academy — Announcement very soon WINTER CL*THING DRIVE *, "o✓7'1 6 New or ,envy used DROP-OFF SITES ul Campus safety (lower level of Old Capitol Mall), City Hall, Iowa City Public Library. Mercer Park Aquatic Center, Robert A. Lee Rec Center IWA e"A(G SATURDAY. DEC- 2 72-5 p.m. j Mercer Park Aquatic Center r"O Pick your clothes and enjoy a warm drink!