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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-16 Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes July 16, 2024 I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Chair Glover. Members Present: Richard Glover, Denise Collins-Robinson, Madison Ling, Ed Buison, Haitham Fakhouri, Yvette Warren, and Thomas Emerick. Not Present: Joshua Reeber. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda for the July 16, 2024 meeting was approved unanimously. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes for the May 21, 2024 meeting were approved unanimously. IV. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION (2 Minutes) There was no audience communication. V. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT a. New Member Welcome (Ed Buison) Ed grew up in Livonia and graduated from Stevenson High School in 1998. He then completed both his undergraduate and master’s coursework at Wayne State University. He began his entrepreneurship in 2010, starting a home healthcare business and branching into the food industry, now owning 4 Biggby Coffee stores and a Kung Fu Tea. Ed is also a board member of the Livonia-Westland Chamber of Commerce. b. HRC formal/official communications The Commission reiterated topics on communication from the last meeting so the new member, Ed, was aware. c. Data Request - FYI The Commission discussed an inquiry regarding data, but since all members were aware of the inquiry and following communication, as well as this inquiry being already handled, this conversation was brief. VI. OLD BUSINESS a. Updates from our subcommittees i. DEI Fishbowl: A paper was passed out regarding fishbowl speakers. This paper was split into topics that panelists would speak about and names were thrown out about who would be powerful speakers for these topics. A general outline for the event was also presented as well as the goals of education and emphasizing all aspects of DEIB rather than a single topic. ii. Outreach + Communications (Haitham): The Commission discussed different types of brochures and how to adapt and finalize a final draft. Thomas and Haitham will be working alongside each other with the design, aiming to have everything ready to distribute by the fall. iii. Pride Update: The Commission was pleased with the turnout of over 30 tables and discussed its future participation. Things went mostly well at the event and the Commission discussed its table at next year’s event. iv. Education: 1. Schoolcraft Juneteenth Review: The event also went very well, and many HRC members participated. The event was a great way to connect with people on Schoolcraft’s campus. 2. Essay contest timing: The specifics are to be talked about later date, but the Commission plans to hold the contest sooner than usual. There was also an emphasis on integrity policies how to detect plagiarism and the usage of artificial intelligence in submissions. b. HRC introduction at Pastor Warren Church – In conjunction with DEI Fishbowl: The Commission discussed potential participation regarding faith at the DEI Fishbowl. c. Ice Cream Social Review: Numerous Commission members attended and volunteered at the Ice Cream Social and expressed that, while busy, the event was enjoyable. VII. NEW BUSINESS a. Corn Roast and Tour de Livonia Dates (Champion?): Haitham will be championing the event on September 8. The Commission has its table booked and discussed what to bring to set up. b. 75th Anniversary of City: The Commission discussed what its contribution could be and there was support for the idea of a video or collage about why Livonia is home. c. HRC mail list / HRC page (Champion?): Haitham will also champion this. There was a discussion about potential uses for the site and information to share., d. Brandon M. attend next meeting?: Brandon will be invited to the next meeting as the Commission has an interest in discussing different topics with him. There was also a discussion on potential future guests that Commission members would like to speak to VIII. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION FOR ANY THAT HAS NOT SPOKEN (2 MINUTES) There was no additional audience communication, but at this time, Ed was voted as the Commission’s new secretary since Thomas would be back at school at the time of the next meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.