“The Human Relations Commission shall endeavor to support a safe, energetic, and livable city. The commission will support residents working to overcome prejudice and build mutual respect.”
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Human Relations Commission will not be holding in-person meetings until further guidance from the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Human Relations Commission general phone and mediation number: (419) 245-1518
About
The commission consists of fourteen members. Thirteen members are citizens appointed by the mayor and subject to confirmation by council in accordance with the composition requirements set forth herein. The remaining member is a member of city council who sits on the commission in an ex-officio capacity. The council member of the commission is the chairman of the council committee with oversight of the commission as determined by the president and members of council. The council member of the commission is non-voting.
Initially the composition of the thirteen citizen members of the commission will include four members appointed to one-year terms, four members appointed to two-year terms, and five members will be appointed to three-year terms. Members appointed after the initial members are appointed shall be appointed for three-year terms. To the greatest extent practicable, the commission shall be comprised of members who represent the racial and ethnic diversity of the men and women of Toledo, and who have demonstrated in their words and actions a sensitivity to the need to end discrimination and ensure equal opportunity for all.
In order to ensure representation of a broad range of community perspectives, the commission will include one labor representative, one religious affiliation representative, one education representative, one business or economic development representative, one youth representative, one member of the legal community, one neighborhood representative, one LGBT representative, and five at-large appointments. The at-large appointments include the four members and the board chairman who make up an executive committee.
Commission Members
Toledo City Council on June 5, 2018 appointed 12 members to the newly-formed Human Relations Commission. Those selected by the Kapszukiewicz administration for the Human Relations Commission, and confirmed by council, are below.
Executive Committee
Chair: Erin Baker
Coordinator, Organizational Learning, Toledo Lucas County Public Library
First Vice Chair: Darren Moore
Entrepreneur, business owner, philanthropist
Second Vice Chair: Lauraine Carpenter
Principal Trumpet for The Toledo Symphony
Mediation Chair: Raina Dawson
Recent graduate from The University of Toledo
Secretary: Nina Corder
Director, Women of Toledo and UN Women, Empower Women Champion for Change
Community & Neighborhoods
To work on multicultural activities for neighborhood engagement and community development.
Co-Chair: Michael Alexander
AFL-CIO, UAW liaison to United Way, Board Member, Neighborhood Health Association
Co-Chair: Vacant
Social Justice
To build mutual respect, understanding, and acceptance in our community by promoting equality, advancing equity, and celebrating our inclusivity.
Co-Chair: Elijah Jones
Manger of Treatment Services, Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County
Co-Chair: Vacant
Stop the Violence
To work with safety forces and community agencies toward ending all violence in the city.
Co-Chair: David Ross
Creative Placemaking Project Manager, The Arts Commission
Co-Chair: Sierra Webb
Circulation Supervisor at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Kent Branch
Youth Empowerment & Engagement
To work to engage City of Toledo youth in positive activities, job training, and education.
Co-Chair: Brenna Reynolds
Community Service Advocate, former candidate for Rossford School Board
Co-Chair: David Bush
Teen Librarian Associate, Toledo Lucas County Public Library