Commission on Human Rights

CITY OF ALBANY COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021 Opening: The November 18, 2021, meeting was called to order at 6:08 PM EST, via Zoom, by Chairperson Aaron Moore. Present: Chairperson Aaron Moore; Vice Chairperson Rosie Love; Secretary Thomas Richards, Esq. Commissioner Natisha Alexander; Commissioner Valerie Alexander-Moseley; Commissioner Celia Evers; Commissioner Kate Shelly, Esq. Chief Diversity Officer Angelica Kang, Esq. Quorum: Yes Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes: Yes. Business from the Prior Meeting: Planning on the Annual Awards Ceremony will continue before and after the Thanksgiving holiday. Equity Agenda update. Executive Director Kang reported that the data request is nearly done with the information being compiled. The data will be reviewed and approved by the Office of the Mayor prior to release to the Commission. Executive Director Kang reviewed the requested sections of the report and related data requests. Vice-Chairperson Love commented on hopes to involve community members, included interested youth, in a review of the Equity Agenda. New Business: Vice-Chairperson Love noted an interest in developing a public outreach and community education committee to better engage the public in the work of the Commission – and respond to the needs and interests of the public. Chairperson Moore noted the possibility of outreach and collaboration with A Village and In Our Own Voices on how to be an ally to LGBTQ+ youth. Commissioner Shelly noted an interest in programming and efforts on disability rights and inclusion and will provide a list of possible organizations. Commissioner Alexander noted an interest in matters related to fair housing and redlining and suggested collaboration with the Albany County Community Loan Fund and the Albany Land Bank. Commissioner Alexander- 1 Moseley commented on her hope that the Commission and the commissioners would robustly engage with the community and spoke to her experience with other organizations. Motion unanimously adopted to create a Community Engagement Committee, with Secretary Richards as co-chair and another co-chair to be determined. Vice-Chairperson Love will serve on the Committee. Secretary Richards provided information on the New York State Bar Association’s Task Force on Racism, Social Equity, and the Law upcoming public forum on The Impact of Structural Racism: Overcoming Barriers to Housing, Economic, and Environmental Justice, scheduled for Monday, December 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This Public Forum is free to attend, but preregistration is required at this link: https://nysba.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lxjUfFJUQ2qITnGpOxqTaw Executive Director Kang noted that December 9th will be her last day with the City of Albany, and that the future staffing of the Commission will be determined. The Commissioners extended their thanks to Executive Director Kang for her distinguished service and aid to the Commission. Executive Director Kang noted that no public comments were submitted for the meeting. Adjournment: This meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:00 PM. Minutes submitted by: Secretary Richards Minutes approved by: These minutes were approved by the Commission on December 16, 2021. 2