CHRC's Public Statement on Police and Community Relations

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 29, 2015

MEDIA CONTACT: CHRC Executive Director Ericka King-Betts, PhD at chrc@cincinnati-oh.gov or by phone at 513.352.3237

CHRC Public Statement: Police & Community Relations / Race Relations / Human Relations

Cincinnati, OH - We at the Cincinnati Human Relations are pleased to see that former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has taken the action of updating the Department of Justice’s 2003 racial profiling guidance for federal law enforcement agencies. While the Guidance is not perfect, it is a step in the right direction. It moves us closer to correcting patterns of systemic racial bias in policing and its negative and often lethal impact on various communities of color. However, in order for there to be lasting widespread reform and justice, it is imperative that the Guidance is further refined.

It is our recommendation that the exemptions for law enforcement activities related to screening airline passengers, patrolling our borders be removed and that the Guidance is adopted by state and local law enforcement agencies.

We further look forward to & will continue to work with the diverse commissions comprised of business and community members & youth to enhance relationships between the police and community, educate others on Cincinnati’s Collaborative Agreement, and provide trainings on cultural sensitivity & understanding.

Since 1943, the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission has worked tirelessly to help our community to overcome prejudice and discrimination, build mutual respect and understanding, and to become more harmonious and cohesive. And, we oppose racial profiling and any other form of prejudice and discrimination.

About the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission

CHRC was established in November of 1943 as The Mayor’s Friendly Relations Committee. The goal was to appoint a committee that represented various racial, industrial and religious groups to make sure all groups felt a part of their communities and supported one another in the city of Cincinnati. As time passed the name was changed to CHRC and the mission grew to target a much larger issue, discrimination. Thus, the agency's mission is “to help our community to overcome prejudice and discrimination, build mutual respect and understanding, and to become more harmonious and cohesive.”

The Cincinnati Human Relations Commission is a non-profit organization. For additional information on how you can support CHRC and its programs, please contact Executive Director, Ericka King-Betts, PhD at 513-352-3237. 

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CHRC Proudly Announce 2015 Award Honorees

Cincinnati Human Relations Commission (CHRC) is pleased to announce its 2015 Youth Achievement Awards honoree, Vishnu Paranandi

The Youth Achievement Award was created by CHRC to acknowledge youth in the Cincinnati area that are leaders and have dedicated their time to public service.

Vishnu Paranandi is a sophomore at Wyoming High School. He has numerous interests and is extremely active in the community. For his community service with Make It Happen, the Freestore Foodbank recognized him with their Community Values Award.

The Cincinnati Museum Center recognized him with their Difference Maker Award and he served as an elected state officer for the Ohio Leadership Institute. Recently, he won first place at the inaugural Cincinnati Human Relations Commission’s Youth Oratorical Contest for speaking about how his generation relates to social acceptance on social media. He plays the viola in his high school Philharmonic orchestra and piano and keyboard in various groups.

He is proud to call the Cincinnati area his home and enjoys the diverse local culture. This includes being an avid Reds and Bengals fan, enjoying the area’s food, and appreciating the city’s heritage and significance. He is currently 15 years old and will be a junior at Wyoming High School starting this fall.

CHRC’s Annual Luncheon, Silent Auction and Awards Ceremony will be held on June 26th, 2015 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, 35 W. Fifth Street at 12:00 pm. This year's keynote speaker will be Dr. Rev. Otis Moss, Jr., theologian and activist.

For more information on CHRC or the Annual Luncheon, please visit our website at http://www.chrc.us or call 513-352-3237.

Cincinnati Human Relations Commission (CHRC) is pleased to announce our 2015 Bishop Herbert Thompson Award honoree, Alphonse Gerhardstein

The Bishop Herbert Thompson Award was created to honor the life and legacy of the late Bishop Herbert Thompson Jr. — the first African American elected to serve as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. Bishop Thompson lived by the personal motto, "To reconcile, to liberate, to heal, to serve.” He labored to resolve racial injus...tice and worked to strengthen relationships among diverse groups.

Alphonse Gerhardstein has focused his law practice on civil rights issues for the last 38 years. As a partner of Gerhardstein & Branch Co., LPA, he has represented the Cincinnati African American Firefighters and the Sentinel Police Association on affirmative action and employment issues. He was also lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit that resulted in the Collaborative Agreement, a national model for police reform. The agreement resulted in more officer accountability, less use of force, elimination of systemic factors related to racially-based policing, and increased engagement of the African American community through problem solving. He is currently working with African-American clients through litigation and policy advocacy to reform Taser use policies in law enforcement agencies across the region. He also is lead counsel in the Ohio cases that will be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on April 28th on Marriage Equality. Gerhardstein is the Founder of the Ohio Justice and Policy Center and a Board Member of the Ohio Association for Justice.

CHRC’s Annual Luncheon, Silent Auction and Awards Ceremony will be held on June 26th, 2015 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, 35 W. Fifth Street at 12:00 pm. This year's keynote speaker will be Dr. Rev. Otis Moss, Jr., theologian and activist.

For more information on CHRC or the Annual Luncheon, please visit our website at http://www.chrc.us or call 513-352-3237.

You are cordially invited to participate in the "Interfaith Peace Ring", Sunday, May 3rd, 2:30PM

The Cincinnati Human Relations Commission in collaboration with the Islamic Center of Cincinnati is holding an "Interfaith Peace Ring" event with various interfaith leaders on Sunday May 3, 2015 from 2:30-3:30. All faith groups are invited to join in a short prayer and help form a "peace ring" around the Islamic Center in a show of unity for acceptance of all people and faiths.

Job Opening - Youth Services Coordinator

CHRC is hiring a FT Youth Services Coordinator to provide positive youth development activities that include: coaching, mentoring and advocacy for youth.

This position will:
•Provide outreach at various community events to promote CHRC’s programs and services to achieve the objectives of CHRC’s Youth Services activities.
•Establish relationships with area stakeholders including but not limited to Cincinnati Public Schools, surrounding school districts, youth councils & groups... to foster activities designed to enhance diverse human relations.
•Supervise the Youth Services staff and contractors to ensure that quality services are being delivered.
•Plan the Summer Y2WK opportunity in conjunction with Cincinnati City Council Committee Chair & vendors.
•Create programs, workshops and/or activities that will promote positive self-development for youth.
•Work with a committee to select the Youth Service award recipient(s).
•Work in connection with CHRC staff to plan the Great Youth Debate / Oratorical Contest, Night at the Mic, Increase the Peace Week, Culture Shock, Peace Bowl and any other Youth Services events.
•Seek out and apply for Youth Services grants.
•Submit written report to CHRC’s Senior Program Manager.
•May be required to coordinate special programs/activities and assist with special projects such as development of articles for newsletters and updates to the website, attend special community outreach events, attend community council meetings and other meetings as assigned.

Qualifications: BA, Proficient in Microsoft Word, Skilled Written & Verbal Communication, Attention to detail, Minimum of 3 years of experience in working with youth. Experience in Relationship Building, Multicultural Sensitivity \ Awareness, Planning and Organizing. This FT position is eligible for employee benefits.

The CHRC practices and promotes a policy of nondiscrimination. We are fully committed to the principles of equality in employment, job assignment, promotion or other terms or condition of employment and opportunity for all employees. We will not, under any circumstances, condone or knowingly tolerate conduct that may constitute discrimination in the work environment. CHRC is committed to employing individuals on the basis of their experience and qualifications.

The CHRC prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, and veteran status, physical or mental disabilities. We also observe state laws that specify additional protected classes. We apply these principles to all aspects of the employment process and relationship.

TODAY (4/24/15) is the deadline to apply. If you have questions please contact the office at (513) 352-3237. All applications MUST be faxed (513-352-2496), emailed to chrc@cincinnati-oh.gov or mailed to:
Cincinnati Human Relations Commission
Cincinnati City Hall
801 Plum Street, Suite 158
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Letter to Editor by Michael Hawkins, Vice President, CHRC's Board of Commissioners

Mr. Hawkins article appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer, Wednesday, April 22, 2015.
Let's make Cincinnati the most welcoming city http://t.co/HahaCZxuch via @enquirer

We continue to March for Selma!

Congratulations to former Board of Commissioner, Mrs. Louise Spiegel to receive Honorary Degree from Cincinnati State

Mrs. Louise Spiegel, former CHRC Board of Commissioner, will receive an honorary degree celebrating her lifetime achievements from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College on Sunday, May 3, 3:00 PM at the Cintas Center on the Xavier University Campus. Congratulations Mrs. Spiegel!

Today, Tuesday, April 21st, 6:00 PM, CHRC's Community Outreach Engagement Coordinator, Christina Brown featured Lecturer at Social Justice Program

The Office of Diversity & Inclusion invites you to their social justice program, “A Celebration of Leadership: A Continuous Fight for Social Justice” to be held TODAY, Tuesday, April 21st, 6:00 PM at The Mount Saint Joseph University in the Corona Room.

The program features Social Justice Advocate and Lecturer Christina Brown, CHRC, Community Outreach Engagement Coordinator, as well as an opening performance by Ivy BlackButterfly Pea African Dancer and Dunamis Mime Ministry.

This event is Free and Open to the Public.

Job Opening: Youth Services Coordinator

CHRC is hiring a FT Youth Services Coordinator to provide positive youth development activities that include: coaching, mentoring and advocacy for youth. This position will:

• Provide outreach at various community events to promote CHRC’s programs and services to achieve the objectives of CHRC’s Youth Services activities.
• Establish relationships with area stakeholders including but not limited to Cincinnati Public Schools, surrounding school districts, youth councils & groups to foster activities designed to enhance diverse human relations.
• Supervise the Youth Services staff and contractors to ensure that quality services are being delivered.
• Plan the Summer Y2WK opportunity in conjunction with Cincinnati City Council Committee Chair & vendors.
• Create programs, workshops and/or activities that will promote positive self-development for youth.
• Work with a committee to select the Youth Service award recipient(s).
• Work in connection with CHRC staff to plan the Great Youth Debate / Oratorical Contest, Night at the Mic, Increase the Peace Week, Culture Shock, Peace Bowl and any other Youth Services events.
• Seek out and apply for Youth Services grants.
• Submit written report to CHRC’s Senior Program Manager.  
• May be required to coordinate special programs/activities and assist with special projects such as development of articles for newsletters and updates to the website, attend special community outreach events, attend community council meetings and other meetings as assigned.

Qualifications: BA, Proficient in Microsoft Word, Skilled Written & Verbal Communication, Attention to detail, Minimum of 3 years of experience in working with youth. Experience in Relationship Building, Multicultural Sensitivity \ Awareness, Planning and Organizing. This FT position is eligible for employee benefits.

The CHRC practices and promotes a policy of nondiscrimination.  We are fully committed to the principles of equality in employment, job assignment, promotion or other terms or condition of employment and opportunity for all employees. We will not, under any circumstances, condone or knowingly tolerate conduct that may constitute discrimination in the work environment. CHRC is committed to employing individuals on the basis of their experience and qualifications.

The CHRC prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, and veteran status, physical or mental disabilities. We also observe state laws that specify additional protected classes.  We apply these principles to all aspects of the employment process and relationship.

The deadline to apply is 4/24/15. If you have questions please contact the office at (513) 352-3237. All applications should be emailed to chrc@cincinnati-oh.gov or mailed to:

Cincinnati Human Relations Commission

Cincinnati City Hall

801 Plum Street, Suite 158

Cincinnati, OH 45202

On Thursday, April 16, 2015, Noah Sherman, a 12th grade student at DePaul Cristo Rey, had the opportunity to shadow the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission Street Outreach Advocates. He spent the afternoon with them talking to residents in District 3 Police Station. Noah said it was a true learning experience for him and he would like to do it again soon. Noah plans to attend college next year and major in Sociology.

"To Protect And Serve" was a community conversation held yesterday, Thursday, April 16th by the Northern Kentucky Forum at their Annual Forum. Community-Police Relations is so timely, especially with the landscape of community police relations across the country right now. CHRC's Executive Director, Dr. Ericka King-Betts was the Moderator.

Thanks to everyone who planned, attended, and shared their voice.

Congratulations to COA Aaron Pullins III!

CHRC's COA, Aaron Pullins, III received the Distinguished Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Withrow Alumni Association, "Who's Who Gala" held at the Redmoor, Sunday, April 12, 2015. Congratulations!

CHRC's Community Outreach Advocates at R. A. Taft Information Technology High School

R. A. Taft Information Technology High School welcomes police chief Jeffrey Blackwell and CHRC’s Community Outreach Advocates to an all day event held Thursday, April 15, 2015.

Dr. Ericka King-Betts, Executive Director, CHRC to participate in Forum: "To Protect and Serve? Community/Police Relations in Northern Kentucky"

TODAY, Thursday, April 16, 6:30PM, Forum: "To Protect and Serve? Community/Police Relations in Northern Kentucky" at the Kentucky Career Center, 1324 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY. Moderator: Dr. Ericka King-Betts, Executive Director, CHRC.

What does a healthy community-police relationship look like? How healthy are the communities of Northern Kentucky? A panel of experts from across the spectrum will examine these questions in a deep dialogue about where we have been, where we are ...now, and where we want to go. The panel will consider such ongoing issues as minority profiling; whether local police departments are equipped to handle protests or "organized" disturbances; what measures local police have enacted to build trust in the community. Join us for this important community discussion, made more relevant by the events in Ferguson, Missouri.

Panel for this event: Chief Jeffrey Blackwell, Cincinnati Police; Chief Spike Jones, Covington Police; Robert McCray, retired Newport police officer and community activist and President, Jerome Bowles, Northern Kentucky NAACP.

This event is Free and Open to the Public.

Community Outreach Advocates in the community

CHRC's Community Outreach Advocates held MORE (Men. Organized. Respectful. Educated) event today at R. A. Taft Information Technology High School

COA, Dorron Hunter Assist Youth in College Tour to Morehead State University

Tuesday, March 31, 2015, COA, Dorron Hunter (along with 6 parents and 3 teachers) escorted 29 young men & approximately 5 young ladies on an all day College Tour to Morehead State University. Four schools participated in this outing: Taft High, Chase, Withrow & Silverton Paideia.

The youth toured the campus, ate in the cafeteria with some of the football players, and also had a laser show in the Space Science Center.

Tour guides talked about college tuition and scholarships they could earn with good grades.

CHRC Congratulates Christina Brown on 2015 BRIGHT Award

Congratulations to all of the 2015 Cincinnati Herald BRIGHT Award Winners. Special congratulations to CHRC's Community Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, Christina Brown, on being recognized for her community service efforts.

The awards ceremony will be on Saturday April 18th from 11:00AM - 2:00PM at the Marquee Ballroom and Event Center. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at http://thecincinnatiherald.com or by calling 513-961-3331.

Click below to read more about the honorees:

http://thecincinnatiherald.com/news/2015/apr/10/bright-award-honorees-are-making-difference-our-co/?page=3

Upcoming Civil Rights Program

More details to come. Please share with others.

CHRC Supports GLSEN Prom

CHRC's Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, Christina Brown would like to thank Board of Commissioner Paula Ison for her invitation to GLSEN's 2015 Prom! The evening included an amazing dinner, award presentation, music, and a safe space for youth to enjoy a common rites of passage, promenade! Congratulations to the event organizers and volunteers on a phenomenal celebration. 

Local Police Chiefs to Discuss Community-Police Relations, Dr. Ericka King-Betts CHRC's Executive Director, Moderator

Forum: "To Protect and Serve? Community/Police Relations in Northern Kentucky." This event will be held on Thursday, April 16, 6:30PM at the Kentucky Career Center, 1324 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY. Moderator: Dr. Ericka King-Betts, Executive Director, CHRC.

What does a healthy community-police relationship look like? How healthy are the communities of Northern Kentucky? A panel of experts from across the spectrum will examine these questions in a deep dialogue about where we have been, where we are now, and where we want to go. The panel will consider such ongoing issues as minority profiling; whether local police departments are equipped to handle protests or "organized" disturbances; what measures local police have enacted to build trust in the community. Join us for this important community discussion, made more relevant by the events in Ferguson, Missouri.

Panel for this event: Chief Jeffrey Blackwell, Cincinnati Police; Chief Spike Jones, Covington Police; Robert McCray, retired Newport police officer and community activist and President, Jerome Bowles, Northern Kentucky NAACP.

Invitation to Celebrate Social Justice and Leadership featuring Christina Brown, CHRC's Community Outreach Engagement Coordinator

The Office of Diversity & Inclusion invites you to their social justice program, “A Celebration of Leadership: A Continuous Fight for Social Justice” to be held Tuesday, April 21st, 6:00 PM at The Mount Saint Joseph University in the Corona Room.

The program features Social Justice Advocate and Lecturer Christina Brown, CHRC, Community Outreach Engagement Coordinator, as well as an opening performance by Ivy BlackButterfly Pea African Dancer and Dunamis Mime Ministry.

The event is Free and Open to the Public. Please RSVP by April 17, 2015 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HZXD7TZ

CHRC Congratulates Board of Commissioners Sarah Weiss and Kevin Wright

Congratulations to Board of Commissioners Sarah Weiss and Kevin Wright on being named "Ones To Watch" in the April 2015 Cincinnati Magazine.

http://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/citywiseblog/the-future-of-cincinnati-ones-to-watch/

CHRC's Community Outreach Engagement Coordinator, Christina Brown will lecture at The Mount St. Joseph University on Tuesday, April 21st

The Office of Diversity & Inclusion in its inaugural year at Mount Saint Joseph University, invite you to the social justice program, “A Celebration of Leadership: A Continuous Fight for Social Justice”.

The event will be held Tuesday, April 21st, 6:00 PM at The Mount Saint Joseph University in the Corona Room. The program features Social Justice Advocate and Lecturer Christina Brown, CHRC, Community Outreach Engagement Coordinator, as well as an opening performance by Ivy BlackButterfly Pea African Dancer and Dunamis Mime Ministry.

The event is Free and Open to the Public. Please RSVP by April 17, 2015 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/home/

Final Call for Merlin G. Pope, Jr. Diversity Leadership Award

TODAY IS THE DEADLINE

TO SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS!

The Cincinnati Human Relations Commission and Pope & Associates Call for Nominations: Merlin G. Pope, Jr. Diversity Leadership Award.

Nominations must be received no later than TODAY, Tuesday, April 7, 2015. To download form, visit our website: www.chrc.us

Merlin G. Pope Jr. (1942-1998). Yale-educated sociologist, Merlin has long been recognized as one of the pioneers in the Diversity Industry. In 1977, he coined the term "diversity" to describe the changing demographics of the U.S. workforce. Merlin and the company he co-founded, Pope & Associates, Inc., has trained over one million participants across the globe, and worked with over half of the Fortune 500 companies. The CHRC Diversity Leadership Award was established in his memory by his wife and co-founder of Pope & Associates, Patricia C. Pope.

The Merlin G. Pope, Jr. Diversity Leadership Award was created in 2003 to recognize an individual executive in the Greater Cincinnati Area who has demonstrated outstanding inclusion within their organization and/or the community.

Recipients of the award to-date have been:

2003 John Pepper, former P&G Chairman

2004 Lynwood Battle, Diversity Manager, P&G

Chad Wick, CEO, Knowledge Works Foundation

2005 Karen Bankston, Sr. VP External Affairs, Health Alliance

2006 Kathryn Merchant, President/CEO, Greater Cincinnati Foundation

2007 Art Shriberg, Professor, Xavier University

2008 Marvel Gentry Davis, President/Board, Ballet Tech Cincinnati

2009 Icy Williams, Associate Director of Supplier Diversity, P&G

Dr. Stephen Price, Superintendent, Middletown City Schools

2010 William T. Sprankles III, Principal, Princeton High School

2011 Laura N. Brunner, Exec VP, Al. Neyer, Inc.

2012 Clarence Pauley III, VP HR, UC Health

J. Phillip Holloman, Pres./COO, Cintas Corp.

2013 Alicia Tidwell, Senior Manager, Diversity & Inclusion, Luxottica Retail

David Singleton, Executive Director, Ohio Justice & Poverty Center

Peter S. Strange, Chairman, Messer Construction Company

2014 Deborah Robb, Director, Community Revitalization & Inclusion, Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority

Michelle Stacy, VP of HR, Sibcy Cline Realtors.

About the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission: CHRC was established in November of 1943 as The Mayor's Friendly Relations Committee. The goal was to appoint a committee that represented various racial, industrial and religious groups to make sure all groups felt a part of their communities and supported one another in the city of Cincinnati. As time passed the name was changed to CHRC and the mission grew to target a much larger issue, discrimination. Thus, the agency's mission is "to help our community to overcome prejudice and discrimination, build mutual respect and understanding, and to become more harmonious and cohesive."

The Cincinnati Human Relations Commission is a non-profit organization. For additional information on how you can support CHRC and its programs, please contact Executive Director, Ericka King-Betts, PhD at 513-352-3237.

CHRC's Annual Luncheon, Silent Auction and Awards Ceremony Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities are NOW available online!

You are cordially invited to The Cincinnati Human Relations Commission (CHRC) Annual Luncheon, Silent Auction & Awards Ceremony on Friday, June 26, 2015 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Our theme is "Celebrating Connecting Cultures & Communities." There will be a light reception and silent auction from 11am-12pm followed by lunch. Corporate Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available on our website: www.chrc.us or call us at 513.352.3237.

This Year's keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., Theologist and Activist.

The Bishop Herbert Thompson, Merlin D. Pope, Jr. Diversity Leadership, Youth Services and Champions for Connecting Cultures & Communities awards will be presented as well. Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Courtis Fuller.

We hope to see you there!