Human Relations Commission

DURHAM HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MAY 2026 MONTHLY MEETING VIRTUAL DATE: TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026 TIME: 6:30 PM MEETING AGENDA Members of DHRC: Commissioners Alex Gwynn, DHRC Chair, Tosh Adams, DHRC Vice Chair, Christina Crosby, Dewayne Hinnant, Lottie Barnes, Amanda Borer, Harvey McMurray, Jack Holtzman, Michael Cornwell, Scott Brummel, Bailey Igoe, Lucy Lu, Kirsten Barrett, Peiyao Guo City Council Liaison: Council Member Shanetta Burris Call to Order Commissioner Alex Gwynn, DHRC Chair Roll Call Alexis John, Assistant Director 1. Ceremonial Items a. Farwell to Commissioners Christina Crosby, Lottie Barnes, and Mike Cornwell. 2. Public Comments [2 Mins. Per Person] 3. Approval of Meeting Minutes a. Approval of Meeting Minutes for the DHRC April 2026 Meeting held Tuesday April 7, 2026. 4. New Business [10 minutes] a. DHRC Officer Elections: Nominating Committee Christina Crosby. b. May DHRC in-person retreat (in conjunction with a BCCTs convening) c. Memo to Council member Burris and the City Clerk’s office regarding competency and vacancy forecast, recruitment and succession planning framework. 1 DHRC May 2026 Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, May 5, 2026 d. Discussion and potential vote regarding the donation of remaining commission gift cards to patients served by the Duke Violence Recovery Program. The program has identified that individuals recovering from gunshot injuries often prefer flexible financial support in the form of gift cards, which allow for greater dignity and autonomy in meeting immediate needs such as food and short-term necessities. Temporary housing needs were also noted as a significant concern for individuals who cannot safely return to their prior living environments during recovery. 5. Executive Committee Report [10 minutes]: “If the human relations commission is to get beyond first base, it must constantly keep in mind that it is created to work for the interest of the total community, not just a part, a segment, or a fragment.” - The Durham Sun, September 5, 1968. a. The following commissioners are appointed to the respective ad hoc committees and standing committees: 1. Housing – Jack Holtzman (co-chair), Lottie Barnes (co-chair), Mike Cornwell, Bailey Igoe, Kirsten Barrett, Christina Crosby 2. Race and Ethnic Relations – Kirsten Barrett (co-chair), Lucy Lu (co-chair), Alex Gwynn (co-chair), Amanda Borer, Harvey McMurray 3. Public Safety and Community Support – Scott Brummel (co-chair), Kirsten Barrett (co-chair), Bailey Igoe (co-chair), Harvey McMurray, Amanda Borer, Mike Cornwell, Tosh Adams, Jack Holtzman, Alex Gwynn, Dewayne Hinnant 4. Awards and Events – Tosh Adams (co-chair), Alex Gwynn (co-chair), Amanda Borer, Jack Holtzman 5. Policies and Procedures Committee: Harvey McMurray (chair), Kirsten Barrett, Scott Brummel, Christina Crosby 6. Social Media / Marketing Committee: Mike Cornwell (co-chair), Kirsten Barrett (co-chair), Tosh Adams, Alex Gwynn. b. Committee chairs must provide meeting dates, times, and locations (whether virtual or in-person) for the respective committees and through June 2026, as soon as possible and specifically for the following committees – policies and procedures, housing, race and ethnic relations, and public safety. c. Review the 2026 DHRC Implementation (Detailed) Road Map d. Potential opportunity to partner with the North Carolina Bar Association on a cyber bullying volunteer trainings with DPS, through the Bar Association’s lawyers in schools program e. We sent out a follow-up survey requests around 2/19 to various City-County BCCs who are doing work in our focus areas to foster more communication and collaboration and to also understand any policy-driven work or outreach that other boards are doing. So far we have received responses from 4 City-County boards - the Planning Commission, Racial Equity Commission, Citizens Advisory Committee, and the Mayor’s Hispanic/Latino Committee. We also had a member of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council join us at our commission meeting in March. Also, we have made contact with the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and the Police Review Board. f. Continued discussion with Community Partnerships and Engagement of an effective community outreach strategy to all residents for the commission, as well as full commission in-person meeting locations in the community. g. Updates regarding the Police Chief Hiring Process h. Mobilization of Commissioners for review of the City’s FY 26-27 Proposed Budget around 5/18. 2 DHRC May 2026 Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, May 5, 2026 Reminders: i. For commissioners with Gmail, a google drive was created that houses all DHRC documents and pictures, and DHRC Chair Alex Gwynn will add a place in the Google Drive to track notes from community events [Notes from Events and Meetings - Google Docs] j. Presenter requests for full commission meetings must be provided at least one (1) week prior to an HRC executive committee meeting and send the requests to the HRC Chair and Vice Chair. Per policy, agenda items are to be submitted (2) weeks prior to the full commission meeting (Process for Submitting Items for the Agenda,” Durham Human Relations Commission, Rules of Procedure and Powers & Duties, Section VII pg. 6). Organized groups have (48) hours to submit a request, and individuals not representing organized groups may request the right to speak from the floor (“Appearance of Groups Before the Commission” and “Rights of Individuals to Speak Before the Commission,” Durham Human Relations Commission, Rules of Procedure and Powers & Duties, Section VII pg. 6). 6. Presentations [20 min Total - 10 mins + 5-10 minutes Q & A ] a. Presenter(s): - Director Sarah Vinas, Housing and Neighborhood Services Department 7. Human Relations Manager’s Report [5 minutes]: a. Update on the DHRC grant funding amount and allocation deadline b. HR Case Report 8. Committee Reports and Discussion [10 Mins.] a. Awards (Vice Chair Tosh Adams and Chair Alex Gwynn) - No updates, will start planning for Q4 2026 awards and recognition b. Social Media and Marketing (Commissioner(s) Mike Cornwell; Kirsten Barrett co-chairs) - Follow up regarding the commissioner bios that we currently have, new FB and interaction with other pages regarding the DPA survey, whether the old FB still exists, and the creation of an Instagram page, and LinkedIn page https://www.facebook.com/share/14VgJvvJ7zb/?mibextid=wwXIfr Link for LinkedIn page doesn’t exist: https://www.linkedin.com/in/city-of-durham-human-relations-commission- 816698395?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_me dium=ios_app - Vice Chair Tosh Adams provided a list of organizations to follow - Implementation of the “Did You Know?” social media engagement strategy c. Policies and Procedures (Commissioner Harvey McMurray chair) - Seeking additional and active committee members for 2026, update on Commissioners who reached out to assist with updating the policies and procedures and work assignments - Next meeting date – TBD - Confirm proposed meeting time and date - TBD d. Public Safety and Community Relations (Commissioner(s) Scott Brummel; Bailey Igoe; Kirsten Barrett co-chairs) - Proposed meeting time and date – 4th Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm - Discussion of a City-County BCCTs convening before or during the June VCR summit - Updates on the date, location, and time of the City-County VCR Summit e. Race and Ethnic Relations (Commissioner(s) Kirsten Barrett; Lucy Lu; Alex Gwynn co-chairs) 3 DHRC May 2026 Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - Proposed meeting time and date – 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm f. Housing (Commissioners Jack Holtzman; Lottie Barnes co-chairs) - Confirm proposed meeting date and time – 3rd Wednesday of each month at 8:00pm - Attendance of the Citizen Advisory Committee meeting on 4/27 (Commissioner Bailey Igoe) - Update regarding community meeting on the HOPWA funding (Commissioner Jack Holtzman confirmed that he has not received an update from Hayley Cunningham) 9. Commissioner Announcements/Reflections [10 minutes] Reflections: a. 4/21: DCIA Resource Fair (Main Library) Announcements: a. 5/10 Community Engagement Mini Grant Application deadline b. 5/16: Youth and Family Forum on Gun Violence Prevention at ReCity from 2pm-5pm c. 6/9: Housing for New Hope Annual Breakfast d. June 2026 we are Activist Summer Camp e. 8/1: Stop the Violence and Ceasefire Community Resource Event 10. Old Business a. None Adjournment Commissioner Alexandria Gwynn, DHRC Chair 4 Dear Council Member Burris and Ms. Pratt, On behalf of the Durham Human Relations Commission (DHRC), I am writing to share recommendations regarding upcoming and anticipated vacancies on the Commission, along with a proposed framework to support strategic recruitment and appointment planning. Pursuant to Section 34-112 of the City of Durham Code of Ordinances, the Commission is charged with promoting positive human relations, advising City leadership, and supporting inclusive civic participation, as well as promoting equitable and proportionate representation of all traditionally under-represented groups on public boards and agencies in the City. In alignment with this authority, the Commission has reviewed its current composition to support awareness of representation trends and evolving community needs. Current Context The Commission anticipates multiple vacancies due to term completions and non-renewals. This presents an opportunity to reflect on the Commission’s overall composition and support awareness of evolving community needs and areas of expertise. Recommendation: Recruitment and Composition Considerations To support continued representation and a broad range of perspectives, the Commission offers the following considerations for Council’s awareness during the appointment process: • Representation of young adults (ages 18–40) with interest in civic engagement, public service, housing, race and ethnic relations, and public safety • Durham natives and long-term residents, to support continuity of community-rooted perspective and historical context • Representation across socioeconomic backgrounds, including individuals with lived experience navigating housing systems, public services, or economic barriers • Subject-matter expertise across key areas, including: o youth engagement and education o public safety and community trust o public health and community well-being o housing and community development o technology, communications, and data systems Purpose and Alignment These considerations are intended to: • Support the Commission’s ability to serve as an effective public forum • Enhance its advisory capacity to City leadership • Strengthen pathways for broader civic participation across Durham The Commission recognizes that appointments are made by City Council and appreciates the role of the City Clerk’s Office in facilitating this process. This framework is offered as a collaborative and informational tool to support recruitment awareness and alignment with the Commission’s evolving areas of focus. It is not intended to serve as selection criteria or to limit Council’s appointment authority. For ease of reference, we have included a proposed Recruitment and Succession Planning Matrix (Attachment A), which reflects current Commission composition and highlights general areas of representation and expertise for consideration in future appointments. We welcome the opportunity to discuss these considerations further and provide any additional context that may be helpful. Thank you for your continued support. Best regards, Alex Gwynn, Esq Chair, Durham Human Relations Commission ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Attachment A: DHRC Composition and Capacity Overview This document is intended to support the City of Durham’s appointment process by providing an informational overview of anticipated vacancies, current Commission composition, and general areas of representation and expertise. It is offered as a planning resource to support awareness of Commission capacity and does not constitute selection criteria or appointment recommendations. DHRC Membership Composition and Vacancy Overview Anticipated Member Term Status Primary Areas of Experience Action Michael 1st Term (Jun Technology systems; private sector Not reapplying Cornwell 2024–Jun 2026) experience; civic engagement Healthcare operations; public safety Christina L. 3rd Term (Oct interest; environmental advocacy Term-limited Crosby 2024–Jun 2026) (reduction in ideological diversity with the current composition) Public health; education; long-term Dr. Lottie K. 1st Term (Feb Durham community perspective Not reapplying Barnes 2024–Jun 2026) (reduction in long-term Durham native representation) 1st Term (Nov Pending Council Youth engagement; communications; Kirsten Barrett 2025–Jun 2026) action public safety interest 1st Term (Jun Eligible to Housing policy; legal and advocacy Jack Holtzman 2024–Jun 2027) continue experience Harvey 1st Term (Jun Eligible to Criminal justice; academia; faith McMurray 2024–Jun 2027) continue community engagement  Anticipated Member Term Status Primary Areas of Experience Action Natoskia (Tosh) 2nd Term (Jun Eligible to Education; youth services; public safety Adams 2024–Jun 2027) continue coordination Alexandria 2nd Term (Jun Eligible to Legal practice; civic strategy; cross- Gwynn 2024–Jun 2027) continue sector collaboration Neighborhood services; nonprofit Dewayne 2nd Term (Jun Eligible to leadership Hinnant 2024–Jun 2027) continue (limited recent participation in commission initiatives) 1st Term (Jan Academic research; humanities Peiyao Guo New member 2026–Jun 2027) perspective; emerging engagement 1st Term (Jun Eligible to Social services; housing instability; Bailey Igoe 2025–Jun 2028) continue public safety intersection Zhaohui (Lucy) 1st Term (Jun Eligible to Public finance; audit; data and equity Lu 2025–Jun 2028) continue analysis 2nd Term (Jun Eligible to Public health; food systems; cross-sector Scott Brummel 2025–Jun 2028) continue coordination Healthcare operations; institutional 2nd Term (Jun Eligible to coordination Amanda Borer 2025–Jun 2028) continue (limited recent participation in commission initiatives) Areas of General Expertise Present Within Current Commission For informational context, current membership reflects experience across: • Housing and community development • Public health and social services • Criminal justice and public safety engagement • Legal and policy analysis • Youth engagement and education • Technology, data, and communications systems • Civic and nonprofit leadership This overview is intended to support transparency and shared understanding of Commission composition in alignment with the DHRC’s advisory role. It is not intended to prescribe appointment outcomes or limit the discretion of City Council in the selection process.