Human Relations Commission

Human Relations Commission Monday, April 29, 2024 6:30pm Location: Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street – Conference Room D & E (2nd Floor) In Attendance: Commissioners: Anthony Agee, Deborah Arnold, Sheryl Bloom Basile, Alex Chaparro, Sheila Crumrine (vice-chair), David Donegan, Krishna Goyal, Jonathan Lavin, Marcos Levy, Swarupa Pahan, Skokie Staff Liaison: Amanda Sabri Not in Attendance: Joseph Meyers, Maria Monastero Bueno (chair) (E), Jeremy Segal (E), Karen Sherman (E), James Specker (E), Mayha Syed, Trustee Khem Khoeun (E) I. Call to Order: 6:30pm II. Guest Speakers: Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti, Niles Township Supervisor, and Ruth Orme-Johnson, Director of General Assistance at Niles Township gave a presentation on the valuable programs and services that are provided by Niles Township Social Services. III. Approval of Agenda A. Swarupa Pahan motioned to approve the agenda, motion seconded by Sheryl Bloom Basile. IV. Approval of Minutes of March 25, 2024 A. Jon Lavin motioned to approve the minutes as written, motion seconded by Sheryl Bloom Basile. V. Committee Reports A. Neighbor Engagement Committee 1. Block Parties, Block Party Forum: No updates, planning for the next forum will begin in the Fall. 2. Know your Neighbor: No updates. 3. 4th of July Parade: Swarupa Pahan reminded the commission that she has registered the commission to march in the 4th of July Parade. She will forward details of the unit number as they are sent to her by the parade organizers. B. Housing Committee Updates 1. Housing Subcommittee: Jon Lavin reports that the last meeting of the Housing Subcommittee will be on Thursday, May 2. At this meeting they will adopt the revised housing chapter of the strategic plan. This chapter was emailed to commissioners today for review. Jon provided his comments on the chapter and welcomed feedback from commissioners by phone or email. 1  2. Fair Housing Ordinance: No updates. C. Equity and Diversity Committee Updates 1. Early Intervention Hate/Bias Incidence: No updates. 2. Black History Month: No updates. 3. Unite Against Racism w/ YWCA: Sheila Crumrine reported that she and Amanda Sabri attended that Unite Against Racism panel discussion on April 24 and found the panelists to be extraordinary speakers. Some highlights included the implications of White supremacy and how it permeates systems of our society as well as the need for individuals to move from education to action. Swarupa Pahan brought forth the idea of the Human Relations Commission hosting a Unite Against Racism event in Skokie next year. Sheila Crumrine indicated that this will be a good thing to discuss at future meetings and continue to discuss with the YWCA. It will also be important to ensure that any initiatives we undertake are action oriented. 4. Skokie Festival of Cultures: Amanda Sabri provided an update that table registration has been secured with the festival. The festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 18 & 19, from 11am-6pm. A sign-up sheet was circulated and commissioners were requested to sign-up for 1-2hr time slots. Commissioners also discussed what to give away at the table. It was determined that 500 green rubber bracelets with “I [heart] Skokie” and “Human Relations Commission”, bubbles, and stickers with different countries should be purchased. Amanda Sabri will make these purchases. 5. Skokie Juneteenth: Sheila Crumrine provided an update that planning is still underway for the Fair Housing Program. Unfortunately, the family member who was possibly going to attend from New York is no longer able to come so the $300 stipend/honorarium will no longer be needed. 6. Skokie Pride: Sheila Crumrine reports that she has spoken with Skokie Park District staff who confirmed that we have a table for Skokie Pride and they believe that there will continue to be no table fee for the commission this year. 7. SEED Training: David Donegan reported there are two sessions of SEED before this cohort ends. Applications will be available in July for the Fall cohort. VI. Other Items of Business A. Village Seal Redesign: Sheila Crumrine reported that the committee has decided to work with Marne Smiley, an Indigenous woman and owner of Bumper Lanes. The committee will now move forward with Marne Smiley and her team to develop a new Village Seal. B. Skokie Police Use of Force Review Board: Anthony Agee reports that he met with Chief Barnes last week to receive introductory information about the board. The board will be reconvening again in the near future. VII. Adjourn 7:50pm 2