Council advances four Human Rights Commission candidates after interviews

Four candidates for reappointment to the Detroit Human Rights Commission interviewed before the Internal Operations Standing Committee and were advanced to formal session with recommendations to approve.

The committee heard from Dr. Jeff Robinson, who said his background as a lifelong Detroiter, principal of Paul Robeson Malcolm X Academy and pastor of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church drives his interest in the commission. “I am interested in working with the Human Rights Commission to further expound on and interrogate the ways in which our citizens suffer from systematic failure,” Robinson said during his interview. Members asked how his faith would shape his commission work; Robinson responded that his theology centers on inclusion and defending the underprivileged.

Bill Ross described decades of nonprofit and business advocacy and emphasized organizational and program development experience. Sunil Singh, who said he has served with the Human Rights Commission/CREO since 2014, emphasized governance and institutional memory as reasons to retain continuity. Bishop Daryl Harris outlined long volunteer service and work with violence interruption programs and victim services.

Members praised candidates’ records. Member Renata Miller said she looked forward to partnering with Robinson’s school; Member Scott Benson recognized Ross for quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson in his presentation. After discussion, LPD confirmed the resolutions were attached and the committee unanimously moved the four names forward to formal session with the recommendation to approve.

Next steps: the appointments will be considered by the full council at formal session on the schedule set by council leadership.