McLean County Times

Town of Normal Human Relations Commission met Feb. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Janessa Williams called the regular meeting of the Normal Human Relations Commission (“HRC”) to order at 5:29 p.m., February 18, 2025.

2. ROLL CALL

Mr. Smith called the roll with the following persons:

Present

Janessa Williams

Terry Brown

Benjamin Ryburn

Brian Peterson

Absent

Mikayla Blum

Srinivas Mikkilineni

Town of Normal Staff Liaison Jacob Smith was also present.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comment.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Commissioner Ryburn moved to approve the minutes of the November 19, 2024, meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peterson and passed with a unanimous vote.

5. COMPLAINT UPDATE

Mr. Smith provided an update that the conciliation conference for one matter on the topic of age and race had been resolved in conciliation conference, privately between the two parties, and for that reason, that matter had been withdrawn.

Smith also noted that the two other complaints received were currently open. One, on the topic of housing, has been reviewed by staff, and was awaiting a potential conciliation conference. The other complaint form is still under preliminary staff review. Smith noted that updates on both items would be brought to the next Human Relations Commission meeting.

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Chairperson Williams introduced the item, and asked Mr. Smith to provide an update on the status of the joint meeting.

Smith discussed that Bloomington staff and commissioners had expressed interest, but that due to busy schedules and competing events, proposed dates and communications never fully materialized.

After further discussion, Chairperson Williams and Vice-chair Peterson proposed that we yield on scheduling this meeting for now and leave the door open to any future communication or joint meeting should they want to reintroduce an opportunity for a joint meeting in the future.

7. NEW BUSINESS

Chairperson Williams then introduced a group discussion recapping the 2025 MLK Awards Ceremony. Williams proposed that the group focus on items to consider starting in future years, items to consider stopping for a smoother event, and items to continue doing as they were positive to the overall event.

Various group conversations on the event ensued.

The group generally agreed that they were thrilled to see the amount of support from both municipalities, including the mayors of both communities and staff. The Commissioners also were very complementary to Dr. Platt, and her award acceptance speech.

Members of the commission noted that they received feedback that a more focused message and takeaways from the guest speaker. While Dr. Malveaux raised some interesting points, and provided strong insights, the Commissioners agreed that a more structured focus could be beneficial for those attending. Members of the Commission added that they felt a refocus on event structure and pace could be beneficial and should be considered especially as the 50th anniversary event is approaching with 2026.

Overall, Commissioners agreed that they were eager and encouraged to look ahead to the 50th anniversary MLK Awards Ceremony in 2026 and were excited to start planning soon.

Chairperson Williams then introduced the next item of new business, Town of Normal advertisements for the Soulful Gospel Brunch and Blue Valentine. Mr. Smith noted that Town once again sponsored through advertisement at both events and thanked the Commission for highlighting these organizations throughout the community.

Commissioner Brown noted that Blue Valentine was a great success and asked that Mr. Smith thank Town leadership and council for continuing to support these types of events.

Chairperson Williams then introduced the final item of new business, a discussion focused on the 2026 MLK Awards Ceremony planning. Williams noted that they would need to make a splash and noted that this could be an opportunity to highlight the history of the event and those in the community that brought it to be.

Commissioner Brown agreed that using the 50th event to highlight previous winners and community members would be a great focus, and Vice Chair Peterson agreed.

Vice Chair Peterson also noted that interactive elements, features for art and education could be a great way to make the event more social and highlight those in the community.

Commissioner Ryburn added that a focus should be kept on making the event accessible and engaging to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Chairperson Williams, in closing, noted that in the past two individuals from the Bloomington and Normal Human Relations Commissions, along with the staff liaison from both communities, would make up a planning subcommittee to keep event planning moving forward. Williams noted that traditionally, the Chair and Vice Chair made up this planning subcommittee, and all commissioners agreed with this assignment.

8. Comments and Announcements

Upcoming events, including the Soulful Gospel Brunch, and upcoming City Council meetings, were noted.

Vice Chair Peterson noted that a mayoral forum would be held on Tuesday March 4 in the Brown Ballroom on Illinois State University’s campus.

Peterson also noted on Feb 22, 2025, the City of Refuge Ministry will have a Black Business Shop event featuring 30 local businesses, and that on March 20 at Milner Library, a Campus Community Dialogue w/ NAACP, Center for Civic Engagement, Omega Psi Phi will be held, with the topic of “What would we give up to get the political system we want.”

9. ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Brown motioned to adjourn; Commissioner Ryburn seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5236