The Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights is looking forward to participating in the Twin Cities Pride Festival on June 29-30. Twin Cities Pride promotes continued growth towards equality and inclusiveness for GLBT rights. Pride will be located in Loring Park starting at 9AM Saturday, June 29. Come visit our family fun booth in celebration of the recent marriage amendment.
By Toni Newborn, Interim Assistant Director – Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights
On June 15, the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights will be participating in Second Chance Saturdays, a workshop and resource day hosted by Council on Crime and Justice and the Criminal Justice League. This workshop event will provide the opportunity to expunge criminal history and empower the attendees to advocate for their employment rights. Civil Rights Department staff will be present to give attendees the opportunity to file civil rights and police misconduct complaints with the City. 
The event will take place at the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center on 2001 Plymouth Avenue North in Minneapolis on June 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event marks an important partnership with the Council on Crime and Justice to serve the needs of Minneapolis residents.
By Toni Newborn, Interim Assistant Director -Complaint Investigations Division
On February 19, 2013 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the Minneapolis Department Civil Rights (MDCR) hosted the Dream@50 Arts Contest Awards ceremony. August 28, 2013 will mark the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I Have a Dream Speech. To commemorate this historic event, Karz Productions in partnership with the King Center, National Education Association, National Art Education Association, Americans for the Arts, National Council of Teachers of English, National Council for the Social Studies, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, United Nations Academic Impact, and YouTube created the Dream@50 Arts Contest on a national level. Several cities (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Memphis, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Los Angeles, and San Francisco/Bay Area) were asked to host and participate.
Students ranging from Kindergarten to the 12th grade were invited to participate in the art contest by choosing a word or phrase from the “I Have A Dream Speech” and create artwork that was representative of that word or phrase.
Reg Chapman of WCCO served as the emcee of the awards event. Attendees included city officials and representatives of local partners such as Council Member Don Samuels, MDCR Director Velma Korbel, Target Corporation, and the Minneapolis School District. Continue reading
FacingRace.org to register!
By Velma J. Korbel, Director — Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights
Thursday, March 21 is observed as the International Day for the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination. It is observed annually on March 21 in recognition of the “Sharpeville Massacre”. At a demonstration which began peacefully, but turned violent on March 21, 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa, police opened fire killing 69 people and wounding 178 others. Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the General Assembly of the United Nations called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
This year’s theme, “Racism and Sport,” was chosen by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to highlight the problem of racism in sports, which remains a disturbing occurrence in many parts of the world, as well as to raise awareness of the role sports can play in combating racism and racial discrimination. In created the theme, the High Commissioner was influenced by provisions from the International Olympic Charter which encourages us “to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity.”
By Michael McHugh, Assistant Director – Contract Compliance
UPDATE
The City of Minneapolis has cancelled a public meeting schedule to discuss the proposed Fair Hiring ordinance. The meetings, dated March 21st and March 28th at Minneapolis Public Library will no longer be held as the State of Minnesota has proposed a bill similar to the city’s proposed ordinance.
The proposed legislative language of Senate File 1129 may be found on the Minnesota State Legislature website at
http://www.revisor.mn.gov
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The city apologizes for any confusion or inconvenience.
Attention: If you need this material in an alternative format please call Ahmed Muhumud at (612) 673-2162 or e-mail Ahmed.Muhumud@minneapolismn.gov. Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons may use a relay service to call 311 agents at (612) 673-3000. TTY users may call (612) 673-2157 or (612) 673-2626. If you have any questions regarding this material please call 311 or (612) 673-2046. Hmong – Ceeb toom. Yog koj xav tau kev pab txhais cov xov no rau koj dawb, hu (612) 673-2800; Spanish – Atención. Si desea recibir asistencia gratuita para traducer esta información, llama (612) 673-2700; Somali – Ogow. Haddii aad dooneyso in lagaa kaalmeeyo tarjamadda macluumaadkani oo lacag la’ aan wac (612) 673-3500.
The City of Minneapolis invites and encourages participation by every resident to each program, service and event within our city. Should you require an accommodation in order for you to fully participate, or should you require this document in a different format, please let us know by contacting 311 or (612) 673-3000 at least 5 days prior to the meeting.
By Michael K. Browne, Assistant Director – Office of Police Conduct Review
The Office of Police Conduct Review often receives complaints involving property damage caused by Minneapolis Police Officers. The City may be held accountable in certain instances for the cost of repairs. However, the Office of Police Conduct Review does not provide monetary awards for claims involving property damage. Instead, the Risk Management & Claims Office investigates these allegations and can award reimbursement. Continue reading
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