Human Relations Commission — Skokie, IL
Date: 2023-01-23

Human Relations Commission
 Monday, January 23, 2023
 6:30pm

Location: Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street – Conference Room D&E (2nd Floor)



 AGENDA


I. Call to Order

II. Approval of Agenda

III. Approval of Minutes of November 28, 2023

IV. Chair’s Report, Maria Monastero Bueno
 A. December 8, 2022 Listening Event at Oakton Community College

V. Guest Speaker: Danielle Terry, Equity Coordinator for Black Student
 Success at Oakton Community College

VI. Committee Reports
 A.  Block Party of the Year Awards
 B.  Stand Against Racism Event/ “Until Justice Is”

VII. Old Items of Business
 A. Community Calendar

VIII. Adjourn



 Next Meeting: February 27, 2023, 6:30pm at VILLAGE HALL 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie IL. 60077


Document Number: 605584 Version: 1
Document Number: 605584 Version: 1

Human Relations Commission
 Monday, January 23, 2023
 6:30pm

Location: Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street – Conference Room D&E (2nd Floor)

NO OFFICIAL MEETING – NO QUORUM – NO OFFICIAL BUSINESS CONDUCTED DURING THIS MEETING.
The following are updates made during the meeting. No official business was conducted at this
meeting.

In attendance: Commissioners: Daphnee Camilien, Alexander Chaparro, Sheila Crumrine, Krishna Goyal,
Anwar Haq, Jonathan Levin, Maria Monastero Bueno (chair), Swarupa Pahan, Ralph Ruebner; Trustee
Khem Khoeun; Guests from Oakton College: Danielle, Terry (staff), Ella Whitehead (staff), Stephanie
Erner (student); Skokie Staff Liaison: Mike Charley

Not in attendance: David Donegan, Jaili Fajardo, Marcos Levy, Michelle Reitman, Pearl Rubenzik, Jeremy
Segall, Karen Sherman, James Specker

 MINUTES

I. Discussion started at @ 6:38 PM


II. Approval of Agenda: Not approved – Not an official meeting – No quorum


III. Approval of Minutes of November 28, 2023, Not approved – Not an official meeting – No
 quorum


IV. Guest Speaker: Danielle Terry, Equity Coordinator for Black Student Success at Oakton
 Community College. Danielle Terry introduced herself and communicated that she works with
 the black student population, to bring the community together and to provide resources to the
 black community. She has gotten to know the Oakton student population and has found out
 that there is no one type of black person; different individuals have different ethnicities,
 different religions, different backgrounds and different cultures. She is the founder of Oakton’s
 Black Student Success Program. She gave structure to the program. First thing she did was to
 connect students to resources, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when they were in
 crisis. Students needed mental health resources and connection to FAFSA (Federal Student Aid)
 workshops, help to complete scholarships and much more. Danielle Terry has partnered with
 the college’s wellness center and celebrated a “friends giving” holiday. Students, faculty, staff
 and school clubs were invited to the event last November and brought with them different
 ethnic foods and shared experiences with each other and to enjoy each other’s company.
 Danielle Terry helps her students with career exploration and transfer/transition to other
 educational institutions. Steph Erner (Oakton student) communicated that the program has
 been great for her and other students and the resources provided through the program have
 been invaluable. Ralph asked whether Oakton would be offering bachelor’s degrees? Ella



Document Number: 605706 Version: 1
 Whitehead communicated that Oakton does not have plans to offer bachelor’s degrees at this
 point.

 Ms. Terry communicated that she coordinates the Building Lasting African Culture and
 Knowledge Program. The program explores What does it mean to be a black college student?
 Participants have critical conversations about black culture.

 Ella Whitehead communicated that her role is Assistant Director of Enrollment for Equity
 Outreach at Oakton. She works to examine systemic barriers in higher education that may stop
 individuals that are disenfranchised from the higher education experience being able to access
 this experience, to be successful. She works with different populations, first generation
 students, individuals with limited language skills, individuals with disabilities, etc. She works to
 ensure everyone has access to an education. She works with partners, such as Danielle to
 reduce barriers to students in them successfully getting an education. She ensures the
 community understands and knows the programming available at Oakton.

 Jonathan Levin inquired whether Oakton works with special needs? – Ella Whitehead
 communicated that the school has a resource center and she does assist students with
 onboarding and she will link those individuals to the appropriate Oakton staff for assistance.

 Jonathan Levin asked does Oakton have a catchment area where they must live? Ella
 Whitehead communicated that Oakton does have District that includes many municipalities. If
 out of district individuals can still take classes (open access), but fees are different for in-district
 vs out-of-district.

 Ralph Ruebner asked, “Do you place students with local business jobs?” Ella Whitehead
 communicated “Yes, the career transfer center works with students.” Danielle Terry stated that
 she will also help students. Ella Whitehead stated that students can return to Oakton’s career
 center for job help for life, even after they graduate.

 Sheila Crumrine asked if there was anything that the Human Resources Commission can do for
 Oakton. John Levin communicated that the Equity Committee has been researching/working on
 Black History month with the goal of ensuring this annual event is recognized and celebrated by
 this commission and the Village. Danielle Terry is responsible for the planning of Black History
 month events at Oakton College. Maria Monastero Bueno communicated that Oakton’s
 upcoming web-based speakers have been promoted via the Village’s SkokieNews already.

 Jonathan Levin asked how many students participate in black student programming? Danielle
 Terry stated that up to 112 students signed up for membership in programming. Danielle Terry
 communicated that students do meet in-person weekly currently and Oakton does offer hybrid
 options like joining via Zoom also.

 Maria communicated that the Stand Against Racism event is scheduled for Tuesday April 25 and
 invited Oakton Students to participate in the event. Maria asked whether Oakton would provide
 some representation at this event. Arrive at 10:00am, and then soon thereafter take the
 pledge. Maria asked that Sheila Crumrine take the lead on this.


Document Number: 605706 Version: 1
 Johnathan Levin communicated that the High School has a calendar for each school with things
 happening at school that celebrate or recognize Black History month. Danielle stated that
 Oakton also celebrates black history month and has a calendar of events. Maria communicated
 that the Human Relations commission would love to partner with Oakton College moving
 forward.

 Ella Whitehead asked “Who is taking the lead for the Juneteenth programming?” Maria
 communicated that the Human Relations commission has not discussed Juneteenth yet,
 however the Equity & Diversity sub-committee would take the lead on this.

V. Chair’s Report, Maria Monastero Bueno: Maria Monastero Bueno communicated to the
 attending commissioners that there is no quorum, and this is an on-going issue and the
 commission needs commissioners to show up to meetings. There are 18 commissioners and to
 hold commission meetings, requires 10 commissioners to attend meetings to have a quorum.
 Alyssa Rusak asks how individuals become commissioners? Maria Monastero Bueno
 communicated that individuals that live or work in Skokie can apply through the Mayor’s office
 and then the Mayor appoints qualified individuals to boards or commissions. Mike Charley
 communicate he will remind commissioners that attending meetings is expected of
 commissioners.

 A. December 8, 2022 Listening Event at Oakton Community College: Maria Monastero
 Bueno reported that there was an amazing listening session for the Village’s Native
 American seal. Ann Tennes is drafting recommendations for the Village Manager and
 Village Trustees. Trustee Khem Khoeun communicated that the memo is expected in
 February 2023, with the Village Board expected to discuss in May of 2023. Maria
 Monastero Bueno provided that at the listening event the feedback received was that
 the logo not include a human image, but that it represents nature, the past, present and
 future.



VI. Committee Reports
 A. Housing Committee - Block Party of the Year Awards: Mike provided an update that
 there were twenty-three applications received in 2022 for Block Party of the Year
 Award. Mike will send an email to the twenty-three applications requesting that they
 submit pictures and/or other supporting documents to the Village for additional review.
 Staff will then review all applications, narrow the applicants down to a final seven (or so)
 applicants for final review at a future Human Relations Commission meeting. Three final
 applicants would then be rewarded with a Block Party of the Year Award, with
 presentation being made at a Village Board meeting.

 B. Housing Committee - Block Party Forum: Alex Chapparo communicated that in past
 years the forum was held at the Police meeting room. There was a panel discussion
 with past award winners. The meeting encouraged individuals to hold a block party and
 helped individuals coordinate a block party. The tentative date for the forum is Sunday

Document Number: 605706 Version: 1
 May 21, 2023. Any time that day would be okay. Trustee Khem Khoeun related that
 this meeting is the same weekend as Skokie Festival of Cultures, May 20 & 21. Trustee
 Khem Khoeun recommended having the forum at the Oakton Community center that
 same weekend. Alex Chaparro will contact the Park District (Michelle Tuft) to inquire
 about having the block party forum on Sunday at the Festival of Cultures, possibly inside
 the Oakton Community Center. Trustee Khem Khoeun communicated that she can also
 follow-up. Maria Monastero Bueno recommended using the weekly SkokieNews to
 communicate the forum.

 C. Equity and Diversity Committee - Stand Against Racism Event/ “Until Justice Just Is”:
 Maria Monastero Bueno communicated that the event is scheduled for Tuesday April
 25, 2023. The commission and/or staff liaison will invite kids from Lincoln Jr. High. Mike
 Charley to reach out to the principal to confirm.


VII. Old Items of Business
 A. Community Calendar: Jonathan Levin asked “Is the Village’s community calendar
 public?” Mike Charley to follow-up with Ann Tennes and/or Meredith Goia (Village
 Communications) on what is currently posted on the Village’s calendar. Ralph Ruebner
 recommended a yearly calendar with major holidays and events. Trustee Khem Khoeun
 said commission meetings are on the Village’s calendar.
VIII. New Items of Business

 A. Public Hearing on Affordable Housing: Trustee Khem Khoeun communicated that the
 Village’s Plan Commission held an affordable housing meeting last Thursday. Different
 affordable housing agencies presented. Individuals can find the affordable housing
 review schedule at www.skokie.org or by clicking here.


IX. Adjourn




 Next Meeting: February 27, 2023, 6:30pm at VILLAGE HALL 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie IL. 60077




Document Number: 605706 Version: 1