minutes-dei-nov-22REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Call to Order
Chair Allen called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Roll Call
Commissioners in person: Joelle Allen, Ajani Woodson, Ruth Paradise, Melissa Johnson, Jonathan Kim,
Chris Mitchell, Teresa Sit, Thomas Huling,
Commissions virtual: None
Commissioners absent: Sheri Hixon
Staff present: Kiarra Zackery, Equity and Inclusion Manager
Approval and Revision of October 26 Agenda and September 28 Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Paradise discusses adding wording and changing language in City Publications for the
better understanding of terms and phrases in the Equity realm.
MOTION by Commissioner Huling for revision and approval of agenda. Seconded by Commissioner
Johnson. Motion carried 8-0.
MOTION by Commissioner Paradise to approve minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Johnson. Motion
carried 8-0.
New Business
Budget Considerations: Lunch and Learn, Native Governance Center, and LMK Essay Contest
Awards + Breakfast table
Staff liaison, Kiarra Zackery asks Commissioners to consider the Commissions budget for the
remainder of the year. The DEIC has hosted a Lunch and Learn which has utilized $600 of
the budget. The Commission also has to consider the cost of hiring a guest speaker for their
land acknowledgment project, the cash prizes for the MLK essay contest, and buying a table
at the MLK breakfast for the MLK essay winners. Commissioners have agreed to separate
the contestant by grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. There will be 1 winner from each category.
The winner will receive $150.00.
October 26, 2021 – 6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission Regular Meeting City of Golden Valley
November 22, 2021 – 6:30 pm
2
Land Acknowledgement Sub-committee update
Commissioner Paradise briefly talks about a partnership with the Native Governance
Center and Hopkins school district to help with providing a voice in the process of their
Land Acknowledgement Project. Commissioner Paradise also shares ideas regarding
creating a monument to reflect equity and she later discusses mirroring Minneapolis
Public School’s partnership with Metropolitan Urban Indians. Vice-Chair Kim speaks
about uplifting voices, cultivating spaces, and building trust within the communities of
color focusing on marginalized communities.
Building an Equitable Golden Valley Forum Preparation
Staff liaison, Kiarra Zackery briefly discusses an overview of the upcoming BAEGV event.
The BAEGV event essentially provides the community a chance to understand the
Commission and what it does. Chair Allen adds she would like the event to be focused
on engaging with the community. Vice Chair Kim discusses the pillars for the event
should surround around support, accountability, and taking action. Commissioners
discuss ground rules for the engaging in conversations at the event. Commissioners also
try to come up with a plan to structure the event, they agree to add scripted questions
for the panelists.
Environmental and DEI Commission collaboration
Commissioner Mitchell discusses the previous collaboration between Environmental
Commission and Human Rights Commission. Commissioners discuss topics involving tree
equity and educational opportunities that can form between the DEIC and EC.
MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to collaborate and continuing the relationship with
Environmental Commission on opportunities to benefit both commissions. Seconded by Mitchell.
Motion carried 8-0.
Language and wording in City publications
Commissioners discuss the importance of the community being able to understand
equity language. The Commissioners would like to provide a place to where community
members can refer to for the definitions and descriptions of equity jargon.
Adjourn
MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell and seconded by Commissioner Kim to adjourn at 8:34pm.
Motion carried 8-0.
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Date
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Kiarra Zackery, Equity and Inclusion Manager