HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.22.2019 Meeting PacketAgenda
Human Rights and Relations Commission
City Of Edina, Minnesota
Edina City Hall
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
7:00 PM
I.Call To Order
II.Roll Call
III.Approval Of Meeting Agenda
IV.Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A.Meeting Minutes, Sept. 24, 2019
V.Special Recognitions And Presentations
A.Welcome to new Student Commissioner
VI.Community Comment
During "Community Comment," the Board/Commission will invite residents to share relevant issues
or concerns. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit the
number of speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Generally speaking, items
that are elsewhere on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment.
Individuals should not expect the Chair or Board/Commission Members to respond to their
comments tonight. Instead, the Board/Commission might refer the matter to sta% for
consideration at a future meeting.
VII.Reports/Recommendations
A.Human Rights & Relations Commission 2019 Work Plan
B.2019 Tom Oye Award Nominations
C.Human Rights & Relations Commission 2020 Work Plan
Development
D.2020 Days of Remembrance Working Group
VIII.Chair And Member Comments
IX.Sta2 Comments
A.November and December 2019 HRRC meeting dates
X.Adjournment
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public
process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing ampli5cation, an
interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861
72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Date: October 22, 2019 Agenda Item #: IV.A.
To:Human Rights and Relations Commission Item Type:
Minutes
From:Jennifer Garske, Executive Assistant
Item Activity:
Subject:Meeting Minutes, Sept. 24, 2019 Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the Sept. 24, 2019 meeting minutes.
INTRODUCTION:
Approve the Sept. 24, 2019 meeting minutes.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Minutes: Human Rights & Relations Commission Sept. 24, 2019
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: Click here to enter a date.
Minutes
City Of Edina, Minnesota
Human Rights & Relations Commission
Edina City Hall, Community Room,
Sept. 24, 2019, 7 p.m.
I. Call To Order
Chair Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Answering Roll Call: Chair Nelson, Commissioners Arseneault, Beringer, Edwards, Epstein, Kennedy, Ross
and Stringer Moore.
Staff Present: Heidi Lee, Race & Equity Coordinator, and Jennifer Garske, Executive Assistant.
Absent: Student Commissioners Iyer and Waldron.
III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda
Chair Nelson requested moving the Advisory Communication up on the agenda. He also asked that the
Commission permit the participation in the meeting of Jessi Kingston, a former Human Rights & Relations
Commissioner and a member of the City’s Racial Equity Task Force, for the Advisory Communication
discussion.
Motion by Chair Nelson to move the Advisory Communication item on the meeting agenda
and permit Jessi Kingston to participate in the meeting for the Advisory Communication
item, Commissioner Arseneault seconded. Motion carried.
Chair Nelson also asked to add a new item to the agenda, a recap of the Commission’s participation in
Open Streets.
Motion by Chair Nelson to add the Open Streets Participation item to the agenda, seconded
Commissioner Kennedy. Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Arseneault to approve the Sept. 24, 2019 meeting agenda as
amended, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. Motion carried.
IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Kennedy to approve the Aug. 27, 2019 meeting minutes, seconded
by Commissioner Arseneault. Motion carried.
Commissioner Meek arrived at 7:07 p.m.
V. Special Recognitions and Presentations
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: Click here to enter a date.
A. Welcome to new Student Commissioner Mythili Iyer
a. Student Commissioner Iyer was not in attendance
B. Presentation by Edina High School student Arjun Maheshwari, “Edina’s Inclusionary and
Exclusionary History.”
a. The Presentation included a brief history of Edina, including African-American families
moving to Edina, and the high involvement of this group in the City in the late 1800s.
Frank Wheaton from Edina was the first black man elected to the Minnesota State
Legislature. Wheaton, first elected in 1898, represented a district that was
overwhelmingly white. Maheshwari then discussed a transformation that happened in
the City. Segregationist policies, such as black covenants on housing documents,
particularly in the Country Club neighborhood, came into practice. Maheshwari
talked about a study done on Edina’s racial history by Chad Montrie, a professor in
the Department of History at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Montrie’s
article provided some of the information for Maheshwari’s presentation.
The presentation continued with a look at the schools in Edina, particularly Edina
High school, and Maheshwari’s own observations as a student at EHS. He indicated
the school is very diverse, but not socially integrated. He also touched on income
inequality and how the City is working on affordable housing projects to address
that. He also mentioned the role of Edina Police in making Edina an inclusive
community.
Finally, Maheshwari asked for the cooperation of the Human Rights & Relations
Commission, along with the Heritage Preservation Commission—on which he is a
student commissioner, to raise awareness about this issue. One idea he hoped to
implement is educating children. He suggested that when Edina sixth-grade students
are learning about Minnesota history, they have an “Edina History” day, where there
are speakers about Edina’s past.
The Commission commented on the presentation and their willingness to partner on
education and informing the public about the history of the City. The Commission
said they were appreciative of a concrete idea to educate students. They talked
about how most racism is learned at home. The Commission wondered if
Maheshwari was going to give the presentation to other groups, and he indicated yes.
They asked what else Maheshwari would like from them, and he stated he would like
concrete suggestions on educating residents about the history of the City. The
Commission suggested looking at ways to share the presentation information on
social media and the City website. They also discussed seeing where this would fit
into their 2020 Commission Work Plan and how it ties into initiatives already on
their Work Plan.
VI. Community Comment—None
VII. Reports/Recommendations
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: Click here to enter a date.
A. Advisory Communication—Graffiti incidents in the City
a. Moved to the top of the Reports & Recommendations portion of the agenda
b. The Advisory Communication was discussed. Jessi Kingston was asked to attend the
meeting and talk with the Commission about this topic. She had sent a list of graffiti
incidents in the City over the past year, and discussed that the incidents needed to be
addressed in a proactive way. Kingston shared information from the Racial Equality Task
Force about Police response and including a welcoming statement for residents. The
Commission discussed the list Kingston had compiled, and if the incidents are increasing
in the City. The Commission discussed the City’s response to these incidents, and which
departments are involved with the response. Kingston discussed restorative justice and
how that could be part of the process in Edina. The Commission discussed how we make
people comfortable reporting these incidents and what avenues are available for that
reporting.
i. The Commission discussed with Kingston what things can be done in the City
going forward, including sending a resolution to the City Council that Edina is a
welcoming city, and that the City is taking steps to address these incidents. The
Commission discussed the wording in the Advisory Communication, and how
strong the language should be.
ii. The Commission discussed other options for deterring these incidents in the
City, such as prosecution, cameras in parks and having community conversations
about the incidents, and other ideas. They talked with Kingston about the
Council’s response to the incidents and to her communications with Council and
staff.
iii. The Commission talked about if there was a need for two separate advisories to
Council—one for the welcoming city statement and one condemning the racist
acts, and what could be accomplished tonight vs. over the next weeks. They
discussed having the Bias Offense Working Group look at the Advisory
Communication, and work on the wording and possibly splitting the Advisory
into two separate documents.
Motion by Chair Nelson to table this Advisory Communication and refer it to the Bias Offense
Committee to bring back to the group at the next meeting, second by Commissioner Kennedy.
Motion carries.
B. 2019 Commission Work Plan
a. Initiative #1—Applying a Race and Equity Lens to Communication Content
i. Working group will look at the protocol from CTS and bring it to the October HRRC
meeting for action.
ii. Staff Liaison Heidi Lee will let CTS know the working group is reviewing the protocol.
iii. CTS had a feedback group of Edina residents look at the protocol.
1. The Commission asked to look at that feedback as they are doing their review.
Staff Liaison Lee will coordinate getting that to Working Group.
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: Click here to enter a date.
b. Initiative #2—Naming of a Public Facility in the Grandview Area after BC and Ellen
Yancey
i. Commission talked to members of the Edina Grange about this topic at the Open
Streets event Sept. 22. The Grange they had a lot of ideas.
ii. Commission discussed building a community garden and name it after the Yancey
family.
1. The Commission talked about liking the permanence of naming a park or
building after the Yanceys instead.
iii. The Commission said the Working Group would reconvene and make a
recommendation to the Parks & Recreation Commission.
1. The two parks suggested at this time are Wooddale Park or Garden Park. Both
are close to the Granview area, where the Yancey homestead was located.
c. Initiative #3—Ensure City Facility Artwork and Décor Reflects Diversity of Race
and Culture
i. Staff Liaison Lee indicated she was creating an Advisory Communication for Council,
using and revising the document approved at the Aug. 27 HRRC meeting. The
document indicated the City Hall atrium and Mayor’s Conference Room would be the
first areas looked at.
1. The Commission discussed what would be some of the next City facilities on
the list
2. They would like to use this as a template for going forward for other facilities.
3. The Commission talked about how you measure success with this initiative.
d. Initiative #4—Identify Barriers for Participation in Programming
i. No update since last meeting, since the Commission has not heard from the Parks &
Recreation Commission.
1. Commissioner Stringer Moore will follow up with them again.
ii. Staff Liaison Lee brought up the charge for this initiative is review and recommend and
the challenge of getting feedback from people who are not participating in the
programming. The Commission discussed creating a framework—the steps leading up
to the plan and what it looks like after. They also discussed the challenges of not
collecting the data needed to identify barriers.
e. Initiative #5—Race and Equity Policy Statement Developed by City Staff
i. No update on this intiative.
f. Initiative #6—Bias Offense Response Plan
i. Staff Liaison Lee have an update on work being done
1. Meeting was held with all the departments about how they respond to each
bias offense report, including Administration, Communications & Technology
Services, Parks & Recreation and Police.
2. Commission discussed the Work Group meeting with the City Manager, Police
Chief and Staff Liaison Lee soon to discuss the process
g. Initiative #7—Days of Remembrance Event
i. Commissioner Arseneault asked for a working group for this initiative on the 2020
Work Plan to be approved at October HRRC meeting in order to have it posted.
Greensheet is used to call for the working group.
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: Click here to enter a date.
Motion by Commissioner Arseneault to approve a greensheet as a call for a working group for the
2020 Days of Remembrance event, seconded by Commissioner Beringer. Motion carries.
h. Initiative #8—AARP City Designation
i. Chair Nelson shared he had a meeting with the Health Commission Chair and another
member of the Health Commission
1. There is reluctance on part of EHC because the approval is the easy part, the
hard part is all the follow up staff will have to do
ii. Chair Nelson also met with resident Arnie Bigbee, who has been working on AARP
MN to get ideas going forward
iii. The Commission talked about continuing this to the 2020 Work Plan
i. Initiative #9—Tom Oye Award
i. One nomination so far, deadline is Oct. 11
ii. Gave bookmarks out at Open Streets event Sept. 22
iii. Commissioners talked about whether they can nominate someone for the award. It
was established they can, and have in the past.
iv. Commission discussed purchasing another social media push for the award and if the
information was not straightforward enough.
v. Nominations will be part of the packet for the Oct. 22 HRRC meeting to pick the
winner.
Motion by Commissioner Arseneault to approve another social media boost for Tom Oye
Awards, seconded by Commissioner Edwards. Motion passes.
j. Initiative #10—Sharing Values, Sharing Community
i. Event postponed due to another climate change event happening the same month in
the City
ii. Commissioner Meek discussed being in touch with the Energy & Environment
Commission, who put her in touch with Edina League of Women Voters regarding
their Earth Day event next spring and the chance for the HRRC to partner with them.
iii. Commission discussed leaving the climate change event to the LWV, and doing another
event in 2020, perhaps around the topic “Getting Real about Race.”
iv. Commission discussed also partnering with EEC on an event in 2020, since they have
already reached out to EEC, and EEC has added the event to their proposed 2020
Work Plan
v. Commissioner Meek will follow up with the LWV to see what role HRRC would play
in their event.
k. Initiative #11—Public Art Program
i. The public art plan that was brought to the August HRRC meeting was shown to
Council by the Arts & Culture Commission at their joint Work Session.
C. Work Plan Initiative #9 Update
a. Discussed during previous agenda item
D. 2020 Work Plan Development
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: Click here to enter a date.
a. Staff Liaison Lee shared what would already be on the 2020 HRRC Work Plan based on
discussion and events that carry over each year
i. 2020 Work Plan already has seven initiatives on it
ii. Most commissions only have three to six items on their work plans
b. Commission discussed what they want to include and not include next year, and what initatives
may be completed by the end of 2019.
i. Chair Nelson shared that 2020 will be the 50th year of HRRC and the 10th year of the
Days of Remembrance event. The Commission discussed ideas for celebrating those
milestones, and if this should be on the 2020 Work Plan as an initiative.
1. A display in the City Hall atrium was proposed.
2. A logo and 50th-year theme for the Commission was discussed. They talked
about incorporating the them into all the HRRC events next year.
c. Event with EEC was again discussed, and Commissioner Meek said she would follow up with
them. The Commission discussed that a cross-commission event could be added to their 2020
Work Plan by Council, even if they do not include it.
E. Participation in Open Streets Sept. 22
a. Added to agenda.
b. The Commission discussed the event and how it was definitely worth their time. They talked
about being more prepared next year.
VIII. Chair and Member Comments
A. Commissioner Arseneault discussed her objection to the adoption of the City Council saying the
Pledge of Allegiance at meetings. She thought it was the opposite of being a welcoming
community, and wondered if City staff was consulted. Commissioner Arseneault was encouraged
to write an email to Council with her concerns.
IX. Staff Comments
X. Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Arsenault to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner
Ross. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Date: October 22, 2019 Agenda Item #: V.A.
To:Human Rights and Relations Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Jennifer Garske, Executive Assistant
Item Activity:
Subject:Welcome to new Student Commissioner Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
Welcome to new Human Rights & Relations Commission student member Mythili Iyer.
Date: October 22, 2019 Agenda Item #: VII.A.
To:Human Rights and Relations Commission Item Type:
Report and Recommendation
From:Heidi Lee, Race & Equity Coordinator
Item Activity:
Subject:Human Rights & Relations Commission 2019 Work
Plan
Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
2019 Work Plans were approved by Council in December 2018. T he attached Work Plan has been updated with
progress reports in each area.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
HRRC 2019 Work Plan with updates
Approved by Council 12/4/18 HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION Commission: Human Rights and Relations Commission 2019 Annual Work Plan Initiative # 1 Council Charge (Proposed Charge Completed by CM) ☐☐☐☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☒☒☒☒ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐☐☐☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐☐☐☐ 4 (Review & Decide) Target Completion Date Budget Required (Staff Liaison) Staff Support Required (Staff Liaison) Initiative Type: ☒ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility Q2 2019 ☐ Funds available Funds are available for this project. ☐ Staff Liaison: Hrs_1__ ☒ CTS (including Video) ☐ Other Staff: Hrs_____ R&E 8.D. Review and comment on staff (Communications Dept) developed protocol and procedures for applying a race and equity lens to communication content. ☐ Funds not available There are not funds available for this project (explain impact of Council approving initiative in liaison comments). Lead Commissioners: Nelson/Arseneault/Ross Progress Report: 3.26.2019: Heidi follow up with Jenn B. from Communications. 4.12.19: Emailed CTS to get status and CTS is looking for GARE communications information to get introductory guidance. 5.8.19: CTS will be creating a draft of protocol and procedures for applying race and equity lens to communication content then will send HRRC to review and comment on draft. 7.2.19: Protocol and procedures draft sent to HRRC for review. 8.5.19: Communications Feedback Group met with CTS Dept to provide feedback on protocol. 9.24.19: Commissioners asked for the feedback from the Communication Feedback Group and will provide feedback. 10.9.19: Lead commissioners sent feedback from the Communications Feedback Group.
Approved by Council 12/4/18 HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION Initiative # 2 Council Charge (Proposed Charge Completed by CM) ☐☐☐☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☒☒☒☒ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐☐☐☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐☐☐☐ 4 (Review & Decide) Target Completion Date Budget Required (Staff Liaison) Staff Support Required (Staff Liaison) Initiative Type: ☒ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility December ☐ Funds available Funds are available for this project. ☐ Staff Liaison: Hrs_1__ ☐ CTS (including Video) ☐ Other Staff: Hrs_____ R&E 2.A. Serve on cross-commission committee to review the naming a public facility in the Grandview area after the BC and Ellen Yancey. ☒ Funds not available There are not funds available for this project (explain impact of Council approving initiative in liaison comments). Lead Commissioners: Stringer Moore/Epstein/Nelson Partners: Human Rights & Relations Commission and Parks & Recreation Commission [LEAD] Progress Report: 3/26/2019: MJ sent email to SFaus on 3.26.2019 4.12.19: Emailed SFaus and PARC sent an email on 4.9 to coordinate cross-commission meeting times. 4.23.19: HRRC met with PARC and had conversations about the scope and direction of the initiative. 5.21.19: Emailed HRRC Lead Commissioners for status update. 5.28.19: Chair will up with PARC and have discussions about initiative at joint Council Meeting 6.18.19: Cross-commissions met and HRRC members will research Yancey homestead and plans to proceed in this initiative. 9.24.19: Work Group will reconvene to make recommendation to Parks & Recreation Commission.
Approved by Council 12/4/18 HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION Initiative # 3 Council Charge (Proposed Charge Completed by CM) ☐☐☐☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐☐☐☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☒☒☒☒ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐☐☐☐ 4 (Review & Decide) Target Completion Date Budget Required (Staff Liaison) Staff Support Required (Staff Liaison) Initiative Type: ☒ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility December ☐ Funds available Funds are available for this project. ☐ Staff Liaison: Hrs_3__ ☐ CTS (including Video) ☐ Other Staff: Hrs_____ R&E 18.E. Chair/co-chair a cross-commission committee (see partners) to ensure City facility artwork and décor reflects diversity of race and culture. ☒ Funds not available There are not funds available for this project (explain impact of Council approving initiative in liaison comments). Lead Commissioners: Meek/Stringer Moore/Kennedy/Moss-Keys/Ross Partners: Arts & Culture Commission, Human Rights & Relations Commission [LEAD], and Heritage Preservation Commission Progress Report: 3.26.2019 All cross commission members sent to Michelle. Gabe Aderhold (HPC), Annie Schilling (HPC) and Simon Venell (HPC). Russ Rubin (A&C), Michelle Morgan-Nelson (A&C), Hannah Klein (A&C). 4.23.19: Visioning meeting with cross commissions on 4.25.19 to discuss scope and vision. Staff liaison responded to HRRC Commissioner with guiding questions about public art. 6.24.19: Cross-commission committees going to schedule meeting at City Hall to conduct artwork/décor study in Mayor’s Conference Room & City Hall entryway. 8.19.19: Cross-commission met on 7.18.19 and notes/recommendations to have artwork and décor in reflect diversity, race, culture, and history of Edina. 8.27.19: HRRC Commissioner shared findings of notes/recommendations. HRRC approved recommendations. Staff Liaison will ask for recommendation to be on October 2019 City Council meeting. 10.11.19: Recommendations to City Council will be pushed to November meeting.
Approved by Council 12/4/18 HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION Initiative # 4 Council Charge (Proposed Charge Completed by CM) ☐☐☐☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐☐☐☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☒☒☒☒ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐☐☐☐ 4 (Review & Decide) Target Completion Date Budget Required (Staff Liaison) Staff Support Required (Staff Liaison) Initiative Type: ☒ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility December ☐ Funds available Funds are available for this project. ☒ Staff Liaison: Hrs_3__ ☐ CTS (including Video) ☐ Other Staff: Hrs_____ R&E 20.B. Chair/co-chair a cross-commission committee (see partners) in partnership with communities of color to identify barriers for participation in programming. ☒ Funds not available There are not funds available for this project (explain impact of Council approving initiative in liaison comments). Lead Commissioners: Edwards/Waldron/Stringer Moore/Moss-Keys Partners: Human Rights & Relations Commission [LEAD] and Parks & Recreation Commission Progress Report: 3.26.2019: All cross commission members email sent to Cindy Edwards. Julie Strother (PARC), Bryne Osborne (PARC), Brenda McCormick (PARC) on 3.26.2019 by MJL 6.13.19: HRRC and PARC in communication to schedule cross-commission meeting. 7.18.19: HRRC and PARC met to discuss work plan initiative and proposals to getting feedback from community about barriers in participation. Email sent to PARC Staff Liaison of proposal for a community feedback forum. 8.27.19: HRRC will set up cross commission meeting with PARC will meet to create a framework to gain community feedback strategy. 9.24.19: HRRC Commissioner will follow-up with PARC.
Approved by Council 12/4/18 HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION Initiative # 5 Council Charge (Proposed Charge Completed by CM) ☐☐☐☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☒☒☒☒ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐☐☐☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐☐☐☐ 4 (Review & Decide) Target Completion Date Budget Required (Staff Liaison) Staff Support Required (Staff Liaison) Initiative Type: ☒ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility Q2 2019 ☐ Funds available Funds are available for this project. ☐ Staff Liaison: Hrs_1__ ☐ CTS (including Video) ☐ Other Staff: Hrs_____ R&E 21.C. Review and comment on the Race and Equity policy statement developed by City staff (Parks and Recreation Dept). ☒ Funds not available Lead Commissioners: Epstein/Edwards/Arseneault/Ross Progress Report: 3.26.2019: Heidi will follow up with P&R staff: R&E #34 4.16.19: Emailed SFaus to get update on policy statement to review and comment. 5.21.19: Drafts of Race and Equity policy are being researched and created by Parks & Recreation. 5.28.19: Hold until meeting with new P&R Director on 6.18.19. 7.10.19: P&R researching/creating race and equity policy that encompasses values/purpose of policy.
Approved by Council 12/4/18 HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION Initiative # 6 Council Charge (Proposed Charge Completed by CM) ☐☐☐☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐☐☐☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☒☒☒☒ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐☐☐☐ 4 (Review & Decide) Target Completion Date Budget Required (Staff Liaison) Staff Support Required (Staff Liaison) Initiative Type: ☒ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility August ☐ Funds available Funds are available for this project. ☐ Staff Liaison: Hrs_8__ ☐ CTS (including Video) ☐ Other Staff: Hrs_____ Bias Offense Response Plan review to determine if the plan should be broadened to include offenses outside of the state statute’s definition of bias offense. (Review Racial Equity Recommendation 3. A.) ☒ Funds not available There are not funds available for this project (explain impact of Council approving initiative in liaison comments). Lead Commissioners: Kennedy/Nelson/Epstein/Meek Progress Report: 3.26.2019: Discussed using the last sample incident as an example using the current plan. 5.28.19: Chair Nelson will follow-up with a contact person in Eugene, OR about their Bias Offense Work. 9.27.19: HRRC Members would like to set up meeting with City Manager and Police Chief to discuss overview of the plan. Staff Liaison will set up meeting. 10.15.19: Meeting with HRRC Working Group with City Manager an Police Chief scheduled for November 15, 2019.
Approved by Council 12/4/18 HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION Initiative # 7 Council Charge (Proposed Charge Completed by CM) ☐☐☐☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐☐☐☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐☐☐☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☒☒☒☒ 4 (Review & Decide) Target Completion Date Budget Required (Staff Liaison) Staff Support Required (Staff Liaison) Initiative Type: ☐ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☒ Ongoing Responsibility April ☒ Funds available Funds are available for this project. ☐ Staff Liaison: Hrs_12_ ☒ CTS (including Video) ☐ Other Staff: Hrs_____ Days of Remembrance Event ☐ Funds not available Lead Commissioners: Arseneault/Edwards/Moss-Keys/Epstein/Beringer/Waldron Progress Report: 3.26.2019: In process. Discussed pricing for Star Tribune ($650 for 5x8 ad) and Sun Current ($350 for Edina + $300 for SLP + $300 Richfield). Student Members discussed putting DOR event in Schoology. Eventbrite discussed as another promotion. 4.16.19: Press release waiting on approval and distribution on 4.18.19. DOR posters available for distribution on 4.15.19. Will meet at on 4.23.19 to look at art work and materials for DOR event. 4.28.19: Days of Remembrance Event took place, approximately 250 people attended event. Artwork from Normandale Elementary displayed at event, then two weeks in City Hall, and then will be hosted at Edina Library in June. CTS provided audio and video support for event. 5.28.19: Debrief report will be provided within the next meetings and possible considerations for larger venue for next year’s event. 9.24.19: Motion for 2020 DOR Working Group approved. HRRC will complete Greensheet.
Approved by Council 12/4/18 HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION Initiative # 8 Council Charge (Proposed Charge Completed by CM) ☐☐☐☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐☐☐☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☒☒☒☒ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐☐☐☐ 4 (Review & Decide) Target Completion Date Budget Required (Staff Liaison) Staff Support Required (Staff Liaison) Initiative Type: ☒ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility October ☒ Funds available Funds are available for this project. ☐ Staff Liaison: Hrs_12_ ☒ CTS (including Video) ☐ Other Staff: Hrs_____ Serve on a cross-commission committee (see partners) to complete requirements for Edina to receive the AARP City Designation. -Complete Walk Audit Tool Kit provided by AARP -October Senior Expo & Designation ☐ Funds not available There are not funds available for this project (explain impact of Council approving initiative in liaison comments). Lead Commissioners: Beringer/Edwards/Nelson Partners: Community Health Commission [LEAD], Human Rights & Relations Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, Transportation Commission Progress Report: 3.26.2019: Heidi follow up with JBrown 4.15.19: JBrown sent an email to cross-commission members to coordinate meeting time. 5.10.19: CHC Chair will contact AARP to get guidance on city designation process. 8.16.19: CHC Staff Liaison was asked by Chair to organize meeting for members to meet about designation process. 9.24.19: HRRC Chair met with community member to get more information about AARP designation. This work plan item will be continued for 2020 work plan.
Approved by Council 12/4/18 HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION Initiative # 9 Council Charge (Proposed Charge Completed by CM) ☐☐☐☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐☐☐☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐☐☐☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☒☒☒☒ 4 (Review & Decide) Target Completion Date Budget Required (Staff Liaison) Staff Support Required (Staff Liaison) Initiative Type: ☐ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☒ Ongoing Responsibility December ☒ Funds available Funds are available for this project. ☐ Staff Liaison: Hrs_8_ ☒ CTS (including Video) ☐ Other Staff: Hrs_____ 2019 Tom Oye Award ☐ Funds not available Lead Commissioners: Arseneault/Kennedy/Stringer Moore Progress Report: 3.26.2019: No updates yet. Committee meeting on June 2019 5.18.19: HRRC Commissioners will meet on 6.3.19 to discuss the award criteria, eligibility, and other award details 6.18.19: Press release of application and award information on August 27. December 3, the Tom Oye recipient attend December 3 City Council Meeting. Two categories: non-student and K-12 and above student awards. Potential award presenters, awards, and promoting the award and event are being discussed. 8.15.19: Tom Oye press release, application form, and website updated for public announcement. Accepting applications until October 11. 10.15.19: Nomination applications ended on October 11, 2019. Received 4 applications, 2 two students and 2 adults.
Approved by Council 12/4/18 HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION Initiative # 10 Council Charge (Proposed Charge Completed by CM) ☐☐☐☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐☐☐☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐☐☐☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☒☒☒☒ 4 (Review & Decide) Target Completion Date Budget Required (Staff Liaison) Staff Support Required (Staff Liaison) Initiative Type: ☐ New Initiative ☒ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility October ☒ Funds available Funds are available for this project. ☒ Staff Liaison: Hrs_12_ ☒ CTS (including Video) ☐ Other Staff: Hrs_____ Sharing Values, Sharing Communities (One Event) ☐ Funds not available Lead Commissioners: Meek/Stringer Moore/Beringer/Kennedy Progress Report: 3.26.2019: Event date on October 6 approved. Promote event on Edition Edina in September edition – email Krystal. 5.28.19: A list of topics for event has been compiled. 6.18.19: A meeting will be set up by a HRRC member plan this event. 9.18.2019: Sharing Values, Sharing Communities event has been post-poned.
Approved by Council 12/4/18 HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION Initiative # 11 Council Charge (Proposed Charge Completed by CM) ☐☐☐☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☒☒☒☒ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐☐☐☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐☐☐☐ 4 (Review & Decide) Target Completion Date Budget Required (Staff Liaison) Staff Support Required (Staff Liaison) Initiative Type: ☒ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility May 2019 ☐ Funds available Funds are available for this project. ☒ Staff Liaison: Hrs 20 ☐ CTS (including Video) ☐ Other Staff: Serve on a cross-commission committee (see partners) to review the Public Art Program and recommend a 3-year plan for the program. ☒ Funds not available Lead Commissioners: Kennedy/Stringer Moore/Meek Partners: Arts & Culture Commission [LEAD] and Human Rights and Relations Commission Progress Report: 3.26.2019: On 4.25 an Arts & Culture Commission visioning session with HRRC members will take place. 5.21.19: Cross-commission committee is creating strategic document that includes three-year public initiative that includes cross-commission committee mission, roles, and activities. 5.28.19: HRRC waiting for notes from Art Visioning meeting. Chair will send an email to ACC Chair to follow-up. 6.18.19: ACC Members will be attending July 16 HRRC meeting to discuss the current progress of this initiative and ACC requested feedback from HRRC members. 9.11.2019: ACC is planning to present 3-year plan to City Council on September 17, 2019
Approved by Council 12/4/18 HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION Parking Lot: (These items have been considered by the BC, but not proposed as part of this year’s work plan. If the BC decides they would like to work on them in the current year, it would need to be approved by Council.) School District Partnership (Stringer Moore/Meek)
Date: October 22, 2019 Agenda Item #: VII.B.
To:Human Rights and Relations Commission Item Type:
Report and Recommendation
From:Heidi Lee, Race & Equity Coordinator
Item Activity:
Subject:2019 Tom Oye Award Nominations Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Commission should select the 2019 Tom Oye Award recipient.
INTRODUCTION:
Please see attached for nominations.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Sanford Berman nomination
Shreya Konkimalla nomination
Olivia Pierce nomination
Marlys Wiens nomination
1
Date: 10/10/2019 To. Tom Oye Human Rights Award Review Committee,
I would like to nominate Shreya Konkimalla for this year’s Tom Oye Human Rights award. Shreya Konkimalla is a junior at Edina High School. Though born and brought up in the US, Shreya's family is from India. Shreya’s journey with activism started on a trip to India when she was about 10 years old. When she went to a store
with her family, she saw a young girl, sweeping the floor. Shreya was confused and
asked her grandma why the young girl was working in the store instead of going to school. That is when Shreya’s grandma told her about the oppression that lower castes in India faced. She learned that even though the caste system was abolished in the
1950s, the lingering effects impact lower castes today, leaving many in poverty and
extreme exclusion. The young girl she saw at the store was stuck in this situation and worked to support her family instead of pursuing her right to education. Shreya was deeply affected by what she learned and decided to write a book about the caste system in ancient India. Her book, Free Birds, was published in 2017
and is available on Amazon and other public libraries (https://www.amazon.com/Free-Birds-Shreya-
Konkimalla/dp/1548308706). Free Birds was well received and she was invited to speak at rotary clubs and many different schools in the Twin Cities area. She was also covered in local newspapers and was interviewed on Minnesota Public Radio. (https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/01/03/minnesota-teens-book-explores-injustice-india-caste-system) She used this opportunity to spread her message about the importance of creating equity. In addition to spreading this message, she also encouraged other kids to share their own stories and spread their own messages. Shreya uses the proceeds
she earns from her book to support the education of two kids in India by providing them with books, meals, uniforms and school fees. She hopes she will be able to support many more in years to come. When Shreya was in 7th grade she wrote a poem called Dreaming about child labor. The poem won an award as the top 10 best poems across US and Canada and
was also recognized by Michelle Obama. It was later published in two poetry anthologies. (Her poem and letter from Michelle Obama are attached as supplemental materials to this application) More recently, Shreya has been volunteering for the 100 Million campaign that
was started by Nobel peace prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi. After meeting Mr. Satyarthi in 2018, the Satyarthi team, impressed with Shreya’s activism and writing, invited her to be part of the campaign. The campaign aims to keep every child “free, safe, and educated,” ideas Shreya herself is very passionate about. Shreya became one of the
founding members and strategists for the USA 100 Million campaign. This year she
participated in the 100 Million campaign report launch at the UN General Assembly, where she was the representative for the North American region. (See Shreya’s speech at UNGA summit- Sept 2019: https://youtu.be/3k7xOLE6mC8) While at the UNGA, she also presented at a roundtable about the Sustainable Development Goals relating to child labor and trafficking. Shreya’s current focus as part of the 100 Million campaign is addressing the issue of child labor in the tobacco industry due to the dangerous risks children face when working in the tobacco fields. She is
2
working to lobby for the passage of two bills that will help eliminate child labor in the tobacco industry. Locally, Shreya is a student commissioner of the Arts and Culture Commission in
Edina, where she focuses on incorporating art within Edina through a culturally diverse
perspective. At school, she started a club called KEYz, that stands for Keep Educating Youth. The club aims to help solve issues pertaining to youth in the local community through initiatives that raise awareness and other activities such as drives and
fundraising events. Some issues they will be focusing on this year will be education
equity, poverty, and mental health. Despite being only sixteen, Shreya is extremely passionate about helping those who do not have a platform to share their ideas or problems. Throughout her activism and extracurricular activities, she wants to empower youth around the globe and
advocate for a more equitable world. I highly recommend Shreya for this year’s Tom Oye award. If you have further questions feel free to write to me.
Thanks,
Sayali Amarapurkar, Ph.D
Links about Shreya:
1. https://www.amazon.com/Free-Birds-Shreya-Konkimalla/dp/1548308706 2. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/01/03/minnesota-teens-book-explores-injustice-india-caste-system 3. https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/edina/edina-ninth-
grader-s-book-free-birds-is-a-story/article_07eb93fc-c4a1-11e7-94ee-
0f58a7803638.html 4. https://myemail.constantcontact.com/In-The-Know--Kindergarten-Information-Nights--Meal-account-reminders--Give-and-Go--and-more.html?soid=1102207047511&aid=7eoZAfF8xK4
5. Speech at UNGA summit (Sept 2019) : https://youtu.be/3k7xOLE6mC8 6. https://100million.org/latest-actions/all/261-100-million-youth-activists-join-un-general-assembly-2019 7. https://100million.org/latest-actions/all/263-leaders-your-words-must-become-action-or-you-will-fail-the-world-s-most-marginalised-children-and-young-people
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spiwe Jefferson
16456 Wuttke Crossing, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Phone (612) 343-3286 Email: spiwe.jefferson@gmail.com
September 17, 2019
VIA Upload: https://www.edinamn.gov/1047/Tom-Oye-Award
The Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission
The City of Edina
4801 W 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
Re: Tom Oye Human Rights Award
Nominee: Olivia M. Pierce
Dear Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission:
We are submitting this nomination for our daughter, Olivia Pierce, a senior at Edina High School.
Olivia is a missionary and civil rights activist who has already made significant contributions to
Edina, and the communities around her. We therefore believe she is a worthy candidate for the
Tom Oye Human Rights Award.
LEADERSHIP
Harvard
Medical School
With her high academics (4.0 GPA) and well-rounded skill set, Olivia was
selected by the National Student Leadership Conference for a conference for
high performing students and attended a medical / leadership camp at
Harvard Medical School this past summer.
Morning
Market
From the time she was young, Olivia demonstrated deep compassion and
leadership. As a six-year old first grader at Ramalynn Montessori Academy in
Bloomington, she became the youngest student to ever run the school’s
morning market, which sold fruit, snacks and other food to parents and
students in the morning. Running the morning market required her to stock
and plan inventory, sell the food, reconcile, and turn in the proceeds.
Speaking
Opportunities
Olivia has had experience speaking in front of others from a very young age.
At Ramalynn Academy, from fifth to eighth grade, teachers pushed the
students to write and deliver one speech to their peers every month. Olivia
stood out even in this highly nurturing environment where teachers had such
high expectations of the kids. Since graduating from Ramalynn, Olivia was
invited many times to return and speak at parents’ nights and student events,
where she provided insights to the parents, and guidance to the children.
Spiwe Jefferson
16456 Wuttke Crossing, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Phone (612) 343-3286 Email: spiwe.jefferson@gmail.com
Worship
Leader
Olivia’s commitment to making the world a better place is founded on the
bedrock of strong Christian principles. It is no surprise therefore that she is
very active in youth programs at her church. For three years in a row, she
arrived at Friendship Church by 8:30 a.m. on Sundays to lead worship service
for the fifth-graders. She finished at noon and returned around 3:30 to
practice singing and playing the piano in preparation for leading the worship
service for her age group. That group finished between 8:30 and 9:00 PM on
Sunday, after which she rushed home to get enough sleep to start the week
on Monday. All this while maintaining a 4.0 GPA at school.
Link Crew
Leader
Olivia is compassionate and naturally empathetic. Even today she remembers
what it was like to be a nervous freshman at a new school. As a Link Crew
Leader, she met monthly with freshmen to provide guidance, orientation, and
support. She also participated in a Cocoa and Cram event to tutor
underclassmen for finals.
Founded
Campus Group
Olivia is always on the hunt for opportunities to improve the environment in
which she lives and learns. During her sophomore year she founded Christians
in Action (CIA), a student group devoted to identifying ways to bring light and
love to the Edina student body and staff. The group’s name speaks to Olivia’s
desire to do more than just talk about problems but take positive action. The
establishment of a Christian student group at Edina High is an astonishing feat
at a public school, which requires faculty sponsorship and oversight of all
student groups. In addition to regular meetings, the group’s activities included
putting up faculty-approved posters around the school to speak love and
encouragement to the student body around exam times, regularly writing
thank you notes to the lunch service staff and posting notes in the girls’
bathrooms to remind them that they are beautiful.
Olivia’s leadership inspired others to take action, and she later found new
post-it notes in the girls’ bathrooms posted by others to provide
encouragement to their peers.
Black Student
Union
In Olivia’s own words, “I am also very passionate about civil rights. I believe
that I, as a young black woman, deserve to have my voice heard and respected,
just like anyone else. I joined the Black Student Union at my school to
peacefully win that respect for myself and for future students at Edina High
School.”
Spiwe Jefferson
16456 Wuttke Crossing, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Phone (612) 343-3286 Email: spiwe.jefferson@gmail.com
Olivia used this platform to address racially-charged issues. In March, after her
mission trip, she shared her insights with approximately one hundred students
at a conference for Haitian youth.
Edina
Community
Peace Walk
One year the City of Edina splashed into hot water, making headlines for a
racially charged incident during which a white police officer harassed and
handcuffed a black man for walking on an area of sidewalk
http://www.startribune.com/in-edina-claims-of-racism-subtle-yet-pervasive-
prompt-action/470305583/. Many black and white residents were outraged,
and the City Council launched a Race and Equity Initiative to reach out to
residents, workers and visitors to get their take on race in Edina. In addition to
Olivia’s father participating in this worthwhile initiative, he and Olivia
participated in a “Peace Walk” with Edina’s mayor, Jim Hovland, to bring unity
and reconciliation to the community.
VOLUNTEERISM
Feed My
Starving
Children
Around age eight, Olivia participated in the first of many initiatives to pack
food primarily for Feed My Starving Children, which distributed food to
countries in which children suffer food insecurity and malnourishment. Part of
what she enjoyed most about these experiences was learning about the
underserved communities where the food was delivered, and the impact that
hours of standing at the food packing assembly lines would have on the health
and happiness of children in different countries that she would likely never
meet. Once she caught the volunteer bug, we periodically packed food with
FMSC through our church, work initiatives, and independently at FMSC
packing centers.
Operation
Christmas
Child
Olivia has always had a passion for children. One Christmas during a church
service Olivia learned about operation Christmas Child, which delivers boxes
of nonperishable toys and personal hygiene items to children around the
world. At Olivia’s behest, we picked up several boxes after church one day and
spent the better part of an afternoon rolling around the supermarket selecting
items for our boys and girls. This activity has been ongoing as Olivia has grown
up.
Spiwe Jefferson
16456 Wuttke Crossing, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Phone (612) 343-3286 Email: spiwe.jefferson@gmail.com
Salvation
Army
Since she was in seventh grade, Olivia and two of
her friends get together and ring the bell for the
Salvation Army. The three of them stand outside
in sometimes frigid subzero temperatures in
December in neighborhoods around the Twin
Cities, and sing Christmas carols to raise money for
the Salvation Army.
Haiti Mission
Trip
Olivia received leadership training at Moody’s Bible Institute one summer. This
prepared her well for the mission trip she ultimately undertook to Haiti in
March 2018. For 10 days she experienced the wonder of this country, the joy
and friendliness of its people, and immersion in a different culture. In
furtherance of her goal of being a pediatrician, she volunteered on the medical
team in Haiti.
TEDx Edina Upon her return from Haiti, Olivia was on fire with the amazing experiences
she had, as well as her thoughtful observations about what her mission team
did well, and what they could have done better to increase the impact of their
work. It was based on these observations that we, her parents, encouraged
her to share her ideas through TED.
TED is a global community whose nonprofit organizers believe passionately in
the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world. TED is
“building a clearinghouse of free knowledge from the world's most inspired
thinkers — and a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each
other, both online and at TED and TEDx events around the world, all year
long.”
Spiwe Jefferson
16456 Wuttke Crossing, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Phone (612) 343-3286 Email: spiwe.jefferson@gmail.com
In Olivia’s TEDx talk, entitled “The
Power of a Portrait: Why Christianity
is Incorrectly Considered the White
Man’s Religion”, she discussed the
impact of unconscious bias in the
mission field. The central concept she
unpacked was the notion that
“Christianity is incorrectly perceived
as the white man’s religion because
an unconscious bias leads to a
disparity between verbal statements
and the visual reality.” For Christian
audience members, Olivia intended
to provide a new perspective on their
faith, and inspiration to be more
inclusive and think about why a
religion that is meant to appeal to all people has become so close-minded over
the years, as well as how to reverse the exclusive mentality we see today. For
non-Christian audience members, she wanted to impart the importance of
representation, and how a lack of it can lead to damage in a community,
regardless of whether it is intentional or not. She also wanted to share ideas
on how to make other environments such as work or school more inclusive for
people of color.
As you can imagine, this sensitive topic took great courage and required
finesse and delicate execution to deliver without making the audience
defensive or angry. The organizers of TED, who search for compelling “big
ideas”, evidently found it compelling because Olivia’s application was selected
as one of 24 speakers out of more than 100 and she gave a three-minute
speech on the topic in April 2018. Twenty-one of the speakers were adults,
and Olivia was one of only three high school students selected.
From there she was selected as one of 14 speakers to give a full talk at the
TEDx Open Mic community event in Edina on October 13, 2018
https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/27893. We were very proud when she was
featured in the September edition of Edina Magazine for her upcoming speech
https://edinamag.com/tedx-event-brings-innovation-and-ideas-edina. TED
posted video footage of the talks on YouTube and the Edina community web
site in a month https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex0v7IXlz5w.
Olivia’s speech has had a powerful effect on her community. As of this writing
it has been viewed almost 7,000 times. It was played for attendees at an Edina
Spiwe Jefferson
16456 Wuttke Crossing, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Phone (612) 343-3286 Email: spiwe.jefferson@gmail.com
community racial equity workshop to raise awareness of unconscious bias. The
Bloomington School District showed it to members of its administration. It has
also had a significant impact within our family. Because of her observations I
made my first mission trip to Kenya – taking my best friend and her mom - so
that the Kenyan people could see themselves represented in the leadership of
our church’s missionary delegation.
Musical Talent Olivia is a well-rounded and very talented individual. She plays the piano,
guitar, ukulele, she has received vocal training, and is a talented singer,
composer, and actor. She has long sung in school choirs and performed solos
in musicals such as Annie Jr. in a theater production in Chicago IL, Hamilton at
the Children’s Theater, Honk, and choir solos. She qualified for the Edina High
School Choir, High School Thespians, and the Minnesota State Honor Choir,
and the Minnesota All-State Choir.
Career
Aspirations
Olivia’s fourteen-year old sister was hospitalized for asthma many times when
she was younger. She also suffers from Type 1 Diabetes. Rather than viewing
this situation with helplessness, Olivia was moved to aim for a career as a
pediatrician, which she has steadfastly held on to since she was around 11
years old. “I want to use medicine to help bring joy and healing to other
children like her who are in need,” Olivia wrote in her TEDx application.
Conclusion Olivia is deeply committed to making the world a better place and aspires to
leave every place she inhabits in a better condition than when she found it.
She is particularly passionate about eliminating bias and establishing equality
in her community regardless race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender expression, marital status, or disability. As a child who
endured her parents’ divorce, remarriage, and adjustment to two blended
families, Olivia understands what it means to overcome great pain and how it
feels to thrive in the face of family upheaval, gender and racial discrimination.
Between the humanitarian principles we taught her which were reinforced
throughout her most formative years at Ramalynn Academy, Olivia is
passionate about fostering respect and dignity for others, modeling courage
and compassion in the advancement of human rights and demonstrating
leadership by example for improving human relations and advancing human
rights. These qualities have blossomed in the activities she has undertaken
both at Edina High School and in her community.
Spiwe Jefferson
16456 Wuttke Crossing, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Phone (612) 343-3286 Email: spiwe.jefferson@gmail.com
With this kind of character, it is no surprise that she has made a friend of Edina
mayor, Jim Hovland, participating in other community initiatives since the
Peace Walk. Miranda Petersen, one of her former Ramalynn teachers, drove
more than 2 ½ hours from her home to watch Olivia’s TED talk. Her former
principal from Ramalynn, who was in town from her home in Florida, also took
time out of her brief trip to come and watch Olivia speak.
Former teacher Miranda
Petersen, and former
principal Lynn Ramalingam,
traveled to hear Olivia’s TED
talk.
Edina mayor, Jim Hovland,
has been a consistent source
of encouragement and
support to Olivia.
Singing backstage with
“Hamilton” star, Leslie
Odom, Jr. when he was in
town for a concert with the
Minnesota Orchestra.
Olivia is driven by an internal fire of her own. We believe she came into this
world with a mission and purpose which she seeks to fulfill daily. She is self-
propelled and as her parents, we have at times suggested she work less and
take more time to enjoy just being a kid. But she loves the activities she is
involved in and she is spurred on by her passion. These are just the most
prominent of many examples of how Olivia exemplifies love and compassion
in action every day.
For these reasons we highly recommend that Olivia be selected for the Tom
Oye Human Rights Award.
Regards,
Spiwe L. Jefferson
James M. Pierce
Date: October 22, 2019 Agenda Item #: VII.C.
To:Human Rights and Relations Commission Item Type:
Report and Recommendation
From:Heidi Lee, Race & Equity Coordinator
Item Activity:
Subject:Human Rights & Relations Commission 2020 Work
Plan Development
Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
The commission continues to work on developing their 2020 Work P lan. The Commission should discuss new
items for the Work Plan, as well as items that will carry over from 2019 to 2020.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
HRRC 2020 Work Plan
Human Rights & Relations
2020 DRAFT Commission Work Plan Template
Initiative #1 Initiative Type Completion Date Council Charge
Ongoing April 2020
Lead Commissioners Budget Staff Support
Funds available CTS (including video)
Staff Liaison
Initiative #2 Initiative Type Completion Date Council Charge
Ongoing December 2020
Lead Commissioners Budget Staff Support
Funds available CTS (including video)
Staff Liaison
Initiative #3 Initiative Type Completion Date Council Charge
Ongoing October 2020
Lead Commissioners Budget Staff Support
Funds available CTS (including video)
Staff Liaison
Review and Decide
Staff Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:
Progress Report:
Days of Remembrance Event
Lead: Human Rights & Relations
Commission
Partners: Arts & Culture Commission
Review and Decide
2020 Tom Oye Award
Lead: Human Rights & Relations
Commission
Staff Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:
Progress Report:
Review and Decide
Sharing Values, Sharing Communities Event
Lead: Human Rights & Relations
Commission
Staff Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:
Progress Report:
Initiative #4 Initiative Type Completion Date Council Charge
Continue
Lead Commissioners Budget Staff Support
Funds not available Staff Liaison
Initiative #5 Initiative Type Completion Date Council Charge
Continue
Lead Commissioners Budget Staff Support
Funds not available Staff Liaison
Initiative #6 Initiative Type Completion Date Council Charge
Continue
Lead Commissioners Budget Staff Support
Funds not available Staff Liaison
City Manager Comments:
Progress Report:
Progress Report:
Review and Recommend
Bias Offense Response Plan review to determine if the plan should
be broadened to include offenses outside of the state statute’s
definition of bias offense. (Review Racial Equity Recommendation 3.
A.)
Lead: Human Rights & Relations
Commission
Staff Liaison Comments:
Review and Recommend
R&E 20.B. Chair/co-chair a cross-commission committee (see
partners) in partnership with communities of color to identify
barriers for participation in programming.
Lead: Human Rights & Relations
Commission
Partners: Parks & Recreation Commission
Staff Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:
Review and Recommend
R&E 18.E. Chair/co-chair a cross-commission committee (see
partners) to ensure City facility artwork and décor reflects
diversity of race and culture.Lead: Human Rights & Relations
Commission Partners: Arts & Culture
Commission
Staff Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:
Progress Report:
Initiative #7 Initiative Type Completion Date Council Charge
Continue
Lead Commissioners Budget Staff Support
Funds available CTS (including video)
Staff Liaison
Initiative #8 Initiative Type Completion Date Council Charge
Event December 2020
Lead Commissioners Budget Staff Support
Funds available CTS (including video)
Staff Liaison
Parking Lot
Staff Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:
Progress Report:
Staff Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:
Progress Report:
Review and Decide
Celebrate 50th anniversity of HRRC in Edina
Lead: Human Rights & Relations
Commission
Review and Recommend
Serve on a cross-commission committee (see partners) to
complete requirements for Edina to receive the AARP City
Designation.
-Complete Walk Audit Tool Kit provided by AARP
-October Senior Expo & Designation
Lead: Community Health Commission
Partners: Parks & Recreation Commission,
Transportation Commission
Date: October 22, 2019 Agenda Item #: VII.D.
To:Human Rights and Relations Commission Item Type:
Report and Recommendation
From:Jennifer Garske, Executive Assistant
Item Activity:
Subject:2020 Days of Remembrance Working Group Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the greenprint to establish a working group for the 2020 Days of Remembrance event.
INTRODUCTION:
As the Commission begins looking ahead to their 2020 Work Plan, members who will help plan the Days of
Remembrance event for 2020 would like to establish the working group for the event.
Date: October 22, 2019 Agenda Item #: IX.A.
To:Human Rights and Relations Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Heidi Lee, Race & Equity Coordinator
Item Activity:
Subject:November and December 2019 HRRC meeting dates Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
The Commission should discuss the dates of the remaining 2019 Human Rights & Relations Commission
meetings. Currently, the HRRC meetings are scheduled for Nov. 26 and Dec. 3. See attached City of Edina
Council and Advisory Commissions calendar.
The Commission should also start looking at dates for the 2020 HRRC meetings, and discuss what meetings may
need to be moved for holidays or City events.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
2019 City of Edina Council and Advisory Commissions Meeting Calendar
2019 CITY OF EDINA COUNCIL AND ADVISORY COMMISSIONS
MEETINGS, HOLIDAYS, DAYS OF RELIGOUS OBSERVANCE AND ELECTION DATES
Adopted City Council Nov. 7, 2018
Revised City Council Nov. 20, 2018
Revised HRA Nov. 29, 2018
Revised 3/5/19
Holidays City Council Nite to Unite Pln Comm Trns Comm Pk & Rec Comm
Indicates a religious holiday's observance Election Day HRA HRA Cancel
HP Comm Health Comm Human R/R Comm E& E Comm Arts & Culture Comm
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1 2
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 1
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31
OCTOBER NOVEMBER
APRIL MAY JUNE
JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER
DECEMBER