Human Rights Commission - June 19, 2025

The Regular Meeting of the Human Rights Commission of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, June 19, 2025.

The Human Rights Commissioners present or absent were as follows:

Present: Tambah Saah, Ritchell Aboah, Nancy Boyle, Sekou Sirleaf, Carolyn Becraft, Zoe Absey, Aaron Kawreh.
Absent: Kristin Nelson, Xavier Welty, Cody Severson.

Other attendees: Brenda Derrig, City Administration Allissa Farol, Legal

Item 1. Welcome and introductions:
o The meeting was called to order by Sekou.

Item 2. Approve or amend agenda:
o The motion was made by Ritchell to approve the agenda
o Second by Nancy.
o The motion passed unanimously.

Item 3. Approval of April 17, 2025 meeting minutes:
o The motion was made by Nancy to approve the minutes of the April 17, 2025 meeting along with the March 20 and May14, 2025 strategic planning meetings.
o Second by Zoe.
o The motion passed unanimously.

Item 4. Strategic Planning Discussion:
o Two strategic priorities were finalized from the previous strategic planning forum:
o Enhancing Meaningful Community Engagement
o City of Fargo and Human Rights Commission Unity in Action

Item 5. Nonprofit Discussion – Resource Connect:
o Ritchell is the Engagement Director for Resource Connect and she presented on the non-profit organization located in Moorhead.
o Services: Free transportation (bus passes, gas cards, pick-up/drop-off), free work attire, computer literacy, minor vehicle repairs and ride-sharing partnerships with employers.
o Service Area: Dilworth, Moorhead, Fargo, West Fargo, Harwood, Horace and surrounding areas.
o Eligibility: Primarily for individuals facing financial hardship, with referrals from social workers prioritized. Emergency rides are also available without strict eligibility.
o Funding: Funded by grants and local donations.
o Transportation Duration: Long-term rides are currently 3 weeks to 1 month, with hopes to extend this once a second vehicle is secured.
o Accessibility: Currently unable to provide wheelchair-accessible rides due to lack of appropriate vehicles. Donations of 12-passenger, wheelchair-accessible vans are welcomed.
o Vehicle Repair: Partnerships offering free labor for minor repairs (organization covers parts). Eligibility for repairs is based on social service low-income criteria (currently under $30,000 annually).
o Contact/Donations: Information available on their website and Facebook page. Always seeking volunteer drivers and donations of work attire (e.g., steel-toed boots, business casual clothes, dress shoes).
o Commission members praised Resource Connect for its vital services, particularly in addressing needs not typically covered by state budgets.

Item 6. Life Cares Unites Foundation Presentation:
o Rhonda Gilbertson-Evans (Executive Assistant) and Katrina Robinson (Executive Director) presented on LifeCare Unites Foundation, a hygiene bank system founded in North Dakota in 2021 by four teenagers.
o Mission: To address hygiene access gaps in the Cass-Clay area, being the only hygiene bank system between St. Paul and Seattle. Focuses on providing hygiene products and promoting dignity and self-care.
o Partnerships: Works with community-based organizations, including Three Musketeers Childcare (Horace), Roots Hair and Soul (Fargo), Church of God's Word (West Fargo) and A Place for Hope (Moorhead). Native Inc. (Downtown Fargo) is a new fifth location.
o Accessing Services: Five drop-off/pick-up locations. No application or eligibility requirements; services are provided based on need without judgment.
o Outreach: Active on social media (Facebook page) and engaging in grassroots efforts, including participating in community events such as Juneteenth.
o Youth Involvement: The teen founders are actively involved in packing bags, encouraging peers to volunteer and speaking at community meetings.
o Donations/Volunteering: Website provides information on how to register as a volunteer and arrange donations.
o Impact: Members noted the significant impact LifeCare Unites Foundation has had, especially for unhoused individuals and those utilizing services at places such as Churches United, the Salvation Army and the Downtown Engagement Center.
o The Commission expressed strong appreciation for the organization, highlighting the unique model of youth leadership and the critical service it provides to the community.

Item 7. Event Updates: Juneteenth, World Refugee Update, Police Picnic
o Fargo Police Department Community Picnic, June 18.
o World Refugee Day: June 20 at Rheault Farm. The HRC has a booth available but needs volunteers to staff it. A table and chairs must be provided by the HRC.
o Juneteenth: June 21, a block party will be held from 3 to 9 p.m., with booth setup available starting at 2:30 p.m. The HRC will have a booth. Temporary tattoos, stickers and coloring sheets will be available.
o Jefferson Neighborhood Back to School Night: August 6 from 4 to 7 p.m., Victoria Johnson requested the HRC consider having a booth to engage with the community.
o Congolese Independence Day: June 29.
o Liberian Independence Day: July 19.
o Discussion on Event Participation:
o Booth Participation: The HRC will definitely have a booth for Juneteenth. For World Refugee Day, the HRC will also participate with a booth, requiring volunteers.
o Booth Materials: Brenda is updating brochures with a QR code and aims to have them printed by tomorrow for World Refugee Day and Juneteenth. Zoe will also reach out to FirstLink for their comprehensive resource guides.
o Future Planning: A suggestion was made to establish criteria for booth materials and staffing for future events, possibly through an education committee. The idea of creating a sign-up for community-requested education topics was also proposed.

Item 8. Administration Update:
o There are three members whose Board Terms are ending on July 5, Sekou, Nancy, Cody, and Aaron. We also have a Board member who has moved to another City and we will look to fill their position. I will reach out to each of them to confirm their desire to continue.

Item. 9. Announcements:
o Combined with Item 7.

Public Comment:
o Ryan Netterville and Katrina Robinson spoke.

Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 12:58pm.

Next meeting:
o Thursday, August 21, 2025 at noon.