Human Relations Commission Quarterly Newsletter - January 2021
Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 01/28/2021 11:45 AM ESTQuarterly Newsletter - January 2021 |
A Message from the DirectorHello and welcome 2021. The year of 2020 started out as a year of change, but no one anticipated the type of change the world would experience with the pandemic, social injustices and the uncertainties. Let us be resourceful as we move ahead in 2021 to being hopeful and open to receive positive change for all. In looking ahead, it brings to my mind a powerful but inspirational quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.:
That is what we all must do, keep moving forward to inspire the positive change to heal. Verná Goatley, Executive Director, Louisville Metro Government – Human Relations Commission |
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What is the Human Relations Commission (HRC)?The Louisville Metro HRC is granted both the legal authority and responsibility to investigate claims of illegal discrimination in Jefferson County, and to enforce anti-discrimination law. We also promote civic activities and work to make them accessible, and to foster unity and understanding between diverse groups of people. Our goal is to ensure equitable opportunity and life outcomes for everyone in Louisville Metro. The HRC staff takes discrimination complaints from everyday people just like you. If you have questions about a recent discrimination event you have experienced, whether at work, with a landlord, with a public accommodation, even a hate crime, or if you are not sure whether something that happened was discriminatory under the law, we are here to help. |
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Human Relations Commission
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Louisville Aces Human Rights Campaign Scorecard
For six years running, Louisville has earned a perfect score of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign in its advancement of LGBTQ inclusivity and equity in Metro services and initiatives. Kentucky’s Fairness Campaign Director, Chris Hartman, congratulated Louisville saying, “Time and time again, Louisville has solidified its spot as a leader on LGBTQ rights in the U.S.”
The Human Relations Commission is proud of its participation in the city’s achievement. Still, there is much work to do. As we continue to build relationships with community partners to increase opportunities for education and visibility in outreach, our office will continue to resolve complaints of LGBTQ discrimination through the enforcement of local ordinances.
Cross-Cultural Connections Board Launches Healing InitiativeJoin Gwendolyn Pearce, HRC Advocacy Board Commissioner, Chair We know that the divisions facing our city run deep, but in 2021 #CEEHealing will Connect us, Engage us, and Empower us. We believe healing takes individual action, within ourselves, between each other, respects and honors our diversities, and improves our community. We are committed to creating a safe space for big ideas, big conversations, and facilitating community-level action through the arts, leadership opportunities, and more. All ages, backgrounds, and experiences are welcome! Registration is easy. Email Rachel at HRC@LouisvilleKY.gov, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on this and other events. |
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Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout in KentuckyThe Covid-19 vaccine is here, and it will be administered in 4 phases:
2) Anyone aged 40+. Governor Andy Beshear has outlined a goal to administer 90% of vaccine received by the state within a week of receiving a shipment. To meet that goal, citizens in categorized in later phases may be able to get the vaccine sooner if the current group does not arrive at vaccination sites to be vaccinated in great enough numbers to deplete that week’s vaccine. Phase 1a has begun. Healthcare workers who are not affiliated with a hospital can make an appointment to receive the first dose of vaccine at the LouVax immunization site at Broadbent arena. Louisville residents in Phase 1b can now sign up to receive a future appointment. Find more information about Team Kentucky’s Vaccine plan, Covid-19 monitoring, and more at https://govstatus.egov.com/ky-covid-vaccine. |
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HRC’s Mission, Civic Action, Advocacy & How You Can Join in Our Work
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Know Your District:Did you know that a single Metro Councilperson represents approximately 26,000 Louisvillians? Your Councilperson is your first line of city government representation, and they advocate on your behalf to Metro Council. Contacting your councilperson is a great way to get involved in the civic process. Click here to find your District. Click here to find your Councilperson. Welcome, New Metro Council MembersThe Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission would like to extend a warm welcome to Councilman Jecorey Arthur of District 4, and Councilwoman Cassie Chambers Armstrong of District 8 to Louisville Metro Council. |
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Did you Know?A landlord cannot deny you a reasonable accommodation for a service animal. Under the law, trained service animals and medically prescribed emotional support animals are not considered pets and they are exempt from any and all pet fees tacked on to monthly rent. A landlord cannot deny your rental application based solely on your use of a service animal or emotional support animal. |
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Black History Month Events in LouisvilleThe Frazier History Museum presents Bridging the Divide – Louisville’s Reckoning With Race
The Harlem Renaissance Fast Class Louisville Free Public Library - Annual African American Film Series
Louisville Free Public Library – Book Discussions Annual African American Read-In 2021 Black Superhero Showcase Be on the lookout for more Black History Month events around Louisville, and don't miss the Human Relations Commission's daily releases on social media throughout the month of February, honoring local & regional people, places, and events, both past and present. |
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Community Partner EventsViolence Prevention TrainingThe Louisville Metro Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods would like to invite you to attend a Virtual Violence Prevention Training on Saturday, February 20th from 9:30am – 12:30pm. This training marks the first of a new, and more hopeful year, so there has never been a better time to participate! We will hear from experts as they cover a range of topics including Mental Health 101, Suicide Prevention, Community Organizing, Conflict Resolution, and The Public Health Approach to Violence. If you have ever wanted to be informed on individual and collective efforts to reduce violence in Louisville, this is your chance! RSVP for free at the link provided, and spread the word to ensure citizens across our city are engaged in violence prevention efforts! To RSVP, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/135530107199.
YMCA Black Achievers Awards CelebrationThe 42nd Annual YMCA Black Achievers Awards Celebration is set for Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 5:30pm. This year's event will be a virtual event via Zoom. The celebration's keynote speaker is Robert Gunn, Principal at W.E.B. DuBois Academy, and the MC will be Mr. Stephon Dingle from WLKY. This year’s Youth Achiever of the Year, Richard Chandler, and Adult Achiever of the Year, Ria Chandler, will be honored along with YMCA's other recipients. Tickets for this year's virtual celebration will be $25. Additional details, including registration information, to follow. Please contact Dee Sorel at dsorel@ymcalouisville.org with questions or for more information.
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Follow the Human Relations Commission OnlineFacebook: @LouHRC Twitter: @HumanMetro |