Human Relations Committee

CITY OF LACONIA – HUMAN RELATIONS COMMITTEE August 11, 2020 - Monthly Meeting Via Zoom MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER a. David Stamps welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Laconia Human Relations Committee. Committee member roll call was taken, a quorum was established, and the meeting was called to order at 3:00pm. The Chair reviewed procedures related to public access to electronic meetings as required under Governor Sununu’s Emergency Order #12. II. ATTENDANCE a. Present - Chair David Stamps, Carol Pierce, Rev. Judith Wright, David Osman, Janet Simmon, Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Matt Soza, Margaret Donnelly, and Kate Bruchacova b. Excused – Dennis Bothamley, Carrie Chandler III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES a. A motion was made by Carol Pierce, seconded by Margaret Donnelly, to accept the following minutes of the Laconia Human Relations Committee meetings: i. Review and Acceptance of June 2, 2020 Meeting Minutes ii. Review and Acceptance of June 30, 2020 Meeting Minutes iii. Review and Acceptance of July 14, 2020 Meeting Minutes b. A roll call vote was taken, and with no opposition, the minutes were accepted as written. IV. AGENDA Committee Reports: a. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT After talking with a few people on the committee, I propose to we begin engaging more directly with the public on one topic per meeting. These topics could be framed on what is happening today in this country and how it affects us here in Laconia. V. NEW BUSINESS  MLK Jr Celebration – Sunday January 17th, 2021 General discussion of ideas relating to next year’s MLK Jr. Celebration Day 1  -“Journeys of Race, Color and Culture” book explores People of Color and White People in the United States at the intergroup and whole system level and offers a path to effectively dialogue between the racial and cultural identity groups. -“I have a dream”; MLK Jr. well know for this part of his speech; Movie idea, broadening the focus what is MLK Jr. known for. -Going online option in the future, perhaps combination of in person and online  Discussion of Chair’s proposal Different ideas shared: - Reminder to always go back to the Laconia Human Relation Committee’s mission statement - 4 Topics (Democracy, “White Rage” book, Native Americans,..) Public Discussion - Book readings and monthly discussion idea - Monthly topics – invite guest speakers idea - State School, history, how did people get treated there General agreement to discuss democracy in America.  Other business - none VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS The public were invited to offer their opinions: a. Jim Thompson – Pleased with today’s discussion; Would like to have more community members participate in the discussions. b. Mayor Andrew Hosmer - Encouraging community input, community discussion timely VII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Rev. Judith Wright, seconded by David Osman, to adjourn the meeting; and with no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4:22p by the Chair. Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, 3p, via Zoom invite. Respectfully Submitted, Kate Bruchacova, Secretary ProTem 2