2002_Human Rights Comm Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Essay Contest Update The Commission received more than 300 essays, the most essays that anyone can remember. Students from three schools, Parkview Center, Roseville Middle School and St. Rose of Lima, participated in the contest. In November each Commission Member received 32 essays. The Commissioners read their essays and submitted their top choices to Carolyn Curti by the December meeting. Commission members then received a copy of all of the top selections. Commissioners will read and grade all of the essays on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best. Commissioners will bring their scores to the January meeting, and the top three winners will be selected then. Committee Report Building New and Strengthening Existing Partnerships with Community and Businesses- Thelma McKenzie presented information from ConAgra Foods and their efforts to build a diverse workforce. Thelma asked the Commission members to consider them as a model for the Commission to work with businesses. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Thelma McKenzie asked for ideas to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20. In 2002 the Commission sponsored an announcement on Minnesota Public Radio. It cost $250 for a short spot. Some Commissioners felt that the radio spot was a passive way to get a message across and there are other more active ways to commemorate the work of King. Thelma suggested building on the school relationship. Steve Smith suggested approaching the Pan African Endowment Fund. Phil Crump suggested contacting Blockbuster Video and having them display and discount certain videos that address issues of racism. Steve Smith expressed conceru about the movies they would select. Thelma said she liked the idea of giving something to the schools - a poster or recommended books to read or movies to watch. Mark Chapin moved that the Human Rights Commission purchase posters for all schools in the 623 School District in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Phil Crump seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Carolyn Curti will find samples of appropriate posters and then via email get feedback from Commissioners for the appropriate poster to purchase and distribute before January 20. Phil Crump will meet with Blockbuster Video management to see if they are interested in displaying videos to celebrate Black History Month. Other Commissioners suggested that we include other celebratory months such as Women's History Month, American Indian Month and Hispanic Heritage Month. Committee Reports Providing Leadership on Human Rights Issues - Mark Chapin requested help from another Commission member since Hannah Neprash resigned from the Commission. Patty Tschida volunteered to serve on the Committee.