The commission discussed hosting a community event to enhance public awareness of its role and responsibilities. The event, proposed for November 13th, aims to foster dialogue between the commission and residents, and will be held at the local library to maximize visibility. The commission emphasized the need for accessibility, considering factors like public transportation and evening scheduling to accommodate working individuals. The event’s format will be a “meet and greet,” featuring light refreshments and opportunities for community groups representing diverse populations to engage with the commission.

Simultaneously, a representative from Research and Action updated the commission on a five-year project funded by a Bush grant, focusing on the experiences of black women, girls, and fems in Minnesota. This initiative began in response to a 2022 task force report on the issue of missing and murdered black women and girls, leading to the creation of the first dedicated office for this cause in the nation. The project aims to evaluate how institutions such as healthcare, housing, education, and criminal justice impact these communities. In its first year, a statewide survey was launched to gather insights on institutional trust and stress levels experienced by participants. The survey will remain open until October 31st, with the project seeking responses from beyond the Twin Cities to include greater Minnesota perspectives.

Looking forward, the project plans to establish a community action council comprising black women, girls, and fems, as well as county program representatives. This council will develop an evaluation scorecard for county-funded programs, assessing their effectiveness in meeting community needs. Qualitative research through focus groups will further enrich the project’s findings, with an emphasis on conducting these sessions in person to foster open dialogue.

During the meeting, there was a proposal to improve communication among commissioners, especially concerning event planning and public engagement. To comply with open meeting laws, the commission suggested using email to streamline communication, designating a member to oversee information dissemination. Additionally, budget considerations were discussed, highlighting the need to clarify financial resources for upcoming events, including the Human Rights Awards set for December 8th.

The meeting also touched on the Pangia festival, a longstanding local event celebrating cultural diversity. The commission expressed interest in supporting the festival’s inclusivity by advocating for a sensory-friendly environment to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. Volunteers were encouraged to assist with the festival, which brings together over 1,400 attendees annually to share cultural traditions and cuisines.