Human Relations Commission MLK Subcommittee Agendas &

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Subcommittee of the Elgin Human Relations Commission December 15, 2025 The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m., with HRC Liaison June Wooten, Winfried Cooper, Janie McCutchen, Michael Montgomery and Deborah Willis in attendance. The minutes of the previous meeting were adopted as written (Cooper/Willis). There being no old business, we turned to the reports from the relevant Pillars: Saturday Morning Prayer Breakfast: no report. Sunday Afternoon Community Celebration: Willis reported that plans were developing well. She was reaching out to various groups, churches (‘Black’, ‘White’, Hispanic) and individuals seeking participation. Willis suggested seeking approval from HRC to pay a lead musician for their skills in arranging and coordinating music. A letter announcing all of the events has been drafted and will be sent out this week. There was follow up discussion about the need for refreshments following the event and whether the day was too long. There was extensive discussion on communication issues. Willis, Wooten and Cooper will meet together to resolve those issues . June Wooten will work with Deborah Willis moving forward The letter drafted by Montgomery announcing all of the events was approved (Cooper/McCutchen). Food Drive. Montgomery reported (see attached) that all was in place with U-46, Fire Department and the houses of worship once the letter get sent. No harm if it is done this week. The committee recommended that he reach out to the police explorer post (Detective Edwin Avala, advisor) to help with unloading on January 18 from 10 to 12, with the young men from 2nd Baptist Church replacing them from noon to 2 p.m. The panel discussions on Dr. King are in place with Gail Borden Library responsible for promotion. Montgomery linked with ECC to gain involvement and support from them. Cooper reported on the Monday youth event. There are a few more tweaks to an otherwise commanding poster announcing the event but otherwise things are pretty much in place. Registration deadline is January 9. Two identical workshops will be held with a writing project (for introverts) at the end. Councilman Corey Dixon will serve as emcee. The event will be canceled if the temperature is below 20 degrees. Scholarship Committee: McCutchen reported that the committee had met with applicants the previous Monday and Tuesday, and then as a committee on Sunday to review the 13 applicants. 9 people will receive $1,000 scholarships Clarification was given that the members of the HRC and MLK committee will need to buy their own tickets to the Saturday prayer breakfast. Wooten reported for the HRC on the design of a new MLK t-shirt. No details yet. The next meeting of the committee will be January 14, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Elgin Police Department. The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m. (Cooper/Willis).