HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC 2023-01-17
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 – 7:00 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Glover. Members Present:
Richard Glover, Denise Collins-Robinson, Becky Drzwewicki, Haitham Fakhouri, Carmen
Kennedy-Rogers, and Josh Sabo, Director of Community Resources
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda for the January 17, 2023 meeting was approved unanimously.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes for the November 15, 2022 meeting were approved unanimously.
IV. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
a. Madonna University MLK Celebration and Events: Event is scheduled for January 18,
2023; a winner will be announced at a later time to encourage additional essay
participants; several HRC members plan to attend the event.
b. 2023 DEI/Racial Justice Forum: Chair Glover met with the Mayor to seek feedback and
gain her vision; important for the forum to have representation from different groups
around the city (Police, City Departments, HRC, etc); there will be multiple forums so
the conversation can continue, hosted by different groups; possibly will be in March
2023; focus is on being positive and proactive, offer more information and dialogue for
the community; formal recommendation needs to be created.
c. HRC Goals: Formal goals have not been established; primary goal is to maintain
positive reputation with the community
i. Commissioner Becky Drzwewicki: Mental Health Awareness - collaboration of
various groups/departments (Police Dept, Youth Commission, other City
Commissions) to partner together to raise awareness (September/Fall 2023);
Commissioner Drzewicki will chair the committee to determine goals and details
ii. Commissioner Haitham Fakhouri: Multi-ethnic festival; possibly at the Livonia
Recreation Center; come together and showcase various cultures.
iii. Commissioner Carmen Kennedy-Rogers: Connect more with different City
commissions for learning, exchanging ideas, and collaborative efforts; Josh Sabo
will share different contact information for other Commissions
iv. Josh Sabo: Resolution from The Mayor will be seeking input from HRC to seek
alternative opportunities (designated safe public spaces, events, etc) to
celebrate and honor diversity; Josh Sabo will share verbiage from Council and
will seek more from the Mayor about the vision
d. HRC Students 2023: Chairperson Glover will be meeting with leaders at Schoolcraft
College and Madonna to invite younger members onto the HRC; idea is supported by
the Mayor
e. LaShawn Thomas: Previously the Director of Government Affairs. No longer a City
employee.
V. Relationship Development
This effort has been paused at this time. We need to see how HRC goals align so we can
have conversations with various stakeholders.
VI. Old Business
a. Updates from our subcommittees
i. Non-Discrimination Ordinance (NDO) - Josh Sabo reported. There is an opportunity to revisit
the effort to discuss lessons learned, seek improvement, and possible next steps.
ii. Research & Data - Commissioner Drzewicki will take on this effort.
iii. Outreach & Communications - Nomination forms have been distributed for 2023 DEI award
for the Chamber of Commerce
iv. Racial Justice Forum - previously discussed
v. Education
a. Madonna University - previously discussed
b. Livonia School Essay
i. Lessons Learned offered by Commissioner Carmen Kenendy-Rogers:
1. Hold the essay contest middle of year; topic matters in terms of gaining
students’ interest (ie - Mental Health)
2. Opportunity for HRC to introduce our group to students
3. Clarenceville - wanting to make sure students have access and
knowledge; need to establish an ongoing contact - Commissioner
Drzewicki and Commissioner Fakhouri can offer possible connections
c. Commissioner Denise Collins-Robinson - shared an update about Livonia Public
Schools Equity Education Task Force and Parent/Community Task Force -
working with Superintendent and Communications Director to expand the
knowledge and impact of DEI work in the school district; school district seeking
new DEI coordinator/staff person for the district
VII. New Business
No new business
VIII. Audience Communication
Thomas Emmerick - Senior at Stevenson High School; dual enrolled at Schoolcraft and
Madonna; wanted to join meeting to learn more about HRC
What sparks student participation in essay contests:
Approaching students through social media
Meet with students in person
Connect with different student groups (athletics, music, drama, etc.)
Mental Health: More smaller/one on one opportunities for students to connect with
mental health professionals; share resources available to students
Steve Monroe - Resident; paramedic; there should continue to be a focus on mental health;
LGBTQ – there is support; resources and phone numbers posted so people can know there is
available; 988 number 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
NEXT MEETING OF THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION IS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023
AT 7:00 PM. In accordance with Title II of the American with Disabilities Act as it pertains to
access to Public Meetings, the City Clerk’s Office of the City of Livonia, upon adequate notice,
will make reasonable accommodations for persons with special needs.
If you need assistance, please call (734) 466-2236 or email Clerk@ci.livonia.mi.us