The Human Relations Commission is an advisory board appointed by the City Council to serve as an advocate for all people, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, martial status, economic status or age in pursuit of human and economic relationships. It promotes activities, education and programs that enhance human dignity, equal opportunity, mutual respect and harmony among Raleigh citizens.
The Commission invites the public’s participation in a series of dialogues on ensuring access and providing opportunity for all Raleigh’s residents as our city becomes more diverse. The Commission will gather information at the dialogues to make recommendations to the Raleigh City Council on how we as a city can best ensure that all residents enjoy the benefits our city has to offer and are engaged in charting its future.
The opening dialogue, “The Value of Diversity,” is set for:
Thursday, March 25, 6 p.m.
Chavis Community Center
505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Other dialogues are planned for May, July, September, November and December.
Meetings
Everyone is invited to attend meetings of the Commission. Unless otherwise specified, meetings take place at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the City Council chamber of the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex, 222 W. Hargett St.
If you wish to schedule an appearance before the Commission, contact Marionna Poke-Stewart, program manager of the Volunteer/Human Services Division, Community Services Department, at 919-996-6100 or marionna.poke-stewart@ci.raleigh.nc.us.
Activities
The Commission sponsors a number of activities that promote diversity and human relations. Among them:
Human Relations Awards The annual Human Relations Awards Banquet recognizes those who make outstanding contributions to advancing human rights in our city. Awards go to individuals, businesses and nonprofits.
Mayor's Unity Day Celebration This annual event brings people together to share ideas that enhance understanding of diverse cultures and improve human relations. Community, faith, business and education leaders, along with residents who want to strengthen human relations, come together to learn about diversity, share insights and build an open and inviting community.
Human Services Grants The Commission reviews requests from human services agencies seeking grants from the City and makes recommendations to the City Council. The grants are awarded annually to nonprofits that serve the elderly, youth, handicapped, substance abusers and homeless.
Members
The Commission has 14 members appointed by the City Council for two-year terms. Members are Raleigh residents who have a strong interest in human relations.
Members, the dates they were appointed and the expiration dates of their current terms are:
The Human Relations Commission In Action: The following PowerPoint Presentation describes the Human Relations Commission's mission statement and goals. It provides you information about the Commission and its activities that promote human dignity, equal opportunity, and harmony among the many Raleigh citizens. (To view the powerpoint presentation, click on the link above. To scroll from page to page, use your mouse by clicking or use your right and left arrow keys)
