HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-23-2023 Human Rights CommissionHuman Rights Commission
May 23, 2023
Regular Meeting - 5:30 PM
Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
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1. Call to Order
2. Reading of Native American Land Acknowledgment
3. Approval of April 25, 2023, meeting minutes
4. Public comment of items not on the agenda.
Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 5 minutes.
Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with the public or one another
concerning said items.
5. Outreach and Engagement Updated from the Police Department
6. Request to change the Native American Land Acknowledgment to the First
Nations Land Acknowledgement
7. Commission Committees
a. Building Bridges
b. Reciprocal Relationships
c. Breaking Bread
8. Availably to staff vendor table at Iowa City Pride (June 17, 1-6 PM)
9. Correspondence
10. Staff Announcements
11. Commissioner Announcements
This item includes an opportunity for brief updates from Commissioners.
Commissioners shall not engage in discussion on announcements.
12. Adjournment
If you will need disability -related accommodations to participate in this meeting, please call 319-356-
5022 or email humanrights(cDiowa-city.ore. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient
time to meet your access needs.
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.
Agenda Item #Y3
Draft Minutes
Human Rights Commission
April 25, 2023
Helling Conference Room
Commissioners present: Bijou Maliabo, Jahnavi Pandya (via Zoom), Roger Lusala, Ahmed Ismail, Doug
Kollasch (via Zoom), Kelsey Paul Shantz (via Zoom), Sylvia Jons, Suyun Channon.
Commissioners absent: Badri Kuku.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendation to City Council: No.
Meeting called to order: 5:35 PM.
Native American Land Acknowledgement: Ismail read the Land Acknowledgement.
Public comment of items not on the agenda: Mark Pries asked that the land acknowledgement be called
the First Nations Acknowledgement.
Approval of meeting minutes of March 28, 2023: Kollasch moved, and Ismail seconded. Motion passed 8-
0.
City Council Strategic Plan presented by Councilmember Shawn Harmsen: Harmsen summarized the
process of creating the Council's Strategic Plan. Harmsen noted the legislative, socio-economic, and
climate change challenges facing Iowa City while also noting the continued impact of Covid-19. Harmsen
listed racial equity, social justice, human rights, climate action, and partnerships and engagement as the
values of the City Council when crafting the plan. Harmsen next spoke on the Impact Areas portion of the
presentation. Harmsen presented the council's goal of creating more walkable neighborhoods and
affordable housing by updating the City Comp Plan and Zoning Code. Harmsen presented the economic
goals of the council, emphasizing the council's desire to support local businesses while creating
opportunities for marginalized populations. Harmsen described the council's goal of supporting the safety
and well-being of Iowa City's community members. Harmsen noted that the council will consider the plan
to restructure the City's Police department as proposed in December 2020. Harmsen listed the resources
available to the council, noting the facilities, technology, dedicated staff, and funds available. Harmsen
expressed the council's desire to diversify large businesses as revenue sources in the community.
Better Together 2030 and Inclusive Economic Development Presentation by Cady Gerlach and Kate
Moreland: Gerlach and Moreland introduced themselves. Gerlach described the creation of Better
Together. Gerlach described collaborating with Astig Planning to create an Inclusive Development Plan and
All -In Vision Plan. Gerlach described Better Together's team, and then introduced a video describing the
initiative. The video endorsed the plan as one geared toward sustainability and community building.
Moreland and Gerlach listed their partners before describing the structure of the group. The pair described
Better Together's goals and accomplishments which include working toward the creation of 3D Printed
Affordable Housing, the staff's involvement in the Childcare Wage Enhancement project, and the
development of the Youth Community Leadership Program. Gerlach and Moreland presented the
proposed implementation of the plan. Gerlach and Moreland asked the commission to review and support
the All -In Vision and Inclusive Economic Development plans. Lusala praised Better Together 2030.
Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant: The commission reviewed the updated budget presented by
Natural Talent Music. Jons moved to approve, and Channon seconded. Motion passed 5-0. Maliabo,
Pandya, Ismail, abstained due to conflicts of interest.
Committee Updates:
Breaking Bread —Kollasch recounted meeting with Ismail and discussing the visibility of the commission.
Kollasch briefly discussed the goals of Breaking Bread. Kollasch mentioned the group considering the
possibility of virtual education sessions as well as community park gatherings. Kollasch suggested creating
a promotional video for Breaking Bread.
Reciprocal Relationships—Channon announced the committee will cohost the AAPI Awareness Festival
alongside the local Chinese community with support from the Parks and Rec department. The event will
take place May 20`h from 2-4 at the Robert E. Lee Rec Center. Channon asked for help with marketing and
Jons offered to step in. Channon asked staff to work an a news release for the event.
Jons recounted discussing the Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant and briefly described the process of
working with recipients. Jons will be responsible for Great Plains Action Society, and the Neighborhood
Centers of Johnson County. Channon will be responsible for the Natural Music Talent, Houses to Homes,
and the AI-Iman Center of Iowa. Lusala will be responsible for Wright House of Fashion, the Center for
Worker Justice, and the CommUnity Crisis Services. Lusala expressed the committee's desire to work
directly with grant recipients. Lusala inquired about the possibility of a ceremony to offer the recipients
the chance to accept the money and meet their liaisons. Jons further described the need to build
reciprocal relationships with grant recipients.
Building Bridges— Paul Shantz described the committee's first meeting. Paul Shantz recounted Building
Bridges reviewing the committee template as well as working to identify shared goals and interests. Paul
Shantz described the committee's goal of uplifting communal leaders and fostering community.
Announcements of commissioners: Maliabo recounted her recent visit to the state capitol. Lusala
recounted presenting a plaque at a local Kenyan event. Maliabo invited the commission to an African
Community Network event on youth incarceration. Channon announced the affinity graduation for
international University of Iowa students. Kollasch announced the Rainbow Graduation for LGBTQ+
graduates of the University of Iowa. Pandya recounted working with the Catherine McCauley Center in
Cedar Rapids.
Announcements of staff: None.
Adjourned: 7:59 PM.
The meeting can be viewed at https://citychanne14.com/video.html?series=Local%2OGovernment.
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Agenda Item #6
Public Comment by Mark Pries
April 25, 2023
I am by Calling a Christian Pastor.
Among God's revelations to me is the command, "Keep Awake."
I understand this to mean "wake up! look around! listen! think!"
I awoke; I trust each of you as Human Rights Commissioners, awoke.
The Land Acknowledgement read this evening is entitled "Native American Land
Acknowledgement."
Native American is a label for anyone born on the northern or southern
continents of the Western Hemisphere
Though my ancestors came here 125 years ago, I am native born and;
therefore, I am native American.
America is a label attached to the lands of the Western Hemisphere.
The lands were labeled America by a map maker, Martin Waldeesmueller in
1507 and in 1538 Matthias Ringmann used America to name both continents
in his book describing the map and globe made by Waldeesmueller.
The word America comes from the latinized version of the first name of the Italian
explorer, Amerigo Vespucci, who sailed for Spain and Portugal between 1497 and
1504 during the "Time of Discovery."
There were people here for 1000s of years before any 151 century explorer arrived..
To that end, knowing you are awake to what has and is happening around you,
knowing that you want to say what you mean;
I am here tonight to ask you to call the land acknowledgement, "First
Nations Acknowledgement."
This statement recognizes peoples who lived here as more than
occupying land; recognizing people whose spirit fills these
spaces.
If you embrace this awakened view, I am pleased to help with any further edits of
your First Nations Acknowledgement.
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Dear Iowa City Pride Sponsor,
Thank you for your generosity, partnership and support this year! We are truly
feeling surrounded by a strong community of care and compassion, despite what
is happening statewide and nationally.
Your sponsorship grants you a free spot in our festival and parade. If you are
planning to participate on June 17, 2023 in Downtown Iowa City, please mark
yourself accordingly on the Festival Vendor & Parade Registration, found here:
https://www.iowacitypride.org/vendors
Enclosed is a unique Iowa City Pride 2023 Sponsor window sticker for your place
of business. This sticker sends a message to the community that your place of
business is accepting of all folx, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity,
or gender expression. Displaying this sticker also helps avoid some confusion the
public has experienced in the past with business signage implying they were a
supporter of `Pride' without specifically sponsoring Iowa City Pride.
Please adorn this sticker proudly on your businesses exterior door or window. We
are proud of you, just as you are proud of us. Leave this sticker up year-round, we
will replace it next year when you sponsor for 2024!
Thank you again for your support and commitment!
Sincerely,
Joe Reilly
)_�_ Ael &
President
Anne Ehlinger
Development Director
Johnson
County
May 12, 2023
Dear Community Health Partner;
Johnson County Juneteenth Committee
Phone: 319.356.6090
Inash@johnsoncountyiowa.gov
Juneteenth is a historical community event that commemorates the date in history when, two and a
half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers sailed into Galveston, Texas, and read
aloud the order freeing the quarter -million enslaved persons still residing in the state. This occurred
on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth is a bittersweet holiday, a time of celebration, but also a time of
reflection, healing, and hopefully a time for the country to come together and deal with its slave
legacy.
This year, we are hosting the 13th annual Juneteenth Commemoration in Johnson County. This
incredible event brings together many members of our community and provides an opportunity to
learn and to meet new neighbors. Local activities will be happening throughout the month of June,
with a Health, Education, & Resource Fair on Friday, June 16 4:00-6:00 pm in the Ped Mall in
Iowa City. Activities are free to the public and also feature a fashion show, basketball, live
entertainment, food, family friendly activities, and more.
We invite you to be a part of our Community Health Fair. This is a wonderful opportunity to share
health information and information about your organization with the community. We request that you
include information specific to individuals of color, especially those that impact communities of color
disproportionately. This may include ensuring images include people of color, discussing culturally
diverse foods, or addressing disparate risk -factors. There is no registration fee to participate, but all
exhibitors are responsible for providing their own equipment including tables and chairs. In the case
of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.
Please review the attached materials. To register, submit a completed Registration Form and signed
Health Fair Agreement by June 2 to the address listed below (email or hard copy). If you have any
questions, please contact Laurie Nash at 319-356-6090 or Inash(@iohnsoncountyiowa.gov
We hope to see you at this year's Commemoration!
Johnson County Juneteenth Health, Education & Resource Fair Committee
855 S. Dubuque Street, Suite 202B
Iowa City, IA 52240
Inash(a)iohnsoncountyiowa.gov
Johnson County Social Services • 855 S Dubuque Street Suite 202B. • Iowa City, IA 52240 • Phone (319) 356-6090 • Fax (319) 688-5711
Please KEEP this copy of the Health Fair Agreement for your records.
A. THE DEADLINE FOR RSVP IS JUNE 2, 2023. All agencies/organizations that wish to have a presence at
the event must submit a signed agreement by the deadline.
B. Each registered organization will have a space that is approximately 10' wide by 6' deep in which to setup. If
you more space than this, arrangements must be made at least 5 days prior to the event.
C. Exhibitors must indicate whether you will be bringing a tent/canopy. Tents and canopies must be anchored to the
ground and may be no more than 8' x 8'. If your tent or canopy is larger than 8' x 8', you may be asked to share
space with another exhibitor/vendor.
D. All exhibitors can begin set up at 3:00 pm on the day of the event.
E. All exhibitors can begin tear down at 6:00 pm the day of the event.
F. Electricity is not available. Gas powered generators are not permissible.
G. All exhibitors are responsible for keeping their area clean.
H. We have the right to close down any exhibitor as directed by the City of Iowa City permit rules and regulations.
We reserve the right to escort exhibitors from the Commemoration who are not in compliance with the City of
Iowa City permit rules and regulations.
I. Items may not be sold during the event from Health Fair Tables.
J. Only commercially prepared and individually packaged food or beverage items may be given away.
Examples include individually packaged fruit snacks or bottled water. If you will be giving away food or
beverage, please provide a detailed description.
K. Items with vulgar, offensive language or gestures are not allowed to be displayed. This includes tee shirts,
pictures, mugs, posters, audiotapes, videotapes, etc.
L. Exhibitors shall not bring in personal sound equipment or any amplified sound.
M. Exhibitor agrees not to reassign, sublet or share any part of its assigned space with any individual, organization or
group.
N. All exhibitors will be assigned to a specific location. All merchandise must remain inside your booth. Walkways
must remain open.
O. Applications may be mailed to Laurie Nash at 855 S. Dubuque St. Suite 20213, Iowa City, IA 52240, faxed to 319-
688-5711 or emailed to Inash(a)iohnsoncountviowa.gov
P. The Exhibitor, including all of its owners, agents, employees or assigns, hereby releases and waives any and all
claims for personal injury, product liability, theft, breakage, or other damage, against Johnson County Social
Services, its agents, contractors, successors and assigns, from or otherwise pertaining to the space and
equipment rental hereunder, and Exhibitors expressly assume the risk of rain, wind, lightning and other weather -
related elements on the day of the Juneteenth Commemoration. The Juneteenth Commemoration expressly
disclaims any obligation or representation related to the number of persons to be attending the Commemoration.
Q. Signing this application constitutes an agreement that Exhibitors shall take no legal action against Johnson
County, the City of Iowa City, Think Iowa City, or other event sponsors.
I understand the conditions of entry and agree to honor them. I recognize that completing and signing this
application constitutes a contract between the Juneteenth Commemoration and myself. l have retained a copy
of this application.
Johnson County Social Services • 855 S Dubuque Street Suite 202B. • Iowa City, IA 52240 • Phone (319) 356-6090 • Fax (319) 688-5711
1311 Annual Juneteenth Commemoration
Health Fair Registration Form
Return Registration Form by June 2r 2023
Health Fair Exhibitor Information
Date of Application:
Organization Name:
Street Address
Contact Name:
Contact Phone #:
E-mail Address:
Date
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Contact
Phone
Email
Description of information/activities to be provided:
Description
Special requests:
Special requests
Johnson County Social Services • 855 S Dubuque Street Suite 2026. • Iowa City, IA 52240 • Phone (319) 356-6090 • Fax (319) 688-5711
Please sign and RETURN this Health Fair Agreement with your Application.
A. THE DEADLINE FOR RSVP IS JUNE 2, 2023. All agencies/organizations that wish to have a presence at
the event must submit a signed agreement by the deadline.
B. Each registered organization will have a space that is approximately 10' wide by 6' deep in which to setup. If
you more space than this, arrangements must be made at least 5 days prior to the event.
C. Exhibitors must indicate whether you will be bringing a tent/canopy. Tents and canopies must be anchored to the
ground and may be no more than 8' x 8'. If your tent or canopy is larger than 8' x 8', you may be asked to share
space with another exhibitor/vendor.
D. All exhibitors can begin setup at 3:00 pm on the day of the event and can begin tear down at 6:00 pm.
E. Electricity is not available. Gas powered generators are not permissible.
F. All exhibitors are responsible for keeping their area clean. Walkways must remain open.
G. We have the right to close down any exhibitor as directed by the City of Iowa City permit rules and regulations.
We reserve the right to escort exhibitors from the Commemoration who are not in compliance with the City of
Iowa City permit rules and regulations.
H. Items may not be sold during the event from Health Fair Tables.
I. Only commercially prepared and individually packaged food or beverage items may be given away. Examples
include individually packaged fruit snacks or bottled water. If you will be giving away food or beverage, please
provide a detailed description.
J. Items with vulgar, offensive language or gestures are not allowed to be displayed. This includes tee shirts,
pictures, mugs, posters, audiotapes, videotapes, etc.
K. Exhibitors shall not bring in personal sound equipment or any amplified sound.
L. Exhibitor agrees not to reassign, sublet or share any part of its assigned space with any individual, organization or
group.
M. Applications may be mailed to Laurie Nash at 855 S. Dubuque St. Suite 202B, Iowa City, IA 52240, faxed to 319-
688-5711 or emailed to Inash o(t7iohnsoncountviowa.gov
N. The Exhibitor, including all of its owners, agents, employees or assigns, hereby releases and waives any and all
claims for personal injury, product liability, theft, breakage, or other damage, against Johnson County Social
Services, its agents, contractors, successors and assigns, from or otherwise pertaining to the space and
equipment rental hereunder, and Exhibitors expressly assume the risk of rain, wind, lightning and other weather -
related elements on the day of the Juneteenth Commemoration. The Juneteenth Commemoration expressly
disclaims any obligation or representation related to the number of persons to be attending the Commemoration.
O. Signing this application constitutes an agreement that Exhibitors shall take no legal action against the Juneteenth
Committee, Johnson County, the City of Iowa City, Think Iowa City, or other event sponsors.
I understand the conditions of entry and agree to honor them. I recognize that completing and signing this
application constitutes a contract between the Juneteenth Commemoration and myself. I have retained a copy
of this application.
Signature of Exhibitor
Date
Johnson County Social Services • 855 S Dubuque Street Suite 202B. • Iowa City, IA 52240 • Phone (319) 356-6090 • Pax (319) 688-5711