HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968 11-26 HRRMMinutes of the Proceedings of the
Human Rights Commission of the
City of Brooklyn Center in the
County of Hennepin and State of
Minnesota - November 26, 1968
The Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was called to
order by Chairman Leon Binger at 8:10 P. M.
Roll Call: Charles Nichols, Floyd Anderson, Majel Berg, James Knight,
Arthur Gustafson, Marvin Stavig, Adrian Dorenfeld, Leon Binger, Neil Smeaton,
Rev. Wendell Shiell and Bea Rankin.
Motion by Charles Nichols and seconded by Marvin Stavig to approve
the minutes of the November 13, 1968 meeting as submitted. The vote was
unanimous in favor of the motion.
Chairman Binger then reported on the meeting sponsored by the State
Department of Human Rights. Dr. Nathan Wright was the main speaker, speak-
ing on his conception of black power, his areas of disagreement with the Kerner
Report and the cooperation between the black and white community and how they
can live together in our society.
Chairman Binger stated that the State Department .of Human Rights will
hold a seminar in January (date to be announced). One of the main topics of
the seminar will be the processing of complaints by the State Department.
Commissioner Anderson reported on the status of the Osseo School
District Committee's meeting of November 5, 1968, He stated that a sub-
committee was formed to write a tentative proposal for consideration and
• adoption by the Osseo School Board at their December 16, 1968 meeting.
Chairman Binger stated that the Brooklyn Center School District Commit-
tee has not met as yet. Plans are in the process for a meeting in the very near
future.
Commissioner Majel Berg and John Waisanen reported on the "We
Share the Dream" button sales program. The buttons will be collected for re-
turn to the state office. A complete report will be submitted on December
10, 1968.
Chairman Binger then discussed the formation of a Robbinsdale School
District committee as suggested in a communication from Mrs. Mary Anderson
of the Action Now Committee in Golden Valley. The school board has been
asked to form a committee similar in nature to those formed in the Osseo and
Brooklyn Center School Districts. No reply has been received from the
school board.
The Commission discussed the possibility of the Brooklyn Center Human
Rights Commission approaching the Robbinsdale School Board to take the
initiative to form the committee. Commissioner Nichols expressed skepticism
based on experience with the Robbinsdale School District in the past. Com-
40 missioner Dorenfeld pointed out the cooperative nature of the Osseo and
Brooklyn Center School Districts.
Motion by Adrian Dorenfeld and seconded by Wendell Schiell that
Chairman Binger send a letter to the president of the Robbinsdale School Board
requesting the formation of the Robbinsdale School District committee. Copies
of this letter also to be send to the North Suburban Human Rights Commission
and all cities and villages located within the boundaries of the school district.
The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
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Discussion of the European Health Spa began after the 9:00 P. M. recess.
A letter was sent to the health spa by Mayor Cohen pointing out the actions
taken by the City Council in establishing a Human Rights Commission in Brooklyn
Center and advising the health spa of the attitude of the Council. Mayor
Cohen requested the Human Rights Commission to defer any action of a local
nature until the State Department of Human Rights reaches a decision.
Discussion of the situation dealt with licensing, certificate of occupancy
and the avenues available to insist that the spa comply with the law or remove
the license thus disallowing the spa to do business in Brooklyn Center.
i Chairman Binger stated that the State Department of Human Rights was
reluctant to offer any opinion on the matter until their investigation was completed
and a decision was reached.
Ccra.-rlssioner Nichols announced that Arthur Day of TCOTC is soliciting
food for ultimate movement to Mississippi, He is requesting the Brooklyn Center
Human Rights Commission to endorse their endeavor through a communication
with Mrs. Maryanne Sarenpa,
Motion by Charles Nichols and seconded by James Knight that the
Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission endorse the poor peoples campaign
request for food. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
Chairman Binger will advise Mrs. Sarenpa of the action,
Motion by Bea Rankin and seconded by Floyd Anderson to adjourn the
meeting, The Human Rights Commission adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
Those present at time of adjournment were: Charles Nichols, Floyd
Anderson, Majel Berg, James Knight, Arthur Gustafson, Marvin Stavig, Adrian
Dorenfeld, Leon Binger, Neil Smeaton, Rev. Wendell Schiell, Bea Rankin
and John Winkelman.
Secre Chairman
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