Human Relations Commission-backed diversity event and library teen mental-health program draw local attendance

The York City Human Relations Commission reported positive community turnout for a recent diversity event and for a Martin Library program focused on teen mental health during its May meeting.

Commissioners said the diversity event had a strong speaker and well-received food and that photos and a keynote video have been posted to the commission's social media and YouTube channels. The commission noted it lost some expected donations for the event but still had enough of a cushion not to deplete the fund entirely.

The commission also reported on a Martin Library program supported with commission grant funds that included an art exhibit and a community conversation about teen mental health. Commissioners said 39 pieces of art were displayed, that some submissions came from outside the county, and that more than 160 people attended the library event that evening. A follow-up community conversation featured three teen panelists and three adult panelists, including Lisa Kennedy and Karen Stabley and an adult identified by the meeting as Leslie from the local health center. The commission said the conversation included teens' accounts of school-safety fears and expressed interest in several follow-up conversations on topics raised during the event.

The commission said the diversity event keynote and recap video are available on YouTube and reposted to the commission's Facebook page for those who missed the presentation. Commissioners encouraged members to suggest potential candidates to fill upcoming open commission positions and said they will contact current commissioners in June about reappointments and possible new nominees.

The meeting then moved to a motion to enter executive session for confidential items.