Human Rights Commission

Public Meeting / Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes 14 AM 9^43 Fitchburg, Ma 01420 Date: March 9th, 2021 Time: 6:00pm Location: via Zoom In attendance were: Commissioners: Barbara Nealon, Hafsa Asfa, Jamie Darcangelo, Martiza Knight, Cheryl Maguy-Stewart, Mariah Pidgen, Krista Ford Rhodes, David Roth, and Maryam Ashraf Presenters]:Judie O'Donnell, PatsyTaucer [PJ], Marissa Martell, Michael Brunelle Others in attendance: Sam Squailia, Carrie Saldo, Susan Bucholz AGENDA • Meeting was called to order at 5:31pm • Welcoming and Introductions Recognized our newest member Krista Ford Rhodes • Review of previous meeting minutes February 9, 2021-meeting minutes accepted as written • Public Comment Per'\o6-0pportunityfor the public to speak during a Commission Meeting Chairperson or designee will ask ifanyone m the audience wishes to speak on any matter appearing on the agenda. Ifyou wish to address the commission, raise your hand, when recognized, you must stand state your name and address and the reason for your speakmg -none New Business • Mass Support Program presenter Marissa Martelt and Michael Brunelle[grant funded program lead through Riverside Trauma Center] focusing on housing and other needs due to the pandemic. -refer to slide presentation for details and resources. Did identify NewVue as a resource in our area. Action: Informational • Wachusett Medical Reserve Corps-Disaster / Emergency Management presenters Judy O'Donnell & Patsy Taucer provided an overview oftheir program and how it works in conjunction to emergency management and disaster planning. -refer to slide presentation for details. Action: Informational Old Business- Follow up with December 2020 resident issue-Commissioner Knight will be following up directly with resident and advocate on his behalfwith the MCAD directly {V.A.}. Action: Commissioner Darcangelo agreed to assist Commissioner Knight with ongoing efforts, navigating this resident through the process. Follow up with previous meeting- January issues identified specific to Our Father's House resident concerns. Chairperson Nealon reported she spoke with Chief of Police Martineau re: status of the investigation. He noted it remains ongoing and encouraged people to step forward and community groups help support individuals through the reporting process. No additional information available. Action: informational Education Racial Justice Group/SURJ subgroup reports: Commissioner Asfa reported Jonathan Dudley requested a letter of support from the HRC specific to the racial/diversity efforts. Commissioner Maguy-Stewart requested having the Superintendent attend another meeting with us to discuss further first before any letter is drafted Commissioner/s Roth and Pridgen also agreed. Action: Chairperson to follow up with invitation to Superintendent to our next meeting.  o Other items, topics, programs for discussion for future meetings April is Diversity Month-Multicultural Festival-Commissioners Knight and Asfa co-leading program flyer shared. April 10, 2021 3pm-5pm-Action: will add HRC contact phone number and email for community to contact for participation, note City of Fitchburg on the flyer recommended; will need to send out and share with various communitygroups. Commissioner Pridgen acknowledged she had worked with the City to provide a location within the City for a Black Lives Matter display and it was provided in the Main Street to Summer St. old Harper Furniture Building display at the four way intersection. April's Stand Against Racism Event-April 30, 2021. The Commission usually co-hosts the event with Three Pyramids and North Central Mass Minority Coalition. Action: Efforts underway to collaborate on a program. more information to come. Abolitionist Park and Adrian L. Ford memorial- Three Pyramids plans to purchase a bench in Adrian's memory. David Munoz Thibault has agreed to attend a future meeting to provide us with an overview ofthe park. Action: To schedule David Munoz Thibault for our next meeting. Peace Pole Project -focusing on Children/Youth -Action: Commissioner Maguy-Stewart to coordinate efforts once pandemic has ended. Chairperson Nealon will follow up with Monty Tech for Peace Poles to be made for the children/youth for the program to paint, color etc. • Adjournment 7pm Meeting Minutes submitted by, Maryam Ashrafand Barbara Nealon.