Anti-Racism Task Force

Anti-Racism Task Force Regular ARTF Meeting Minutes March 10th, 2025 Regular Meeting Attendance 1. Darnell Ford-Co Chair 2. Michelle Clay 3. Brian Gartner 4. Colleen Alleyne 5. Rev. Cotton 6. Sam Rival 7. Dr. Lee Morgan 8. Pat Alston 9. Ahmad Daniels Absent 10. Reverend Anderson 11. Kirk Hart 12. Linda Quorum: Yes Start Time: 6:15 pm - Adjourned: 7:28 Monday March 10, 2025 Anti-racism Taskforce Regular meeting. Co-Chair Darnel Ford called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm. Acceptance of January 13, 2025 minutes-7 in favor, Pat Alston abstention. The matter passes.(1 Absentee) Public Comment: No Public comment. Correspondence and announcements: Co. Chair Ford Welcome Maria Scarlett on her promotion to full time position. Co-Chair Ford addressed the Cultural Book Fair organized by Wesleyan College. The Task Force contributed to the sponsorship of the event and expresses a desire to support it again in the following year. Work Groups. Co. Chair Ford wishes to arrange a meeting with Rev. Robin Anderson to talk about Health Equity. Michele Clay will coordinate the scheduling of this meeting with Rev. Anderson. Scholarship Update. Scholarship closes on April 15th, 2025 Checks needs to be requested early. Review of the essay submission and decision needs to be made by April 29th. The Scholarship workgroup needs to meet. No updates on Labor, Criminal. Information equity. Housing segregation workgroups. Co-Chair. Ford discussed how does federal funds in accordance DEI, how does it impact our schools, education and workforce. Co. Chair Ford discuss doing a survey. The survey will go out into the community. Co. Chair Ford said from conversation he had with folks at the Book fair the Task Force is doing ok, but can do better. Discussion on current racial climate. How the current immigration climate has reduced attendance at the Adult Education Center in Middletown. The RED Information card was discussed, and the Task Force may consider sponsoring or producing their own cards for distribution. Other municipalities, including Meriden, are already distributing these cards. Co-Chair Clay emphasized the necessity of printing the cards in multiple languages. Additionally, Co-Chair Ford highlighted the importance of the Task Force developing a strategy to support the Hispanic and Latino communities. Co-Chair Clay asked what resources the Task Force has to help any documents that comes to them for help. Michelle Clay was ominously voted in as Co. Chair. She has replaced Sacha Crockett. Juneteenth Maria proposed an activity at the tabling for the Juneteenth parade that would be more engaging for the children attending the celebration. Josh Cotton inquired about the Task Force's definition of "helping out," seeking clarification on whether the Task Force would assist with certain needs for the Juneteenth event. Co-Chair Ford expressed his desire to keep options open. Michele Clay questioned whether the Task Force could provide sponsorship. Josh Cotton confirmed that they do offer sponsorships and mentioned he could reach out to Erica. Michele Clay suggested it might be beneficial for Erica to participate in the meeting scheduled for April 14. Co-Chair Ford emphasized the importance of the Task Force undertaking initiatives that are strategic and meaningful, rather than half-hearted efforts. Co-Chair Clay discussed the possibility of organizing a daytime event, potentially a community concert at Harbor Park, aimed at uniting the community. Possibility of coordinating with DJ Rex and allocating fund for high quality acts. The event will be a collaboration. The event is going to be planned out for August or September. Co. Chair Ford said The Task Force should start thinking about the event now. Pat Alston said the Task Force discussed brining on the Board of Education’s members but the Task Force have not moved forward with the invite. Co. Chair Ford said we should invite the Board of Education members for the May meeting. The Education workgroup is tasked with coming up with questions for the BOE members. Ahmad Daniels will ask the superintendent to attend the meeting. Co-chair Ford asked Maria to create a formalized process for Task Force membership. In regards to recruitment, includes an application and includes vacant slots. Maria will reach out to Sacha Crockett to ask if she would like to attend Discussion on the size of the Task Force and possibility of reducing it. Maria will order more information cards. Co. Chair Ford made a motion to adjourn Collen make first motion to adjourn Michele second made the second. All in favor.