October 2017 Human Rights Commission E-Newsletter

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The Human Rights Commission aids and advises the City Council in ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public services and education and in other affairs that affect the social well-being of the community.


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The Latino Legal Experience in Minnesota

Naturalization Ceremony 2017

The Human Rights Commission presents the Latino Legal Experience in Minnesota exhibit.

The Latino Legal Experience in Minnesota is a traveling exhibition focused on the accomplishments and bright future of the Latino community. The 20 banners composing the exhibit aim to educate the public about the legal struggles of the Hispanic community.

The exhibit was organized by the Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association, the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, and the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.

Free and open to the public. Stop by Bloomington Civic Plaza to see the exhibit October 3 - 20. 


DIG

City's DIG Committee on Immigration

The Diversity & Inclusion in Government (DIG) Committee hosted a staff panel on immigration in the month of September. Nearly 90 City staff gathered to hear their colleagues share personal and professional experiences on how immigration has impacted their life.

Each panelist shared their greatest challenges, struggles, achievements and learnings that relate to their story. Panelists also answered questions on the biggest myth, stereotype, or misconception on immigration, and shared advice for staff to be more welcoming and inclusive to the immigrant community in the workplace. 

Human Services Program Coordinator, Amanda Crombie facilitated the panel and led staff on an immigrant experience activity. The purpose of the activity was to engage audience members so they could learn about what it would feel like to have to gather all of their belongings and flee from their homes. 

This panel was complementary to the immigration 101 training that took place in early September led by Director of Policy and Planning in Ramsey County, Elizabeth Tolzmann. Tolzmann was the former Assistant City Manager of Bloomington.


International Day of Peace

NoltnerExhibit

In honor of International Day of Peace (September 21), the Human Rights Commission sponsored the multimedia art project titled, "A Peace of My Mind: American Stories," which featured 58 portraits and personal stories of people across the United States that were asked the central question, "What does peace mean to you?"

The project was created by freelance photographer and storyteller, John Noltner, a longtime Bloomington resident. John's work has been proven to engage communities in conversation about conflict resolution, civic responsibility, and social change. 

Over 50 individuals gathered to hear John speak in the Black Box Theater. His message highlighted five central learnings:

  • Forgive
  • Stay at the table
  • Be vulnerable
  • Be comfortable with discomfort
  • Keep trying

City staff also had the opportunity to engage with the exhibit at a lunch and learn that featured interactive programming and a focused conversation. 


Contact the Human Rights Commission

Bloomington Civic Plaza
952-563-8733, TTY 952-563-8740
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431

humanrights@BloomingtonMN.gov
reservations@BloomingtonMN.gov