Auburn Human Rights Commission
Members: Present (P) Absent, (A); Excused (E)
Karen Sheftic-Burns, Ex.Director _P Fred Richardson, Commissioner __P___
Judah Rodriguez-Sierra _ P__ Fr. Stephen Mack _P__ Lebertus van der Werff _A _
Gwendolyn M. Jones __A___ Kent Brandstetter__ _P__ Anthony DeCaro _E ___
Yolanda Rivera __ E__
Members Present: __4_ _ Members Absent: __ 2_ Members Excused: _ 2___
Call to order: 5:10 pm
Auburn Human Rights Commission - Director’s Report
March Meeting 2005
Approve/second last month’s minutes by: Mack/Rodriguez-Sierra
Members discuss the following:
Monthly intake for February (50) consisted of questions and/or complaints dealing with housing matters (landlord and tenant, repairs), defamation of character, employment terminations, and questions/calls in reference to our Black History Month Program.
Monthly Budget: Members please see monthly activity report attached.
Update: Budget 2005-2006 first meeting was held. HR requests similar budget/increases as last year. Our Annual Report provides client statistics supporting our request for office/staff expansion. The next ’05-’06 Budget Meeting will take place in March.
Awareness advertising campaign: on-going
Annual Report design: on-going
Black History Month Program & Reception: Completed. Over 380 student writers participated in our program at City Hall. Participating schools are: Herman, Owasco, Genesee, Seward, Casey Elementary Schools, East Middle School, and SS. Peter & Paul Parochial School. HR is very thankful to the teachers, school principals, parents, and students for taking the time to make this program a positive learning endeavor for all involved. Thirty-one essays/poems were published by The Citizen and Syracuse Newspapers – many thanks for their continued support and extended press coverage. Also, thanks to Congressman Boehlert’s office (Trish Dellonte), and Auburn City Mayor Timothy Lattimore for taking time from their busy schedules to present written acknowledgements from their
offices. There was an unscheduled appearance at our program by Congressman Oakes and Assemblyman Finch. HR appreciates their continued support.
HR Black History Program was extended for a special award of certificates at Genesee Elementary School. Commissioner Richardson, HR Director, and Principal Robertson presented a short awards program to the fourth and fifth grade students at Genesee. Our thanks to The Citizen for extended photo coverage.
Harriet Tubman Museum (Christine Carter) requests continued usage of the Black History Month Program essays for display at their museum throughout the year. Following our month-long display, essays are removed, held, and discarded if no one expresses a wish for their return. Tubman Museum is welcome to further display the student work. We ask that the Tubman Museum notify the schools of their intentions and encourage viewing them at their site as well.
Women’s History Month: On Tuesday, March 8, HR will sponsor a Women’s History Program at Genesee Elementary School. Featured presenter is Ellen Mnich from Aunt Helen’s Closet. HR has sponsored this program during previous years and is always well received by students and school staff. Fees are the same as last year, including mileage: $225/session (2) and travel expenses equate to $136.
Juneteenth Day Program plans are underway. This program is scheduled for Wednesday, June 15th from 1-3 pm at the Booker T. Washington Community Center in Auburn. Currently in contact with the Blackstorytelling League of Rochester. Booking agent is meeting with the group and will contact HR concerning the availability of a presenter. Wegmans will be approached as our continued sponsor of the reception part of this program.
Motion to accept Director’s Report/Second: Mack/Brandstetter
New Business: United Way Fundraiser, Wednesday, March 23 at Holiday Inn
Members note details, times, fees, deadline.
Old Business: None
Motion to adjourn/Second: Rodriguez/Mack Adjournment: 6:00 pm
Next COMMISSION MEETING
Wed, April 6 at 5 pm
Members please call 255-4122 if you cannot attend.
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