Minutes-Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force-20210120 1
Town of Aurora
Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Noor El-Dassouki (Chair)
Mark Lewis (Vice Chair)
Phiona Durrant
Keenan Hull
Mae Khamissa
Tricia Wright
Councillor Harold Kim
Other Attendees: Councillor John Gallo
Councillor Sandra Humfryes
Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services
Phillip Rose-Donahoe, Manager, Library Square
Mat Zawada, Accessibility Advisor
Eliza Bennett, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Procedural Notes
This meeting will be held electronically as per Section 19. i) of the Town's
Procedure By-law No. 6228-19, as amended, due to the COVID-19 situation.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Councillor Kim shared a story regarding racism he experienced with his family
during a recent outdoor recreational outing. He reminded the Task Force
members that how we respond and the way in which we choose to deal with
these sorts of atrocious acts reflects on everyone in the community as well as
members of the Task Force.
2
2. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Mae Khamissa
Seconded by Keenan Hull
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
None.
4. Receipt of the Minutes
4.1 Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting Minutes of
November 25, 2020
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Mae Khamissa
That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force meeting minutes
of November 25, 2020, be received for information.
Carried
5. Delegations
None.
6. Matters for Consideration
6.1 Memorandum from Manager, Library Square; Re: Canadian Achievements
Mural II
Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager of Library Square, provided a brief
presentation to the Task Force. An overview of the project was given,
including a description of the work plan and the various stages of the
project. A sub-committee was proposed to work with the Manager of
Library Square on guidelines for the project.
There was discussion regarding artist selection, project budget and next
steps for the project. The Task Force agreed that the sub-committee
would consist of Noor El-Dassouki, Mae Khamissa, Tricia Wright, and
3
Keenan Hull. The Manager of Library Square will report back to the Task
Force at the next meeting with proposed final project guidelines.
Moved by Tricia Wright
Seconded by Mae Khamissa
1. That the memorandum regarding Canadian Achievements Mural II be
received; and
2. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force comments
regarding the Canadian Achievements Mural II be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate;
and
3. That a sub-committee consisting of Noor El-Dassouki, Mae Khamissa,
Tricia Wright, and Keenan Hull be formed to assist in creating project
guidelines.
Carried
6.2 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Municipal Diversity and
Inclusion Charter
Mat Zawada, Accessibility Advisor, provided a brief overview of the memo.
There was discussion regarding who is involved in the Municipal Diversity
and Inclusion Group (MDIG) and the mandate of the group. Discussion
also took place regarding the Diversity and Inclusion calendar being
created to celebrate various events. Clarification was provided that the
Director of Corporate Services will relay what is happening at Task Force
meetings in the Town of Aurora to MDIG.
Moved by Mae Khamissa
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That the memorandum regarding Municipal Diversity and Inclusion
Charter be received; and
2. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force comments
regarding Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Charter be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
4
6.3 Round Table Discussion; Re: Black History Month
Eliza Bennett, Acting Manager of Corporate Communications, spoke to the
Town’s preliminary plans for celebrating Black History Month in the Town
of Aurora. She noted a webpage would be created on the Town’s website
as well as various social media posts highlighting black history in Aurora.
The Task Force expressed the importance of their involvement in the
formulation and execution of plans for Black History Month, and other
Task Force initiatives. They further noted the significance of getting an
early start on planning for Black History Month 2022 to ensure the
fulsome involvement of the Task Force.
The Acting Manager of Corporate Communications committed to
formulating a plan for Black History Month 2021 and providing it via email
to the Task Force for feedback.
Moved by Mae Khamissa
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force comments
regarding Black History Month be received and referred to staff for
consideration and action as appropriate.
Carried
7. Informational Items
None.
8. Adjournment
Moved by Mae Khamissa
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
Carried