January 2018 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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Black History Month

The Human Rights Commission presents Erica Armstrong Dunbar, speaker and author of “Never Caught: The Washington’s Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge.”  The Commission will host a Lunch and Learn for City Staff and a community lecture and discussion regarding the book and relevance today 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Bloomington Civic Plaza (1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, MN 55431).

For more information, contact the Bloomington Human Rights Commission at 952-563-8733, TTY 952-563-8740 or humanrights@BloomingtonMN.gov or visit the City’s websites. Keywords: Black History Month; Erica Dunbar.


Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE)

GARE

The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) is a national network of government working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. 

The City of Bloomington recently completed its second year of participation in the program. One of the efforts of the 2017 cohort was to develop a racial equity vision statement for the City of Bloomington. Former Human Rights Commission Chair, Dennis Kane (pictured back row, center) graduated from the 2017 GARE cohort.

Employees are developing plans to take what they have learned to engage a more comprehensive group of employees in the work of racial equity moving forward. 


Bloomington Welcome Meals

Along with the Human Rights Commission, a team of community members are planning Welcome Meals to be held around the community. The hope of these gatherings is to create a sense of belonging and community, as well as build understanding across cultures in Bloomington. Look for more information on the City's website or contact the Human Rights Commission to get involved. 


Advancing Equity and Human Rights

Kane

A retired library manager and teacher who spent 14 years with Bloomington Public Schools, Dennis Kane joined the Bloomington Human Rights Commission in February 2012. Kane finished his third two-year appointment in December. He served as the commission chairperson from 2014 - 2017. 

Kane has exemplified strong leadership and dedication to protecting human rights during his time on the commission. Kane has approached sensitive subjects head on and hasn't backed down from tough topics. During his six years of service on the Human Rights Commission, Kane has built a legacy of leadership in advancing equity and protecting human rights.


Contact the Human Rights Commission

Because the Commission and the Office strive to respond to issues impacting Bloomington, we encourage you to report potential human rights issues to the Human Rights staff liaison so that they can be brought to the Commission’s attention.

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

humanrights@BloomingtonMN.gov