Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity
Regular MeetingLansing, MI · March 23, 2018
Minutes
DRAFT
MINUTES
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Friday, March 23, 2018 @ 11:30 a.m.
Council Conference Room, 10th Floor, City Hall
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 11:31 a.m.
Committee Members
Council Member Carol Wood, Chair
Council Member Brian T. Jackson, Vice Chair
Council Member Patricia Spitzley – Left at 12:00 p.m.
Others Present
LaSondra Crenshaw, Council Staff
Tammy Lemmer – TCOA
Julee Rodocker – Consumers Energy
Dax Carpenter, Disability Network
Brandon Waddell – Attorney’s Office
Stacey Locke – Peckham
Jim Bale – GLLC
Marilyn Plummer – Mayor’s Office
Al Salas – Small Business Owner
Mark Brown – LCED/NAACP/ACLU
Bishop David Maxwell – Mayor’s Office
Elaine Womboldt - RSL
MINUTES
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER SPITZLEY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM March 9,
2018 AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 3 - 0
Discussion:
Exploring what a Diversity & Inclusion Committee may look like
Council Member Wood advised the group that the Executive Order from the Mayor
outlined what he would like to see in the Diversity Advisory Council to look like. At this
point there is not a need for the Ad Ho Committee to put forth anything else at this time.
To apply for the Diversity Advisory Council you need to go online and fill out application
if you want to be considered for a position. I would encourage you to fill out the
application. What does that mean for us? There is a hope that this Committee will be
part of the new structure, It is my understanding the Mayor’s Advisory Council goes into
effect at end of the calendar year which gives us time to continue our work. We can talk
about meeting informally in the future, potentially every other month, or once a quarter it
will not be anything official but it would be an opportunity to discuss issues and bring
forward to the City Council or Mayor’s office.
Council Member Jackson wanted to confirm that the Mayors Advisory Council starts at
end of year. Council Member Wood advised yes based on Executive Order. There is a
Council resolution that states the Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity & Inclusion meets until
December 31, 2018.
Council Member Spitzley advised the group that the Mayor’s Diversity Advisory Council
means the City Council doesn’t have say. The Mayor makes decisions and doesn’t have
to come back to Council for approval. Even after the Mayor’s Advisory Council is
established we should still meet and submit a report to Council. We don’t want this
synergy to go away as we have done some good things in the committee.
Council Member Wood asked Bishop Maxell when the Mayor’s Council would begin.
Bishop Maxwell stated 2019 but that does not include organizational meetings that may
take place this year.
Ms. Wombolt stated that our group is so connected and approached by many residents
with issues and they talk to us informally about things that we bring back to this
Committee. It would be beneficial to try to maintain that in some form. One issue is the
senior citizens. Twenty percent of the population is senior citizens. I hope the new
Advisory Council has broadness and understands there are many issues that include
diversity and age is one of them.
Bishop Maxwell stated the Ad Hoc Committee has done an outstanding job he can see
it as an extension of what has already been done. He encouraged the group to apply
and become part of Mayor’s Advisory Council. He is hoping the Ad Hoc will be a
component of the Mayor’s Advisory Council and make this a seamless transition.
Council Member Wood added that we don’t want competing Committees, doesn’t mean
we can’t meet on a semi-regular basis but not to the extent of what we are doing now.
Ms. Plummer advised the group of the April 9th deadline to apply to be on the Mayor’s
Advisory Council. Council Member Spitzley asked if you can only apply online. Bishop
Maxwell advised that they will make paper copies available as well.
Mr. Salas wanted to remind everyone that we have brought a lot to the Committee. We
have learned from each other and brought issues from all around our community. He
agreed that we need to have some people from this committee on the new one.
Mr. Bale asked what the maximum amount of people allowed to sit on the Committee.
Bishop Maxwell advised that they have received a large interest the ultimate decision
would be up to the Mayor. Minimum of sixteen but that number is not set in stone.
Ms. Locke asked if there is a way to add informantion to an application that has already
been submitted. Ms. Plummer advised her to contact the Mayor’s office. She then asked
what diversity will be made up of, is there a certain criteria. Bishop Maxwell advised that
when we talk about diversity male/female, ethnicities, religions, disabilities, refugee
populations, LGBTQ, it will look like Lansing. If in Lansing they should be represented
on the committee. He asked if the Mayor’s office could get a master list of everyone on
the current Ad Hoc on Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Council Member Wood
advised yes and we would get that information to him.
Council Member Wood asked if you can you be on the Advisory Council along with
another Board. Bishop Maxwell advised that yes you could.
Council Member Jackson asked that they make sure and ask the question on the
application regarding what is their plan on reaching out and accommodating things.
Council Member Wood added that we have learned through each other about the needs
for particular populations. We need to go outside our comfort zone and ask particular
questions. Make sure they have a true plan and that they will talk about and make sure
what they are learning here is taken into the community. Be willing to extend their
selves and talk about topics that may be hard to talk about.
Mr. Carpenter stated one thing we don’t do is interact veteran’s interest. It’s the small
things that we really need to pay attention to. A lot of different things we have done as a
Committee while opening ourselves up personally at the table. There is a lot of positive
interaction from this Committee and want to see it continue. Lansing has fourth highest
veteran population in the state.
Ms. Rodocker stated diversity is so important; everyone goes to racial issues first and
diversity and is much more than that. However everyone must be included. The name of
the Mayor’s Diversity Advisory Council should include the word “inclusion” as it draws
everyone in.
Ms. Lemmer stated that inclusion is a really important piece. She referred to page 3 of
the executive order. It seems counterproductive to the issue at hand. How does the
application process work for someone that is not a City of Lansing resident. Ms.
Plummer advised she doesn’t believe the Mayor meant to omit the word “Inclusion”. It
was modeled after our current provisions for boards. This board does not have a
limitation to residency. I hope we aren’t going to lose most of you as we were hoping
you would be on the Mayor’s Diversity Advisory Council. And we hope if you can’t sit on
the board personally that you are encouraging others who will represent that
organization/idea.
Council Member Wood advised we weren’t aware until today that you only had until
April 9, 2018 to submit an application. It would be helpful if people had some
understanding as to if it would be day or evening meeting. If you could provide us with
that information we will pass it along as it may help people decide if they will be able to
attend the meetings.
Discussion
Cesar Chavez March 29, 2018
Council Member Wood went over the program for March 29, 2018 and confirmed that
everything was correct. Al Salas will be in touch with LaSondra regarding entrance
access into the garage for food deliveries, etc.
Ms. Plummer advised the group that the Mayor’s office will donate $250-$275 towards
the Cesar Chavez event to be used towards, food, supplies, etc
Next meeting April 13, 2018
Still working on Opioids issues
OTHER
Updates on Participants in the Committee
Knights of Columbus Fish fry every Friday at Cristo Rey Church at 6:00 p.m.
March 24th before the capitol rally – “March for our lives” – MLK fellowship breakfast at Union
Missionary Baptist Church 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m.
8th Annual Cesar Chavez birthday celebration March 31, 2018 – UAW Local 652 426 Clare St
Lansing 48917 6:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Lansing Area Veteran Coalition Meeting – April 10th, 2018 at Peckham 3510 Capital City Blvd
9:30am-10:00am (Networking) and 10:00am – 12:00pm (Meeting)
May 25th – May 27th Cristo Rey Fiesta will take place
Saturday Sept 8, 2018 at Benjamin Davis park – Lansing Harmony Celebration
Council Member Jackson advised the group that Nathan Triplett with Equality Michigan advised
him that Lansing’s LGBTQ score is lower than it should be. If possible we could look at some
actions to raise the score. We could start by nondiscrimination in Lansing that includes gender
identity.
Council Member Wood asked Council Member Jackson to reach out to Nathan Triplett to attend
our next meeting April 13th. Also asked him to extend an invitation to Council Member
Spadafore.
Council Member Wood advised the group that we will be looking at our meeting on April 27th,
2018 for focusing on Veteran’s.
Adjourn
Adjourn at 12:47 p.m.
Submitted by,
LaSondra Crenshaw, Administrative Assistant
Approved April 9, 2018
Agenda
AGENDA
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Friday, March 23, 2018 @ 11:30 a.m.
Council Conference Room, 10th Floor, City Hall
Councilmember Carol Wood, Chair
Councilmember Brian Jackson, Vice Chair
Councilmember Patricia Spitzley
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Public Comment
4. Approval of Minutes
• March 9, 2018
5. Discussion
A.) Exploring what a Diversity & Inclusion Committee may look like
B.) Cesar Chavez March 29, 2018
6. Other
• Updates on Participants in the Committee
7. Adjourn
Pending Opioids information from Sparrow Hospital
DRAFT
MINUTES
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Friday, March 9, 2018 @ 11:30 a.m.
Council Conference Room, 10th Floor, City Hall
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 11:33 a.m.
Committee Members
Council Member Carol Wood, Chair
Council Member Brian T. Jackson, Vice Chair - excused
Council Member Patricia Spitzley
Others Present
LaSondra Crenshaw, Council Staff
Tammy Lemmer – TCOA
Julee Rodocker – Consumers Energy
Dax Carpenter, Disability Network
Heather – Attorney’s Office
Stacey Locke – Peckham
Jim Bale – GLLC
Marilyn Plummer – Mayor’s Office
Al Salas – Small Business Owner
Judi Harris – STVCC Refugee Services
Francine Houston – PSAT Member
Guillermo Lopez – LLEAD Greater Lansing
Mark Brown – LCED/NAACP/ACLU
MINUTES
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER SPITZLEY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM February
23, 2018 AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 2 - 0
Discussion:
Exploring what a Diversity & Inclusion Committee may look like
Mr. Lopez stated he could remember when the City of Lansing had a curriculum that
was use by the Police Department but we no longer do. The Police Academy could add
that to the list of things when they are recruiting. And he stated that we should have
attorney’s and police officers that can speak Spanish. We also have a number of African
citizens that speak a variety of languages.
Council Member Wood stated the Mayor’s office is look at creating a Commission on
Diversity, there is a Council resolution for the Ad Hoc Committee until the end of the
year however we don’t want two competing entities. She also advised the group she will
email the list of groups that we previously sent letters to asking to participate in the Ad
Hoc on Diversity Committee. We are looking at send out letters again along with our
accomplishments.
Council Member Wood advised they would like to encourage the Mayor to have the
same type of atmosphere we have at our meetings. We want to make sure we have the
inclusion and are able to bring up different topics to light as this Committee has been
doing. We would want to make sure the topics are relevant topics that would help us all
have a better understanding of each other.
Mr. Carpenter stated that they need to know what organizations can do to help and it
must be maintained that is how you keep the inclusion. Including the Snow Sergeants
program they currently have 107 properties to shovel and only 7 volunteers.
Council Member Spitzley stated if the Mayor develops a Commission we do not want
duel Committees but we may be able to act as staff or a foundation to Mayor’s
Commission as they have questions as we have great resources here. She hopes that
the Commission takes some of our recommendations as a basis to develop policies.
Ms. Locke stated that when she thinks of the diversity and this team; she feels we have
a place where people can sit and talk about being Black and Latino. This is a safe place
we can sit down and be comfortable. She would love to see this Committee continue.
Ms. Rodocker stated there is such a great need in the community and this Committee is
constantly helping.
Mr. Lopez stated this group is different than what he thinks it would be like being under
the Mayor.
Mr. Brown stated that he wants to give kudos for having the Committee. LaShawn Erby
brought up that there is not enough diversity and inclusion of Action of Greater Lansing.
However the influence of this Committee could impact other organizations and he is
disheartened this group could be diminished. He would encourage keeping this Ad Hoc
on Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Council Member Wood stated we do not want to lose the vulnerability of being yourself.
People are comfortable in this group and have discussed things they have never been
talked about before. We will continue to work on this, please continue to think about this
for our next meeting.
Discussion
Cesar Chavez March 29, 2018
Council Member Wood reviewed last year’s program. The date of program will be March
29, 2018. She advised that she did research on different themes and came up with
Believe Act Preserve or Building Inclusive Communities. She then asked the group if
any of these themes sound like one we would like to use. The group decided to go with
Building Inclusive Communities. She then discussed who will do what during the
program. She then advised the group that an updated program will be provided prior to
the event.
Council Member Wood stated she will follow up with Council Member Jackson to see if
he talked with El Shabazz Academy regarding their participation at the event, and if not
Mr. Lopez will get in touch with the Lansing School District.
Council Member Spitzley suggested we look for kids to sing the National Anthem in both
English & Spanish. Mr. Lopez advised he will look into this.
Council Member Wood advised the group that we have $500 in the Council budget for
this event and we need to figure out who will help with donating/buying the food for the
reception after the program.
Mr. Lopez stated that in the past they have contacted several businesses and we buy
some food and the businesses normally donate some as well.
Mr. Salas advised he will reach out to Claude Hogan about presenting the scholarships
as he has done for past programs.
Next meeting March 23rd, 2018
Still working on Opioids issues
OTHER
Updates on Participants in the Committee
Knights of Columbus Fish fry every Friday at Cristo Rey Church at 6:00 p.m.
March 14th – Students March
March 24th before the capitol rally – “March for our lives” – MLK fellowship breakfast at
Union Missionary Baptist Church 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m.
8th Annual Cesar Chavez birthday celebration March 31, 2018 – UAW Local 652 426
Clare St Lansing 48917 6:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
May 25th – May 27th Cristo Rey Fiesta will take place
Adjourn
Adjourn at 12:37 p.m.
Submitted by,
LaSondra Crenshaw, Administrative Assistant
Approved March 19, 2018
DE COLORES
1. De colores, de colores se visten los campos en la
primavera. De Colores, de colores son los pajarillos
que vienen de fuera. De colores, de colores es el
arco iris que vemos lucir,Y por eso los grandes
amores de muchos olores me gustan a mi. Y por eso
los grandes amores de muchos colores me gustan a
mi.
CÉSAR E. CHÁVEZ
2. De colores, de colores brillantes y finos se viste la
aurora. De colores, de colores son los mil reflejos 9th
que el sol atesora. De colores, de colores se viste el ANNUAL MEMORIAL CELEBRATION
diamante que vemos lucir, Y por eso los grandes
amores de muchos colores me gustan a mi. Y por
Building Inclusive Communities
eso los grandes amores de muchos colores me “We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve
gustan a mi. the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and
strengthens this community - and this nation.” Cesar Chavez.
3. Jubilosos, jubilosos vivamos en gracia puesto que se puede,
Saciaremos, saciaremos la sed adorosa del Rey que no
muere. Jubilosos, jubilosos Ilevemos a Cristo un alma y mil
mas, Defundiendo la luz que ilumina la gracia divina del
gran ideal. Defundiendo la luz que ilumina la gracia divina
del gran ideal.
4. Canta el gallo, canta el gallo con el quiri,quiri, quiri,
quiri, quiri, La gallina, la gallina con el cara, cara, cara,
cara, cara, Los polluelos, los polluelos con el pío, pío,
pío, pío, pío. Y por eso los grandes amores de muchos
colores me gustan a mi. Y por eso los grandes amores de
muchos colores me gustan a mi.
PROGRAM SPONSORS
The Lansing City Council in partnership with The Ad Hoc Committee
on Diversity, LLEAD of Greater Lansing, ADELANTE/ FORWARD
Magazine, Lansing Athletics, Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez, Pablo’s Old
Town Mexican Restaurant, Aldaco’s Taco Bar, Hungry Howie’s,
Alicia’s Authentic Mexican Deli, and the César E. Chávez Foundation
March 31, 1927 – April 23, 1993
Thursday, March 29, 2018
12:00 to 1:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
124 W. MICHIGAN AVENUE
10TH FLOOR, CITY HALL
LANSING, MI 48933
Prayer of the Farm Workers' Struggle 9th ANNUAL
Written by César E. Chávez CÉSAR E. CHÁVEZ MEMORIAL OBSERVANCE
Show me the suffering of the most miserable;
So I will know my people’s plight. MASTER OF CEREMOMNY……………………………………………………………Al Salas, Chair
Lansing for César E. Chávez
Free me to pray for others;
For you are present in every person. INVOCATION....……………………..………………………… ……Pastor Rosalinda Hernandez
I AM Ministries International
Help me to take responsibility for my own life;
So that I can be free at last. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ……….………..Lewton Global Studies/Spanish Immersion
Magnet School
Grant me courage to serve others;
For in service there is true life.
WELCOME ………………………………… Patricia Spitzley, At-Large Council Member
Give me honesty and patience;
So that I can work with other workers.
PROCLAMATION ……………………………………………………………. Mayor Andy Schor
Bring forth song and celebration;
CITY OF LANSING
So that the spirit will be alive among us.
MUSIC SELECTION.................................... …Shabazz Academy Dancers
Let the spirit flourish and grow;
So we will never tire of the struggle.
COUNCIL RESOLUTION ………………………………………………….Carol Wood, President
Let us remember those who have died for justice; Lansing City Council
For they have given us life.
COMMENTS …………….…………………………………………………….. Dr. Claude Hogan
Help us love even those who hate us; LANSING FOR CÉSAR E. CHÁVEZ
So we can change the world. Amen
MUSIC SELECTION ………………………………………………………………….. Johnny Vasquez
This Program is hosted by:
Lansing City Council
The Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity& Inclusion KEYNOTE ADDRESS…………………………………….…………………………………………Tracy Ruiz
Lansing for César E. Chávez Retired Lieutenant from Lansing Police Department
CLOSING REMARKS ………………………………. Brian T. Jackson, Council Member
City of Lansing 4th WARD
MUSIC SELECTION “De Colores” …………………………………………………..Johnny Vasquez
“Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez is a grassroots organization dedicated to
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A RECEPTION FOLLOWING CLOSE OF PROGRAM
honoring Cesar E. Chavez and continuing his work through community IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM
service, education, and advocacy”
For information on how to help support the Archway Project THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENDANCE!
Contact:, Al Salas Chairperson at 517-303-4937
Mark Brown, Vice Chairperson at 517-993-2551