Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Human Rights Inclusion Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
West Des Moines Human Rights Commissioner urges celebration of Juneteenth and Pride amid legislative headwinds
Summary
Tiffany Berkenes of the West Des Moines Human Rights Commission addressed the council on June 16 to urge recognition of Juneteenth and Pride amid recent state and federal legislation she said has complicated civic engagement; commissioners plan local participation in upcoming events.
Tiffany Berkenes, who identified herself as a member of the West Des Moines Human Rights Commission, told the council on June 16 the commission "educate[s], engage[s], and connect[s]" residents to foster inclusion and equity and urged continued recognition of Juneteenth and Pride Month. Berkenes outlined the history of Juneteenth and noted this year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the Iowa Civil Rights Act, and she encouraged residents to attend metro Juneteenth events and Valley Junction’s Pride Festival.
Berkenes said "recent state and federal legislation has posed challenges for cities and organizations to engage in certain activities," and she urged that the commission's voice and presence remain visible despite those challenges. She quoted Ida B. Wells and Angela Davis in closing and publicly thanked Councilwoman Renee Hardman and Audrey Kennis for their support of the commission.
Councilwoman Hardman and other councilmembers acknowledged the remarks and thanked Berkenes and other speakers for raising history and inclusion at the meeting. There was no council action requested or taken on proclamations during the citizens forum.
