Restorative Justice Commission

Restorative Justice Commission City of College Park Tuesday, January 23, 2024 6:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting Members Present Absent Isabella Alcaniz X Karin Brown X Robert Catlin X Andrew Fellows X Maxine Gross X Violetta Sharps Jones X James McShay Nikki Pancho Ian Rowe X Courtnie Thurston X Robert Thurston X Marques Washington X Pamela Randall-Boardley X Fannie Featherstone X Willie Sellers X Staff and Others Joanne Braxton, Braxton Institute X Richael Faithful, Braxton Institute X Richard Biffl X Kayla Carter, Racial Equity Officer, Staff X Liaison Teresa Way-Pezzuti, HR Director, Staff X Liaison Kenny Young, City Manager X Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary X I. Call to Order Ms. Gross called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. II. Updates a. Ms. Gross spoke with Dr. Mann from the African American Redress Network and Dr. Mann commented that she was impressed with the RJC’s request for proposal. b. Renaming Clarification – Ms. Gross asked the Commission to confirm the renaming of College Park Community Center to Lakeland College Park Community Center and Lake Artemisia Natural Area to Lake Artemisia Natural 1  Area at Lakeland. The Commission confirmed the renaming and next steps are to draft a letter to the Planning Board and Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC). c. RJC Collaborations with the Braxton Institute and the Lakeland Community Heritage Project – Ms. Gross asked the Commission for acceptance to collaborate with the Braxton Institute and the Lakeland Community Heritage Project to help the Commission develop a restorative justice process in the City. Mr. Fellows motioned to accept the collaboration of the Braxton Institute and the Lakeland Community Heritage Project in carrying out the mission of restorative justice. Second by Ms. Alcaniz. All members in favor; no opposed. Motion carries, 10-0-0. d. College Park’s Art Exchange – Ms. Gross informed the Commission that the Art Exchange has asked to co-sponsor the event. The Art’s Exchange also has a monthly book club and they agreed to present the book “Root Shock” by Dr. Fulilove on April 16th and will be held in Lakeland. There will also be a larger discussion of the book on April 17th. e. Requests for proposal – Received information in preparation for the International Town and Gown Association Meeting scheduled in June. Proposals are due in February. Ms. Gross asked the Commission if the RJC would like to present at the meeting. f. 100th Anniversary of North Brentwood Celebration is scheduled for June. III. Review and Approval of November Meeting Minutes The Commission reviewed the meeting minutes of the November 21, 2023, meeting and edits were made to the minutes. Ms. Alcaniz motioned to approve the minutes as amended. Second by Ms. Featherstone. All members in favor; no opposed. Motion carries 8-0-0. IV. Restorative and Transformative Justice The Committee met and continued planning for the town hall program scheduled for April 16-17 with Dr. Fullilove. The plan is to schedule the town hall with Lakeland at First Baptist Church for April 16th. A venue to hold 200-300 people is still needed for April 17th. The Washington Brazilian Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Marriott Conference Center are two possible venue options for April 17th. The Clarice may also be available but have to wait 30 days for confirmation. 2  Mr. Fellows motioned to co-sponsor the event with the Arts Exchange with the understanding that details are to be worked out on how the events play out and that it doesn't negatively impact the Commission’s vision for the event. Second by Ms. Brown. All members in favor; no opposed. Motion carries, 9-0-0. Town Hall Presentation – Proposed to schedule in May to have a moderator and small panel of individuals talk about the concept of reparations, others that have done that type of work and what outcomes were seen. Ms. Gross recommended the following individuals for the panel: 1. Reverend Snyder 2. Mayor of Evanston 3. Corey Shaw 4. Nkechi Taifa 5. Linda Mann (alternate) V. Truth and Reconciliation a. Recap and Updates i. RFP Update – The RFP is ready to go out February 1st. VI. Adjournment Ms. Gross adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m. 3