Human Rights Commission Working Session - February 12, 2026
The Regular Meeting of the Human Rights Commission of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the Meadowlark Room at City Hall at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, February 12, 2026.
The Human Rights Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Sekou Sirleaf, Carolyn Becraft, Xavier Welty, Nancy Boyle.
Absent: Aaron Kawreh, Ritchell Aboah, Kristin Nelson.
Other attendees: Dalton Erickson North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, Brenda Derrig, Assistant City Administrator, Alissa Farol Czapiewski, Assistant City Attorney, John Strand, City Commissioner.
Item 1. Welcome and introductions.
Item 2. Community Based Board Structure Discussion:
o Political Tension and Dissolution: Sekou said that after meeting with individual City Commissioners, it appears their minds are made up to scrap the HRC. He expressed a refusal to force a willing servant on an unwilling boss.
o The HRC’s Stance (The Divorce Metaphor): The members reached a consensus not to dissolve themselves or move to an independent community model voluntarily. Instead, they want to force the City to officially divorce them. They argue that as the City chartered the HRC, the City must take the political responsibility (and potential backlash) for ending it.
o Human Rights Context: Members highlighted the vulnerability of marginalized residents, specifically citing a 10–12% Black population and the impact of national events on local immigrants and children. They criticized the City's recent history of ending Police Oversight, cutting DEI departments and withdrawing MLK Day funding.
o Strategic Resolution: The HRC plans to draft a resolution for their meeting next Thursday. This resolution will likely state their intent to remain a City entity, essentially putting the ball back in the City Commission’s court to either accept them or vote to abolish them.
o Sekou said that the City’s move to disband commissions is draconian and cowardice. He refuses to apologize for past political statements that may have triggered the City's anger.
o Carolyn believes the HRC must hold on and remain political and argues that dissolving themselves would be giving up on the mission and the citizens.
o Xavier and other members suggested asking for more time or a public vote, but Sekou said there is no willingness from the City to negotiate.
o Brenda said the Arts and Cultyre Commission is moving toward an ad hoc model (meeting only when there is specific business) rather than being disbanded.
o John said the reality of budgetary or capacity issues from the City's view, while acknowledging the HRC's heart as activists.
o Sekou said that according to the 2020 Census, approximately 10% of Fargo residents identify as Black, a number he estimates has grown to 11–12%. He used these statistics to argue that policy-making without minority representation is a violation of human rights.
o Draft Resolutions: Sekou will draft a resolution over the weekend to be shared by Monday.
o HRC Meeting (Next Thursday): The board will vote on their official stance.
o City Commission Meeting in March: Members intend to attend the full City Commission meeting as individual citizens to speak their truth and hold elected leaders accountable for the decision to disband the HRC.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned.