Anti-Racism Task Force

MINUTES ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 25, 2021 Present: Councilman Darnell Ford, Kayon Morgan, Patricia Alston, Precious Price, Nasharie Davis, Brian Gartner, Samantha Rival, Chair Sacha Armstrong-Crockett, Councilman Ed Ford Jr., Kirk Hart, David Roane, Jorge Camacho, Attorney Steven Mednick 1. Call to Order. Meeting was called to order at 6:19 p.m. 2. Public Comment. One person (Councilman Edward McKeon) was in attendance from the public. Councilman Edward McKeon made comments of his support for the Anti-Racism Task Force. Councilman Darnell Ford then closed the public comment. 3. Approval of Minutes: MOTION: Brian Gartner made a MOTION to approve the minutes of the September 27, 2021 Anti-Racism Task Force Special Meeting. The MOTION was seconded by Kayon Morgan. The MOTION passed unanimously. Councilman Darnell Ford then asked to make an amendment to the minutes of September 27, 2021. The amendment was added to the New Business section under the NCJJ Report. The following was added: “A Board of Education member and 2021 candidate was posting videos of children of color fighting on his campaign page. A move that was matched with anger by the BIPOC community.” Precious Price made a MOTION to approve this amendment. The MOTION was seconded by Chair Sacha Armstrong-Crockett. The MOTION passed unanimously. Then Brian Gartner made a MOTION to approve the minutes of September 27, 2021 with the amendment. This MOTION was seconded by Precious Price. The MOTION passed unanimously. Kirk Hart and Councilman Ed Ford Jr. were not present during these MOTIONS. 4. New Business. A. CRB Presentations 1) Presentation by Attorney Steven Mednick 2) Presentation by Jorge Camacho 3) Presentation by David Roane 4) Additional Comments about CRB B. Discussion on plans to submit CRB recommendations by December meeting C. NCCJ Report (standing item); discuss next steps – Anti-Racism Task Force will invite Diana Martinez and Kristianna Smith back to future meetings for their insights and advice to the group on progress. Councilman Darnell Ford made a MOTION to make a recommendation to the Mayor to ensure that the right firm is hired to handle the Middletown Board of Education’s investigation to address the issues and the components of racism. The MOTION was seconded by Samantha Rival. The MOTION passed unanimously. Kayon Morgan, and Councilman Ed Ford Jr. were not present during this  MOTION. D. Discussion of strategic two year plan; discuss next steps: It was decided that this topic will be discussed at the next meeting due to the time. 5. Adjournment. MOTION to adjourn made by Councilman Darnell Ford. The MOTION was seconded by Patricia Alston. The Motion passed unanimously. Kayon Morgan and Ed Ford Jr. were not present during this MOTION. The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.