HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-17-2015 Human Rights CommissionAGENDA
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
February 17, 2015
6:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order/ Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes January 20, 2015
3. Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda
4. New Business:
a. Demographics Survey for Report on Equity
b. Funding Request from KoNec Cultural Diversity Awareness Program
c. Co -Sponsorship Request for Night of 1,000 Dinners
5. Old Business:
a. Funding Request Form (Bowers)
b. Volunteer Fair for Retired Persons (Retish)
c. Commission Action Plan 2015 (Bowers)
i. Education Programming Update (Hart)
ii. Education Outreach Update (Ghoneim)
iii. Community Outreach (Hanrahan)
6. Upcoming Events/Programs:
a. Open Meetings and the Law Training (April 1)
b. Youth Awards 2015 (May 13)
c. Save the Date: Human Rights Awards Breakfast 2015 (October 28)
7. Reports:
a. 2015 Choice Awards (Olmstead, Hanrahan, Hart)
b. Juneteenth (Olmstead, Hart)
c. Education Subcommittee (Retish, Olmstead, Coulter)
d. Building Communities Subcommittee (Townsend)
i. Housing Choice Voucher
e. University of Iowa Center for Human Rights Board (Ghoneim, Olmstead)
f Racial Equity & Diversity Initiative (Bowers)
g. Commission
h. Staff
i. City Seasonal Summer Hire Job Fair (February 24)
ii. Charter Review Commission Forum (February 24)
iii. Citizens Police Review Annual Forum (April 28)
8. Set Next Regular Meeting Date: March 17 at 6:00 pm
9. Adjourn
The Human Rights Commission meetings follow the Iowa City Community School District
closings for inclement weather except for early dismissals for heat.
Minutes Preliminary
Human Rights Commission
January 20, 2015 — 6 PM
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Members Present: Harry Olmstead, Orville Townsend Sr, Kim Hanrahan, Joe D. Coulter,
Stella Hart, Paul Retish, Edie Pierce -Thomas.
Members Not Present: Shams Ghoneim, Ali Ahmed.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendations to Council: No.
Call to Order:
Coulter called the meeting to order at 18:00.
Consideration of the Minutes from the December 15, 2014 Meeting Date:
Motion Townsend, seconded by Hanrahan. Motion passed 6-0. (Olmstead not present).
New Business
Introduction of New Commissioner
Pierce -Thomas moved back to Iowa City from West Lafayette, Indiana where she served on the Human
Relations Commission. She is looking forward to serving on the Human Rights Commission.
Election of Chair
Motion Townsend to nominate Coulter as the 2015 Chair, seconded by Hart. Motion passed 5-2.
(Olmstead and Coulter in the negative). r
Election of Vice Chair
Motion Coulter to nominate Hanrahan as the 2015 Vice Chair, seconded by Relish. Motion passed
5-2. (Hart and Olmstead in the negative).
Affordable Housing & Inclusionary Zoning
Olmstead mentioned the recent Council Work Session (1-6-2015) on affordable housing and inclusionary
zoning. Specifically the Council discussion on Riverfront Crossing.
Motion Olmstead for a letter to be sent to the Council applauding and supporting its recent
discussion on affordable housing and also asking Council to continue to look at the various options
available in the future for affordable and inclusionary zoning here in Iowa City, seconded
Hanrahan. Motion passed 7-0.
Juneteenth Celebration 150 Year Anniversary
Bowers provided a brief history of the national holiday along with the financial contribution by the
Commission in the past for the event. The event will be held here in Johnson County on June 27.
Olmstead and Hart will serve on the planning committee for Juneteenth. Commissioners discussed
providing financial sponsorship for Juneteenth. In the past the Commission has sponsored at an amount of
$350.
' Coulter voted for Olmstead.
Motion by Hart for 2 Commission members to join the planning committee for Juneteenth and
possibly plan a program for the event, seconded by Hanrahan. Motion passed 7-0.
Motion by Townsend to provide sponsorship at $400 for the 2015 Juneteenth event, seconded by
Hart. Motion passed 5-2. (Hanrahan and Pierce -Thomas in the negative).
Black History Month Proclamation
Hanrahan will accept the proclamation on behalf of the Commission along with a student friend on
Monday, February 9 at the formal Council meeting.
Invitation to Co -Sponsor Injustice On Our Plates: How Conditions of Food Workers Affect Us All
The Commission agreed to sponsor this event without providing financial assistance. The Commission
instead will send out notice of the event being held on February 28 from 9-3 at the University Capital
Center.
Motion by Hart, seconded by Pierce -Thomas. Motion passed 7-0.
Sponsorship Request 2015 Choice Event
The event will be held at the Hotel Vetro on Friday, January 23 starting at 5. The Commission chose to
sponsor the event in the amount of $250. All the money raised for the event goes to the deProsse Access
Fund that subsidizes services for under insured women and men accessing health care services at the
Emma Goldman Clinic. Sponsorship comes with two complimentary tickets. Olmstead and Hanrahan will
attend on behalf of the Commission.
Motion Olmstead, seconded by Hart. Motion passed 7-0.
Funding Request Soul Food Dinner
The soul food dinner will be held on Friday, February 20 at either City High School or Grant Wood
Elementary School. The Commission chose to offer financial sponsorship in the amount of $125 to assist
with the cost of food, utensils and additional supplies. Commissioners respectfully request to be
acknowledged on event information as a contributor.
Motion Olmstead, seconded by Hanrahan. Motion passed 7-0.
Old Business
Center for Worker Justice Just Employment Initiative
Bowers spoke about her concerns when the Commission actively investigates alleged human rights
violations at their monthly meetings. Bowers cautioned that such action may cause complaints filed with
the office to be transferred to another jurisdiction because the Commission is no longer impartial in the
matter. Bowers suggested that the Commission discuss alternative ways to advocate and or support
allegations of human rights violations.
Volunteer Fair for Retired Persons
Retish reports that he is currently looking at area organizations or nonprofits to assist with planning,
volunteer fair for retired persons. Elder Services is an option but it may be a few more weeks before a
meeting can be set up to discuss the venture in more detail due to staff changes at Elder Services.
Action Plan 2015
Commissioners moved forward on approving the action plan for 2015.
Motion Olmstead, seconded by Townsend. Motion passed 7-0.
2
Upcoming Events/Proarams
Youth Awards
The Mayor has been asked to deliver the keynote at this annual event being held on May 13
Reports
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Proclamation
Bowers accepted the proclamation at the January 6 formal Council meeting on behalf of the Commission
Human Rights Breakfast
The Commission decided to hold its 2015 Breakfast at the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU). Bowers will
follow up with a date and also request more service at the tables and better signage for the future event
Motion Olmstead, seconded Pierce -Thomas. Motion passed 7-0.
Education
Retish, Olmstead and Hanrahan all serve on the Iowa City Community School District's (ICCD) Equity
Committee. The Policy and Engagement Committee of the ICCSD will be meeting in the near future to
discuss the diversity plan and how to move forward on reducing some of the overrepresentation within
the ICCSD as it relates to youth of color.
Building Communities
The Black Voices Project plans on holding small group discussions at various location in the community
including The Spot. Townsend will provide an update on the status of this outreach at future Commission
meetings.
University oflowa Center for Human Rights
The Kenneth J. Cmiel Funded Human Rights Internship applications are due on March 13.
Equity
Bowers gave a summary of the recent Council Work Session and discussion on the equity report held on
January 13.
Commission
Hart reported that there will be upcoming street harassment trainings. She will forward an announcement
for distribution to Bowers in the near future.
Staff
Bowers gave an update on the Youth Police Academy being planned for the summer.
Adjournment: 20:23
Next Regular Meeting — February 17, 2015 at 6:00 pm.
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2014/2015
KEY: X
TERM
2/18/
3/18/
4/29/
5/20/
6/17/
7/15/
8/19/
9/16/
10/2/
10/21/
11/18
12/15
1/20
NAME
EXP.
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
15
Edle Pierce-
1/1/2016
Thomas
JoDCo
1/12016
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Harry
1/12016
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Olmstead
PaulRedsh
1/12017
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
Ali Ahmed
1/12017
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
—X
X
O
Orville
1/12017
—X
O/E
X
X.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Townsend, Sr.
Kim
1/12018
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Hanrahan
Shams
1/12018
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OX
Ghoneim
Stella Hart
1/12018
_
_
_
_
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
Andrea Cohen
1/12016
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
R
KEY: X
= Present
O
= Absent
O/E
= Absent/Excused
NM
= No meeting
—
= No longer a member
R
= Resignation
4
Late handouts from Human Rights Commission
Meeting held on Tuesday, January 20, 2015.
COPY
From: Clado -Bennett, Robin <robin-dark-bennett@uiowa.edu>
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2015 11:19 AM `�-l•
To: Harry Olmstead v N
Cc: Stefanie Bowers
Subject: RE: Conference
Attachments: Injustice_On_Our Plates flier final.pdf
Dear Harry and Stefanie,
Per our previous emails, I'm attaching the flyer for the Labor Center's upcoming conference on
Saturday February 28, 2015 from 9am-3pm entitled "Injustice on Our Plates: How Conditions of Food
Workers Affect us All." The conference will be held on the second floor of the Old Capitol Mall and is
currently co-sponsored by: the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights, Office of Sustainability,
Department of Communication Studies, Department of History, Public Policy Center, Chief Diversity
Office, and Latina/o Studies Minor, along with the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa, and the
Iowa Federation of Labor.
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission would be welcome to also co-sponsor the conference, if
the commission is interested in doing so. Co-sponsors agree to help publicize the conference, and if
possible they contribute $100 toward the cost of the honorarium and travel for the keynote, as well as
interpretation and other conference costs. Co-sponsors are listed on all publicity (the flyer is already
printed, but future publicity could be amended to reflect any changes).
The conference is free and open to the public, and will be simultaneously interpreted in Spanish.
The keynote speaker will be Fakkak Mamdouh, co-founder and codirector of a dynamic restaurant
workers' organization called Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC), and co-author with
Rinku Sen of The Accidental American: Immigration and Citizenship in the Age of Globalization. ROC
brings together restaurant workers, consumers, and high -road employers to confront race -based
barriers to advancement, sexual harassment, low pay, and unsafe conditions that workers commonly
face in this industry. Mr. Mamdouh is a Moroccan -American immigrant who, prior to co-founding
ROC, served as headwaiter at Windows on the World restaurant in the World Trade Towers until
September 11, 2001. As he and his co-workers were forced to find new restaurant employment in the
wake of the attack, they formed ROC -New York to confront the discrimination and poor conditions
they found in the restaurant industry. Since then, ROC has grown to include more than 13,000
restaurant workers in 26 states. The organization has recovered over $10 million in unpaid wages for
restaurant workers, produced dozens of reports about conditions in the industry, runs advanced
restaurant workers training and placement programs, and has assisted restaurant workers in opening
several co-operatively owned restaurants (htta://rocunited.org/ ) Other conference sessions will
include: an overview of the 21 st century food industry; reports on current national projects to raise
standards in restaurant, fast food, meatpacking, and agricultural work; and a panel discussion
featuring local food workers.
We are very excited about this conference, and encourage you to participate. Registration information
and other details are listed on the flyer.
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.
Best regards,
Robin Clark -Bennett
From: Harry Olmstead [Harry03@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2014 3:26 PM
COPY
To: Clark -Bennett, Robin
Cc: Stefanie Bowers
Subject: Conference
Robin: I've asked Stefanie to put the conference request on our January Agenda. When you get flyers
get them to Stefanie and she can mail it out with our January package. There are 9 commissioners
and the flyer will need to be to Stefanie the week before our meeting. The date of our next meeting
will be January 20, 2015.
Truly,
Harry Olmstead, Chairperson
Iowa City Human Rights Commission
COPY
A one -day conference designed to bring together civil
rights, labor, faith, and sustainable food activists and
members of the University community to discuss current
initiatives to create jobs with dignity for the people
who harvest, process, cook, and serve our food.
TOPICS WILL INCLUOE=
• What challenges do workers face
in the 21st -century food industry?
• How are workers, consumers, and policy makers
coming together to raise standards?
• What's happening in Iowa?
Keynote Speaker Fekkak Mamdouh
Co -Director of Restaurant Opportunities Centers
United (ROC) and co-author of The Accidental American:
3.
Immigration and Citizenship in the Age of Globalization.
SATURDAY
B 28 UN- PH
2520-D University Capitol Centre,
Iowa City (2nd floor Did Capitol Mail)
Free and open to the public.
Lunch provided for participants who
register by February 23. To register, or for
further information, call the University
of Iowa Labor Center at 319-335-4144.
L
From:
Sam Hargadine <Sam-Hargadine@iowa-clty.org>
Sent:
Saturday, January 17, 2015 9:55 AM
To:
Retish, Paul M
Cc:
Stefanie Bowers
Subject:
RE: Meeting
I enjoyed the talk too. I'm still trying to remember how Mel Gibson ever came up 9+ years ago.
V
Beat 5 will be officer not assigned to the permanent beats 1 through 4. Float officers which will include K-9, SCAT or
Street Crimes Action Team, an officer brought in on OT for a traffic detail.
Also keep in mind that on a given day there may be an officer that is permanently assigned to work Beat 3.
Hypothetically, Beat 3 may have everyone there but Beat 2 has nobody because one is on vacation and another called in
sick. If there is a problem area the Watch Commander may reassign one or two from the overloaded area in to the area
that is understaffed. While the Beat 3 officer is supposed to be in one area all of his/her activities for the day will show
up in another.
One of the things Dr. Barnum pointed out in his presentation to Council were officers that were assigned to the West
side of town but they had a higher propensity or stop ratio in the S.E. side of town. That doesn't automatically mean
that he's a cowboy picking on Persons of Color in the S.E. beat.
Samuel E. Hargadine
Chief of Police
Iowa City Police Department
401 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
---Original Message -----
From: Retish, Paul M [mailto:paul-retish@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2015 9:40 AM
To: Sam Hargadine
Cc: Stefanie Bowers
Subject: Meeting
Chief. Thanks for your time on Friday. I appreciated your openness and frank discussion. I hope to open a discussion
with the human rights commission as to how we can be a positive influence on community relations. I am reading the
Traffic Study you shared with me and I have one question. The map continually shows 4 beat areas but the data
includes 5 areas. Where or what is the fifth area? Thanks again. Paul Retish
Sent from my !Pad
Stefanie Bowers
From: Chace Ramey <Ramey.Chaoe@iowacityschools.org>
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2015 5:46 PM l (✓V/^//
To: Stefanie Bowers; Harry Olmstead (Harry03@aol.com)
Cc: Kingsley Botchway; Stephen Mudey V
Subject: ICHRC Letter to Superintendent Mudey
Good Evening Stefanie and Harry. I hope that things are well with you. the Superintendent forwarded me the
letter the ICHRC sent to him earlier this winter. We are enthusiastic about the commission's desire to support
the work of the school district, and the points referenced in the letter align with the work of the District's Equity
Committee. I have spoken with Director Botchway, as well as Superintendent Murley, and we agree that this
collaborative effort should flow through our Equity Committee. We are appreciative of your interest in assisting
the District and look forward to you contacting Kingsley and working with our Equity Committee. Thanks and
have a great week. Chace
a
6R. Chace Ramey
Chief Community Affairs Officer/
Chief Human Resources Officer
Iowa City Community School District
319.688.1005
@Ramey ICCSD
NOTICE: All email communications to and from the District's email server are archived in accordance with District policy and procedures. This email
communication, including attachments, contains information which may be confidential and/or legally privileged, and may otherwise be exempt from disclosure
under applicable law. The information is intended solely for the use of the addressee. If you are not the intended recipient or believe you received this
communication in error, please reply to the sender indicating that fact and delete the copy you received. In addition, if you are not the intended recipient or believe
you received this communication in error, any unauthorized retention, copying, disclosure, distribution, or other use of the information is strictly prohibited. Thank
you.
r V9'' o do-\
Outside the White Space `
A study of how race and culture intertwine in our diversifying society.
By TRICIA ROSE
THE DRAMATIC CHANGES Spurred
by the civil rights movement and
other 1960s social upheavals are
often chronicled as a time line of
catalytic legal victories that end-
ed anti -black segregation. Jeff
Chang's "Who We Be: The Col-
orization of America" claims that
cultural changes were equally
Important in transforming Amer-
ican society, and that both the
legal and cultural forms of deseg-
regation faced a sustained hostile
response that continues today.
According to Chang, the author
WHO WE 8E
The Coloriration of Amerkm
HY Jeff Chang
Illustrated. 403 pp.
St. Martin's Press $32.99
of "Can't Stop Won't Stop: A His-
tory of the Hip -Hop Generation,
muhiculturalisin challenged who
and'•:what defined America, going
straight tothe heart of who "we"
thought we were and who "we"
aspired to be. Attacks on exclu-
sions by multicultural scholars
and artists were taking place
everywhere. University battles
raged over whether the West-
ern literature canon should con-
tinue to be elevated, or imagined
outside the polmes of racial hier-
archies. Artistsconfronted the
nearly all -white and all-male elite
art world. Chang even describes
Coca-Cola's influential 1971 "I'd
like to teach the world to sing"
advertisement as a signal of how
profitable a "harmonious" multi-
cultural marketing plan could be.
But over the next several decades,
all the way through Obama's elec-
tions, powerful counterattacks
were launched, increasingly in
racially oblique language. "Both
sides understood that battles over
culture were high-stakes," Chang
writes. "The struggle between
restoration and transformation,
retrenchment and change, began
in culture."
"Who We Be" is ambitious in its
scope, an impressive gathering of
a wide range of artists of color,
with their creative interventions
and politically charged war sto-
mlcu Rose is the director of the
Center for the Study of Race and
Ethnicity inAmeriaa at Brown
University and the author of "The
ries. Chang is an artful narrator,
who uses biographical detail,
personal texture and histori-
cal and political context to bring
his stories to life. He highlights
important but unsung heroes
like the 1960s trailblazer Moine
Turner, who struggled to break
into newspapers with his playful
A collection of Martie Turner.'- "Wee
Pals -cone strips,1970.
but politically sharp multiracial
"Wee Pals" comic strip. Chang's
description of Turner's meeting
with Aaron McGruder, the young
hotshot creator of the syndicated
strip "The Boondocks," conveys
an entire fraught history of race
through their careers. Turner and
McGruder represent different
historical moments, and yet so
much seemed the same for each
of them. There has been nothing
comic about all the ways they
and other nonwhite artists found
themselves excluded, or forced
into racial corners even as a few
superstars were being mifividu-
atlyy elevated.
Stories like these suggest that
multiculturalism was not so
much about demanding a seat at
the existing table (although some
seemed comfortable with that
outcome). Instead, it was really
about the tenacious drive of so
many creative people of color to
fundamentally change the cul-
tures of whiteness that saturated
art, education, marketing and
communications.
Nonetheless, Chang's myriad
portraits - beg for a stronger
overarching narrative than
he provides. While you are
immersed in an ocean of multi-
cultural stories, the details swim
around you like schools of vivid
fish. But after you come up for air,
you have just taken in. What, ul-
timately, do all these skirmishes
about race, American culture and
multiculturalism add up to?
In fact, Chang's pages on artists
working in the "postmulticultural
moment" — the younger genera-
tion the curator Thelma Golden
and the artist Glenn Ligon half -
jokingly called "postblack" — hit
on an unsettling. possible future,
one where collective anti -racist
identities could disappear long
before racial discrimination does.
It seems that the political litmus
tests that defined earlier genera-
tions of black, Hispanic and Asian
artists, who necessarily relied
on consolidated racial and eth-
nic identities to break down the
walls of exclusion, are now often
considered pass@ and perhaps
somewhat embarrassing to a
younger generation.
postmulticulturahsts may
bristle at the limitations of iden-
tity politics, but it is not clear that
the hyperfndividualist, market -
friendly kind -of postmulticultur-
alist creativity has actually freed
anyone. And it could.be that..new,
kinds of limitations are develop-
ing. The demand to be recognized
as a unique and individual mul-
ticultural artist fails to confront
continuing racialized constraints
and marginalizations, not only
in the art world and mass media
but also on the streets. Given
the stakes, I would have enjoyed
learning more about collective
creative practices designed to
retain a political multicultural-
ism, in contrast to the bevy of
individual artistic visions Chang
presents.
Surely our national fabric is
more racially diverse than ever
before, and a few more people
of color have access to powerful
cultural institutions. At the same
time, "Who We Be" left me won-
dering about the resilience of pow-
er. It is possible but not inevitable
that multiculturalism will fuel the
creation of an anti -racist and fully
inclusive society. But it is also
possible that we could become
the land of multiracial society that
keeps its darker -skinned people
at the bottom to provide cultural
raw material to a powerful white
elite that celebrates the diversity
on which it depends. As "Who We
Be" makes clear, there is evidence
for both trajectories, thoughit
does not take a stand on this ren-
sion. It leaves us in mid -battle
with reasons to be both worried
FEBRUARY 17, 2015 MEETING PACKET
COPY
Policy for Funding Request to Commission
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission can donate funds to organizations and agencies that
collaborate with the Iowa City Human Rights Commission in providing such things as organizing,
planning and facilitating educational public forums or programs and activities designed to eliminate
racial, religious, cultural and other intergroup tensions including but not limited to sex, color, creed,
disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age and national origin.
Agenda Item 4b
February 4, 2015
Henri Harper
Executive Director
KoNec
2929 E Court st
Iowa City Iowa 52240
Dear Mr. Coulter,
My Name is Henri Harper; I am the Executive Director of KoNec Cultural Diversity Awareness
Program formerly known as Fastrac. We are taking our 7a' Annual Civil Rights HBCU tour.
The annual Civil Rights and HBCU Tour (Historical Black Colleges and Universities) has been a
life -changing experience for the youth and adults that attend. The dates for this year's tour are
June 6 —15. The trip is available to KoNec students.
The students and chaperones travel by bus to learn about the Civil Rights movement and visit
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's). Students are each given a notebook to
take notes in preparation for a paper to be written at the end of the trip. They also post messages
on our trip blog. Family, friends, community members, people across the country and local
newspapers have followed their posts in previous years. At the end of many days during the tour,
we all gather and share reflections on our experiences that day.
Memorable experiences included visiting: Slave Haven, the Lorraine Hotel and National Civil
Rights Museum and the Stax Museum in Memphis; the 16a' Street Baptist Church, Birmingham
Civil Rights Institute, and the Birmingham Police and Fire Departments in Birmingham; walking
over the Edmund Pettus bridge outside of Selma; the Southern Poverty Law Center in
Montgomery, and the Martin Luther King Museum in Atlanta. We also visited Tuskegee
College, Alabama State University, Clark College, Morehouse College, Spellman College and
Georgia State University
We currently have 6 students attending HBCU schools from Iowa City.
The annual Civil Rights and HBCU Tour (Historical Black Colleges and Universities) has been a
life -changing experience for the youth and adults that attend. The dates for this year's tour are
June 6 —15. The trip is available to KoNec students.
Shabree Marshall: City High Graduate 2011
Bree wrote:
If it wasn't for FasTrac, I would be strung out on drugs. If it wasn't for FasTrac, I would be a
failure walking in defeat. If it wasn't for FasTrac, I wouldn't have a strong desire for education.
If it wasn't for FasTrac, I would be on probation and on my way to jail. But because of FasTrac,
I am holding a 3.2 G.P.A. and on my way to Alabama State University. Because of FasTrac, I
respect my parents, leaders, teachers, authority, family and friends. Because of FasTrac, I am an
asset to the community and not a liability. Because of FasTrac! —Shabree Marshall, 2011
Majesty Tutson; City High Graduate 2009
— Graduated from University of Iowa 2013- Now a Graduate Student @Alabama State
University Montgomery Alabama. Coaching Track & Field
This year we are asking for sponsors of students, The students would be accountable to their
sponsor and will make a reports and establish a long term relationship.
The student would write a report and present to their sponsor.
The family will meet with their sponsor before we leave
We are asking you to sponsor two students $500 each total $1000.
Sincerely,
Herm Harper
Executive Director
KoNec
Agenda Item 4c
Stefanie Bowers
From:
oksana unaiowa.org <oksana@unaiowa.org>
Sent:
Wednesday, February 11, 2015 12:49 PM
To:
HumanRights
Subject:
Night of 1,000 Dinners oo-sponsorship opportunity
Hello,
My name is Oksana Weir and I am the U.N. Campaign Organizer for the Iowa United Nations Association. Our
upcoming annual event, Night of 1,000 Dinners, is soon approaching. It will be held on March 5th. The theme
this year is Women and the Environment. We will be having a panel of women at the event who will speak
about the environment and the issues at hand. Because our event is called night of 1,000 dinners we will also
have varieties of cuisine from different cultures and ethnicities at the event.
I am reaching out to you to see if you would be willing to co-sponsor the event with us'! We will include City of
Iowa City Human Rights Commission in all of our promotional material, so that we can help raise awareness
about your organization as well. All we are asking from our co-sponsors is a small donation to help us offset the
food costs. If you are interested or have any questions please feel free to contact me at oksana(Z�unaiowa.org.
We are asking for a decision from our potential co-sponsors by Wednesday, February 18— ` o that we can
promotional material out promptly.
Thank you,
Oksana Weir
U.N Campaign Organizer
Iowa United Nations Association
oksana@,unaiowa.or¢
11 r A
CITY OF IOWA CITY
July 1, 2015
Agenda item 5c
City of Iowa City
Human Rights Commission
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-356-5022
hu manriehtsCcDiowacitv.ore
Thank you for your interest in sponsorship from the City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission. The Human Rights
Commission (HRC) is pleased to make funding available for community events, programs and activities that will in-
crease the HRS's mission to educate the public on human rights and illegal discrimination or eliminate racial, religious,
cultural and other intergroup tensions.
In order for us to process your request for sponsorship we need for you to take a few minutes to fill out the attached
application form. Please note sponsorship requests are due by 5 pm on the second Tuesday of each month. The Iowa
City Human Rights Commission will review the request at their monthly meeting. Staff will contact you by email, un-
less otherwise noted, letting you know whether the request was approved or denied.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT READS:
Cooperate, within the limits of any appropriations made for its operation, with other agencies or organizations, both
public and private, whose purposes are not inconsistent with those of this title, and in the planning and conducting of
programs designed to eliminate racial, religious, cultural and other intergroup tensions;
Educate the public on human rights and illegal discrimination, such as organizing and facilitating educational public
forums that address one or more of the broad range of topics included within the rubric of human rights.
In the last year we have co-sponsored the following events:
Juneteenth Celebration 2015 150 Year Anniversary
Johnson County Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration 2014
University of Iowa Center for Human Rights One Community One Book 2014
HRC APPLICATION FORM REQUESTING
SPONSORSHIP FY16
Organization Details:
Group/Organization Name:
Contact
Postal address:
Email
City: State: Zip Code:
Group/Organization email address:
Website:
Date of activity/program/event:
Describe how the activity, program, or event will create or have a positive impact in our community:
Describe
Amount of funds requesting $
What other funders are involved?
How does your activity/program/event support our mission?
Area
(Check the box(es) that best describes the area in which your activity/program/event fall):
Arts & Culture Community Event Fundraiser/Charity
Other (Please
Focus
(Check the box that best describes the coverage of your activity/program/event):
Local Regional National
SUBMIT PROPOSALS TO:
Human Rights Coordinator
Human Rights Commission
City Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
319-356-5022
OR
EMAIL PROPOSALS TO:
humanrights@iowa-city.org
Office use only:
Approved:
Not Approved:
Agenda item 5c
r
CITY OF IOWA CITY
HUMAN Alexis commission
Action Plan
January 2015 — December 2015
Adopted January 20, 2015
A goal setting session was held on October 2, 2014, at the Eastside Recycling
Environmental Education Center. The following Commissioners were in attendance and
participated at this meeting: Harry Olmstead (Chair), Andrea Cohen (Vice -Chair),
Shams Ghoneim, Paul Retish, Stella Hart, Ali Ahmed, Orville Townsend Sr., and Kim
Hanrahan. Also in attendance was Human Rights Coordinator Stefanie Bowers.
Commissioner Joe D. Coulter was unable to attend. What follows is the prioritization of
initiatives identified at the goal setting session. The initiatives will be reviewed by the
Commission at its monthly meetings on a quarterly basis.
ON-GOING INITIATIVES
Human Rights Breakfast.
Youth Awards.
Job Fair.
Collaboration with community organizations & groups.
Participation in community events.
Sponsor professional development programs.
ORGANIZATIONAL INITIATIVES
Continue sub -committees.
Initiate more educational programs and outreach programs from trends reported in the
Annual Report or the Equity Report.
Increase participation of all Commissioners in Commission sponsored events, programs
and outreach.
NEW INITIATIVES
Action Step
Lead
Other Expected
Target
Start Completion
ComrW;Woner
Commission Outcome
Members
Audience
Dalp Date
Outreach to Hold
Kim Hanrahan
InvolvedQbjectK4
Orville Foster
Community
Community Listening
Townsend Sr., Community
Posts
Stella Hart Dialogue &
Community
Engagement
Outreach to
Present
Joe D. Coulter
Paul Retish
Maintain
Council
Council
Proclamations
Positive
, Provide
Relationship
Notice of
with the
Upcoming
Council
Programs &
Events
Educational
Events on
Stella Hart
Harry
Community
Community
Events for the
Affordable,
Olmstead
Engagement,
Community
Universal, &
Education, &
Accessible
Outreach
Housing
Educational
Presentations
Shams
Orville
Awareness
Schools,
Presentations
on Who the
Ghoneim
Townsend Sr.,
about the
Community
to the
Commission is
All Ahmed
Commission &
Groups,
Community
and the Role
Access to
Service Clubs,
the
Resources
Faith
Commission
Communities
Plays in the
Community
Agenda Item 7g
ACTION PLAN
1. Train and educate employees on cultural competence, inclusion and the value of diversity. A
firm knowledge of these concepts and how explicit and implicit biases create inequities will
assist the City in being able to better carry out present and future initiatives and ultimately
provide better customer service. Initial trainings will concentrate on employees that have direct
interaction with consumers. Staff will complete pre and post evaluations to ensure training
goals are met. The outcomes will be measured by feedback received from the community on
interactions with City staff with specific emphasis on feedback from minority consumers.
2. Increase diversity of boards/commissions to better reflect the demographics of the
community. City boards and commissions play a pivotal role of influencing future policy through
recommendations to the Council. Having advisory boards that reflect the diverse community
has several benefits for the individual and the City overall. Staff will track the demographics
(race, national origin, etc.) of individuals who apply for vacancies on boards/commissions
through a voluntary survey. Demographical information will be analyzed and compared to the
current demographics of boards and commissions. This should allow for a better understanding
of whether minorities and those from historically underrepresented groups are applying for
vacancies but are not getting appointed by Council or if a lack of interest or lack of knowledge
of the vacancies exists on the part of minorities and those from historically underrepresented
groups. Staff will also evaluate the process used for appointments to boards/commissions and
look at best practices to engage all community members to participate in this form of civic
leadership. Eventually this action plan will expand to include increasing the number of persons
from historically underrepresented groups and the immigrant communities who participate in
the Citizen's Police Academy. Increasing the knowledge and understanding of daily police
operations can assist in building relationships and trust between the police and minority groups
in the community.
3. Work with and encourage other municipalities and government entities within Johnson
County to collect data and report on the status of equity within their iurisdiction. Local
governments can work together to address disproportionality strategically by joining Cedar
Rapids (April 2014) and Iowa City (August 2014) in publishing an annual Equity Report.
4. Create workforce equity to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in the workforce by
increasing outreach. Staff will collect and analyze demographical data on individuals who apply
for employment with the City and compare that data to who is ultimately hired by the City. 80 As
a part of this process staff will collect data from historically underrepresented groups to
ascertain how notice of City job vacancies might be better made available to members of ethnic
and minority groups, and also what prevents or serves as a barrier to minorities who wish to
80 The ability to collect this information will be implemented with the full conversion to the online Munis
Employment Application System. Munis allows for more concise statistical information to be collected and
retrieved in a time efficient manner.
f
Sx
apply for employment with the City. Once trends and factors have been evaluated over a
course of time, staff may expand future action plans to include other potential barriers to
minority employment with the City.
5. A Statement of Commitment from the Council. A resolution by the Council that states it is
working to eliminate disparities within the City government. The Council must support
opportunity to achieve equity and create a more inclusive community. The resolution would
include for the Council to evaluate the effects that local policies and laws have on minorities
and individuals from historically underrepresented groups through the use of a disparity impact
analysis when voting on matters that come before it. at
ei A racial equity impact statement is an analysis of how different racial and ethnic groups are affected by a
proposed action, policy, or decision. A racial equity impact statement seeks to identify ways to maximize equity
and inclusion while minimizing adverse and unanticipated impacts on different racial and ethnic groups.
Source: www.arc.org.
ff" City of Iowa City
�, E uityReport
ACTION PLAN FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT TO REDUCE RACIAL/ETHNIC
DISPARITY
The police are the first and most visible agents of the criminal justice system. Police are charged
with responding to calls for service, monitoring citizens' behavior in public, intervening with
warnings, referrals, or arrests when violations of law are suspected or observed, and
assembling evidence for the prosecution of cases resulting in arrest.
The Police Department will engage in the following 6 strategies to temper racial disparity at this
level of the criminal justice system.
1. Engage in the community: The Police Department will actively seek community participation
opportunities and look for innovative ways to build relationships with minority populations.
2. Increase diversity within the police force: A diverse police force increases creativity and
problem solving, attracts and retains talent, builds better relationships in the community that
result in more confidence and effective service, and allows for a broader range of information
for decision making and a wider range of solutions.
3. Require cultural competency training: Police officers often work in areas that are culturally
different from their own. In the absence of a more specific orientation to the language, norms,
values, and traditions of other cultures, officers can misunderstand residents' attitudes as
disrespectful of law enforcement. As a result, relations between the police and the community
can become seriously impaired. Ongoing cultural competency training of police officers can
help in this situation by: increasing respect and mutual understanding among those involved;
increasing creativity in problem -solving through new perspectives, ideas, and strategies;
decreasing unanticipated consequences that might slow progress; and increasing trust.
4. Conferences/Forums/Trainings: Officers will attend conferences, forums, and trainings
regarding cultural competency.
5. Monitoring for indicators indicative of racial profiling: Interaction between officers and
residents is subject to close and effective supervision to assure compliance with Department
guidelines. Specific to monitoring for behavior of racial profiling, the Department will survey the
community every 3 years by randomly surveying every 100th individual involved in a call for
service and randomly review the videos of officers throughout the year for indications of
unprofessional or bias based behavior.
6. Increase awareness of the complaint process: The Department recognizes the benefits of an
effective complaint process. An effective complaint process offers empowerment, a better
understanding of policing, and accountability. The Department will work towards increasing
community awareness of how an individual can initiate a complaint against the Department.
City of Iowa City
=�5t £quiryReport
Currently a person has 4 options: 1) oral, written, or email report to a Supervisor; 2) written
complaint submitted to the Department; 3) CPRB complaint filed with the City Clerk; or 4)
complaint filed with the Human Rights Office.
- CiTY OF IOWA CiTY =
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 8, 2015
TO: Tom Markus, City Manager
From: Geoff Frain, Assistant City Manager
Sam Harpolne, Police Chief
Stefarde Bowers, Equity Director
Be: January 13th City Council Work Session
In June of 2012, the City Council appointed an ad-hoc Diversity Committee to review law enforcement and
transportation services as they relate to minority populations, and to review the polkies and procedures of the
Citizens Police Review Board. Since that time, the City has made progress on the recornmerdatkms that were
offered by the ad-hoc Diversity Committee. The City Council and public can track progress on the various efforts
through periodic update reports that are distributed to Council and archived by the City Clerk, or by visiting the
Diversity Initiative webpage at hito:tfwwww.kwv.oea/Pk1F2281.
In recent months, high-profile national events have heightened community conversation about radal disparities
locally. While we are pleased with both the short and long-term steps that we as a City have taken In the last two
years to address disparltles, R is dear that we have more work to da In preparation for the City Coundrs January
13e work session, we would like to offer a framework for the Council to use as they consider the requests the City
has recently received from the public in various forms (e4 emails, phone calls, public comments, media
Interview; etc.) and determine the best path forward for the aommuNty. The framework would not replace what
we have started in our respoues to the ad-hoc Diversity Committee recommendations. Rather It would
supplement that effort and focus on building relationships and communication channels. Spscifk:allV, the
framework focuses on the fire areas of eonversatb%accountability, outreach, training and justice.
Conversation:
We feel it would be very beneficial to more that comversatbns are being facilitated at all levels of the city,
organhation. City Council meetings and work sessions may not be the most effective forums as the structure,
agenda limitations, time and physical set-up can sometimes prevent healthy dialogue.
To bWerfedlltate community conversation with staff, city management and elected omdels, we are suggesting the
following actions:
I. City Council listening posts; The Council should consider holding listening posts in various locations In the
Community during 2015. Two Council member an rotate at each post. Key city staff could also be present. We
recommend that each pat focus on spedged concerns articulated by the community, such as pollee matters,
housing, employment and transportation.
2. "Roundtable.: The qty Manager, Assistant City Manager, Ponce Chlef and Equity Director should consider
convening small regularly scheduled roundtable discussion with the chair or dlreda of foal community
organizations that focus their efforts on eliminating racial disparities. Examples ofsuch groups may include the
Mack Voices Project and the Center for Worker Justice.
Expanded Coffee with a Coo: The Police Department launched Its version of Coffee with a Cop in 2014. The
deparfineM would like to expand this initiative In 2MS and will rotate to different areas of the community.
These events give residents and officers an opportunity to interact and connect with each other M a setting that
Is more conducive to building relationships.
January t 2015
Page 2
Accountability has been a term widely used across the country in room* months. it was also the focus of much
discussbn with the ad-hoc Diversity Committee. Iowa City Is the only community In Iowa that has a Citizens Police
Review Board (CPRE). While the CPRB is subject to limitations imposed by state and federal law, R undoubtedly
adds a layer of accountability to the public Similarly, Iowa City Is one of a relatively small number of cities and
cuvettes in Iowa that has a standing Human Rights Cbmmbslon and full-time staff focused on discrimination and
diversity, Issues.
To expand the City's aecw*abliltytothe community we are recommandbg three specific actions beyond the
recommendations In the mWm Dkwft Committee report to be completed in 2015:
L Investigate emerstngtedmobgy and equip all offbera with body amelias
2. Co mdmie to engage the service of St Ambrose UnhivsKyto quantify racial disparities in vehk%stops,
tdtedm and searches, and commit to publicly presenting that dateto the City Council annually. The goal of
this unique partnership end public review process Is to reduce disproportionate minority comped
3 Havathe CityCotmcg review the metros repotted on In the 2013 Equity Report and specify any new
mmures by which the city shall be accountable for in the comingYears
Since the formation of the ad-hoc Diversity Committee R has been a top priority of the Police Department to
conduct more outreach to minority and underrepresented populations in the community. Examples of such
outreach Include:
• Collaboration with the Youth leadership Program and Children of Promise to launch the Badges for
Baseball program
• Participation In community events such as the Latino Fesdval, Party In the Park events, National Night
Out, Juneteenth, and miscellaneous neighborhood meetings and picnics
• Launching of the first Youth Police Academy and actively partnering with The Dream Center and Diversity
Focus to bolster minority population in the second offering of that program
• Partnering with local schcob to promote positive Interactions with officers and students, Including
participation In a newly created 3 on 3 basketball program at South East Junior High School
• Beams the first Iowa police department to appoint LGIFM liaisons to help foster positive relations
• Concerted efforts to bolster neighborhood foot patrols and other community oriented policing strategies
• Individual officers serve In various capacities with many local organizations and non-profit agencies,
Including on the Board of Directors of organizations such as The Dream Center and Systems Unlimited
The department Is working diligently to build and expand on these current efforts. We hope these efforts are
helping to build awareness and strengthen relationships with youth, neighborhoods and key organizations in the
community.
To expand on these outreach efforts and develop new opportunities we recommend that the City Council:
L Support the requested labor and financial resources in the Police Department's budget to arty out these
activities
2. Council members continue to actively participate In these outreach uthAties when appropriate and
feasible. Rea* elected official attendance with city staff at the Iowa City Mosque and the Pheasant Ridge
neighborhood cookout are good examples of engagement that an be expanded.
January B. 2015
Pape 3
Each year poke officers are esposed to multiple training sessions that focus on specialized topics. in the past year,
all officer trainings have been conducted focusing on positive police interactions with:
• Foreign nationals
• Persons with disabilities who utilise service animals
• Individuals covered under the American with Disabilities Act
• LGI3Tgpopulations
• Persons with mental health disorders
The nest two ail offlcertmining sessions are scheduled in January and March of 2015. one will focus on Civil Rights
and the second on bias -based policing and racial profiling. The last all officer training specifically on diversity was
held In 2023. The above-mentioned trainings are held in addition to state mandated trainings on topics such as
CPR and hazardous materials (blood bone pathogens.
In addition to those in the Police Department, other city employees also receive diversity, training. In 2014,
Transportation Services conducted s6c employee training sessions entitled 'Buffft DAw* Skft In the Tronslt
WoAgvlacd'. Additionally, two training sessions for all employees on diversity and inclusion were held city wide In
200 Mother organkationwkle diverskytmining opportunity Is scheduled in February 20M
To propalyfows employee tralaing on community needs our recommendation Is to tie City Council:
L Authorizes the funds necessary for thesetrainkV
2 Communicate; any Was or perceived needs for training of any city employee group to the City Managers
office
3, Consider pa ticlpe0ngfirsthand In future diversity tmming sessions that are offered to all Cityampioyaas
Justim
While the City does not manage the justice system In Johnson County, it certainly an play a role in advancing key
Initiatives. There am several continuing efforts the city Is focusing on:
• The Police Department has been a lead collaborator with the Iowa Clay Community School Dlstrkt,
Johnson County Juvenile Court Services, and other key organisations in developing a program to address
racial disparities In referrals to Juvenile court for first time offenders charged with disorderly conduct. We
are optimistic that this program will reduce disparities and lay the groundwork for other similar efforts.
• The Department has been working closely with the Iowa Department of Human Rights (1DHR), which is
reviewing sample juvenile arrest reports and offering feedback to improve our police services
• The Department Implemented a community service program In lieu of municipal infractions In downtown
Iowa City and Is larking for ways to build participation
• The City remains a strong supporter of the community ID program that is being led by Johnson County
Staff recommends the following role for the City Council to faiRtate desired changes In the Justice system:
1. Be supportive and provide resources for the City's involvement Ina regional community ID program, which
aims to open access to law enforcement and other municipal services
2. The Council should continue to be represented on the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee. More
frequent updates from the Council representative on the committee and regular review d meeting
minutes will help the entire Council stay engaged with this cwnmkta, and Its various subcommittees.
January 8, 2015
Page 4
The racial disparity Issues being discussed across the country and In Iowa City are incredibly complex Solutions will
require a commitment and collaboration between all local govemments, community organisations, neighborhoods
and resIdents. We believe the above -outlined framework will help further the needed work needed to move the
community forward in a positive and productive manner.
February
Correspondence
Stefanie Bowers
From:
LaTasha Massey<lmassey@co.johnson.ia.us>
Sent:
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 11:34 AM
To:
Stefanie Bowers
Subject:
Re: Juneteenth 2015 Follow Up Human Rights Commission
Great! I'll send out a more formal thank you in a bit.
UD
Please forgive any spelling errors, messages sent from my (Phone
On Jan 21, 2015, at 11:09 AM, "Stefanie Bowers" <Stefanie-BowersCa)!owa-citv.ora> wrote:
LaTasha,
The Commission voted at its meeting last night to contribute $400 to the Juneteenth testivities for 2015.
At your convenience can you please provide me with who the check should be made out to along with
the mailing address? In addition, Commissioners Harry Olmstead and Stella Hart will serve on the
subcommittee. I have included both Harry and Stella in this email.
Their email addresses are below.
stet la.d. ha rt@ftmail.com
harryo3@aol.com (please note that is a letter o and not a zero after harry)
Thanks,
Stefanie
Stefanie Bowers
From:
Stefanie Bowers
Sent:
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 1:59 PM
To:
'Raquishia Harrington'
Subject:
RE: Soul Food Dinner
RaQuishia,
I think if you put Iowa City Human Rights Commission that would be enough. Please let me know
when you have flyers or a news release I can post here at the City.
Stefanie
From: Raquishia Harlington [mailto:raquishia-harrington@ncjc.org]
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2015 1:40 PM
To: Stefanie Bowers
Subject: RE: Soul Food Dinner
Thank you all for deciding to support our efforts. This will be so helpful and yes I will make sure to include
them on any material going out. Is there a logo or should it just be the human rights commission.
Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Smartphone
-------- Original message
From: Stefanie Bowers
Date:01/21/2015 12:23 PM (GMT -06:00)
To: Raquishia Harrington'
Subject: Soul Food Dinner
RaQuishia,
The Commission at its meeting last night voted to financially contribute to the 2015 Soul Food Dinner being
held on Friday, February 20. The Commission agreed to provide $125. I will do a check request by the end of
the week. It usually takes 7-10 business days for the check to be delivered. The check will be made out to the
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County. The Commission also respectfully requests to be noted as a
contributor to the event in any news release or flyer.
Sincerely,
Stefanie
Stefanie Bowers
From: Clark -Bennett, Robin <robin-clark-benneft@uiowa.edu>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2015 12:57 PM
To: Stefanie Bowers
Cc: 'Harry Olmstead'
Subject: RE: Injustice on Our Plates: How Conditions of Food Workers Affect us All
Hi Stefanie,
Thank you - we appreciate the Commission's assistance in publicizing the conference. Please let me
know if you need any additional information, or if the flyer needs to be in any other format in order to
post it to the Commission website.
We hope to see you there!
Best regards,
Robin Clark -Bennett
Labor Educator
University of Iowa Labor Center
100 BioVentures Center, Rm W130
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-5000
319-335-4891
-----Original Message -----
From: Stefanie Bowers [mailto:Stefanie-Bowers@iowa-city.org]
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2015 11:28 AM
To: Claris -Bennett, Robin
Cc: 'Harry Olmstead'
Subject: Injustice on Our Plates: How Conditions of Food Workers Affect us All
Robin,
I am following up with you in regards to the request to the Human Rights Commission to co-sponsor
the upcoming Injustice on Our Plates: How Conditions of Food Workers Affect Us All. The
Commission at its meeting last night voted to offer support for the upcoming program by publicizing
the event which will include sending notice out via email and also placing the flyer on the Commission
website. I hope you will keep the Human Rights Commission in mind for future opportunities to either
work together on programming or to co-sponsor events/programs.
Sincerely,
Stefanie
Stefanie Bowers
From:
Stefanie Bowers
Sent:
Monday, January 26, 2015 9:09 AM
To:
'icblackvoices@gmail.com';'mhurtedo516@gmail.com';'coulter.joe.d@gmail.com';'royceann porter
(roycean nporter@msn.com)'
Cc:
Tom Markus; Geoff Fruin; Sam Hargadine; Stefanie Bowers
Subject:
Roundtable Conversations
Alecia, Joe, Marcela & Royceann,
First let me start by thanking each of you for your dedication and hard work on social justice here in the
community. As mentioned at the City Council Work Session on January 13, City staff would like to begin
ongoing conversations with the Chairs of local community organizations that focus on eliminating racial
disparities. The Black Voices Project, Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa, the Human Rights
Commission, and the Coalition for Racial Justice were identified as being at the frontline of such activism.
The roundtable conversations will include the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Police Chief and Equity
Director. It is our hope that the roundtable discussions serve as an opportunity for City staff to receive
information on how we can improve in the area of racial equity and get feedback on current initiatives to
combat disproportionality.
To give adequate notice and to allow flexibility in scheduling could each of you please RSVP to me all the
below days that would work for you? The meeting would be held from 12-1:30 here at City Hall in the City
Manager's Conference Room. The City will provide a complimentary lunch. If the below days do not work for
you we are far enough out in scheduling that we can expand the list of dates to allow for more flexibility and
times.
Wednesday, March 4;
Friday, March 6;
Tuesday, March 10;
Wednesday, March 11;
There is plenty of work ahead and I believe the roundtable conversations will help the City progress toward
our intended goals while fostering better communications and relationships.
Sincerely,
Stefanie Bowers
Equity Director
MOM
®IOWA CITY
HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION
410 E. Washington Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356-5022 • (319) 887-6213 (FAX)
www.icgov.org/human6ghts
January 28, 2015
City Council
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
Dear City Council,
On behalf of the Human Rights Commission, I would like to acknowledge our strong
support for your recent discussions on affordable housing. It is essential that we as a
City continue to discuss and support such initiatives that create a more equitable and
inclusive community. Please let me know if the Human Rights Commission can be of
any assistance in future Council endeavors in this area.
Sincerely,
Adaol&
Chair, Human Rights Commission
JDC/sab
COPY
February 03, 2015
Iowa City Human Rights Commission
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
Dear Iowa City Human Rights Commission
Thank you for your $250.00 sponsorship of the Emma Goldman Clinic Choice Event.
The success of this annual event is credited largely to you. Your name and financial
support allows us to apply 100% entrance fees for the event to the deProsse Access Fund
and keeps the event tax-deductible for attendees. The money raised for the dePmsse
Access Fund subsidize services for low income and under insured women and men
accessing health care services at the clinic.
By participating as a sponsor, your business or organization's name will be recognized in
Emma's advertising for the event, Choice List email, and at the event. Th s advertising
reaches approximately 2000 community members.
We appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
J fer Price
Director, Administrative Services
Stefanie Bowers
From:
Black Voices Project <icbladmices@gmail.00m>
Sent:
Friday, February 06, 2015 11:33 AM
To:
Black Voices Project
Subject:
Black History Month Celebration Concert
Greetings,
I would like to formally invite you to our "Unity" concert in celebration of Black History Month hosted by
New Creations International Church. The theme of the worship concert is "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
When: February 22nd at 3pm
Where: New Creations International Church
(2929 Court St. Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Phone. 319 333-5644)
"And if I be lifted up from the Earth, I shall draw all men unto Me" (Jn. 12:32).
Sincerely,
Carolyn Porter
Administrator Director
319 338-2877
carolvn(a.ncichurch.com
The Iowa City -Cedar Rapids .Atuumnae. Chapters
of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
& Xa-ppa .Alpha Psi ,Fraternity, Inc.
Invite you to
Sunday, February 22
2-a PM
Northwest Jr. High
Library
1507 8th Street
Coralville. L4
As we celebrate Black History Month we invite you
to participate in our Read -In.
Please come anal share a reading from your
favorite book or poem.
All ages are welcome.
For more information contact Tyna Price @ tpriceia@ad com
Or Khirin Carter @ khirin-carter@uiowa. edn
Delta Sigma. Theta and Kappa Alpha Psi arc nonprgjit pabHc servke organizations
Programs and happenings in the city honoring Black History Month 2015
Through a collective effort to engage the community in celebrating Black History Month all
activities are free, accessible and open to the public.
Wednesday February 11t' Youth Art Workshop Time: 4- 6pm
Artists will explore their creativity while celebrating Black History Month through art expression in various mediums -painting,
drawing, poetry, writing, act. Artist will be invited to present and/or display their artwork at the Community Soul Food Dinner at
Iowa City High School Friday, February 20m. Both events are free and open to the public.
United Action for Youth Teen Center located at: 410 Iowa Avenue .Iowa City, IA 52240
Wednesday February 18th Black History Trivia Night Time: 6pm-8pm
Test your knowledge of Black History, Life and Culture
Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center located at: 2651 Roberts Road, Iowa City IA 52246
Thursday February 19th Women Speak: Embracing the Black Women
Time: 6-8pm at The Dream Center 611 Southgate Ave, Iowa City, IA
Discussion surrounding the images of black woman, experiences living in Iowa City and how we can be more uplifting and
supportive in our community.
For more information contact: Morgan Murray at Morgan.murrav0116Awmail.com
Friday February 20th Soul Food Dinner 6-8 pm
Enjoy a free meal and connect with others from the community
City High School located at: 1900 Morningside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52245
Contact RaQuishia Harrington @ raauishia-hanillgton(a),ncic.org
Sunday February 22d Unity Concert "Lift Every Voice and Sing" Time: 3pm to 5pm
New Creations Church located at: 2929 East Court Street, Iowa City IA Phone. 319 333-5644
February 24th & 25d' Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. Dinner and youth conference
For more information contact Royceann Porter at royiceannporteraa rasn.com
hW://www.eddiemooreir.com/
Thursday February 26th Men Talk Time: 6pm — 8pm
Discussion surrounding the lives of Black Men in America. Open to all men.
New Creations Church located at: 2929 East Court Street, Iowa City IA
For more information contact Henri Harper henri.harper050)lzmail.com
Saturday February 28th 9am to l lam Freedom Breakfast Location: TBD
A free breakfast reflecting on what it means to be Black/African American today and the importance of celebrating Black/ African
American History.
Special recognition to these sponsors, Community groups and Organizations that helped with planning
of events. �te+OOoC,
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This event is open to all. Facilitators will guide this discussion as people share what it means to be African
American/Black.
Thursday, February 12, 1OPM — Step Afrika Cost: Free Where: IMU Main Lounge Sponsor: Campus
Activities Board
Step Afrika is a step group committed to furthering the tradition of stepping, ranking as one of the top ten African
American dance companies in the U.S. Dances they will perform include the South African Gumboot Dance, South
African Zulu Dance, and many high-energy collegiate step traditions.
Sunday, February 15, 6:30-9PM —Soul Food Sunday Where: Afro-American Cultural Center
Sponsor: Afro-American Cultural Center Cost: Free
Join us for dinner and a movie discussing Black History
Tuesday -Thursday, February 17-19, 12-5PM — Boxes & Walls
Cost: Free Where: 1MU 2nd floor ballroom Sponsor: Herky CARES, Residence Education, UH&D
University Housing & Dining's office of Residence Education will present "Boxes and Walls," an interactive,
emotional and educational tour staged in the IMU 2nd floor ballroom The multi -media exhibit is designed to raise
awareness about diversity and give participants an up -close and personal experience of everyday stereotypes and
discrimination.
Tuesday, February 24, 12:30PM-2PM — Black Hawkeyes: The History of Black Students at
the University of Iowa
Cost: Free Where: IMU Penn State Room Sponsor: BGAPS
Wednesday, February 25, 7:30PM — Ta-Nehisi Coates Lecture Cost: Free Where: Englert Theatre
Sponsor: VPSL, CDO, Office of the Provost, Office of the President
Ta-Nehisi Coates is a national correspondent at The Atlantic, author of the memoir The Beautiful Struggle and
frequent commentator on race in America.
Monday, March 2, 7PM — Harlem Renaissance In The Belly Of A Killer Whale Cost: Free
Where: Iowa City Public Library - Meeting Room A Sponsor: CDE & NAACP
Renaissance in the Belly of a Killer Whale uniquely tells the story of three young women's love affair with Harlem
from youth to young adulthood through a montage of spoken word poetry, theater, dance, and song. It explores the
conflicts in coming to terms with a gentrified Harlem
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seeking nominations
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May 1�3 2015
n g r"1 T h e o t
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for more information or a
nomination form please visit
wwwJcgov,orcj/hum:ar)rights
or call 319-356-5022
106F'ons due fridag, opril 24 bg 4:30
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SEEKING NOMINATIONS
outh
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award
THE YOUTH ALLY AWARD RECOGNIZES AN ADULT, WHO HAS INSPIRED LOCAL
YOUTH TO BECOME INVOLVED IN HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVITIES AND INITIATIVES
EITHER LOCALLY OR ABROAD. THE YOUTH ALLY AWARD IS AN AWARD WHERE
YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY NOMINATE AN ADULT FOR SPECIAL RECOGNITION.
THE AWARD RECOGNIZES AN ADULT WHO THROUGH THEIR WORK AND TRUST
IN AREA YOUTH HAVE EMPOWERED YOUTH IN THE IOWA CITY AREA.
For more iiifoi enation or a nomination f o i �n visit www.icgov.orglhumanrights or rali 314-356-5022
Nominations wi11 beoccepfed through 4:30 onFrtdoy, App -i124ti
Award will be presented Wednesday, May 13. 2015 at the
Englerttheatre, 221 E. Washington Street. Iowa City. IA 57-240
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