HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968 07-09 HRRMMinutes of the Proceedings of the
Human Rights Commission of the
City of Brooklyn Center in the
County of Hennepin and State of
Minnesota
July 9, 1968
The Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was called
to order by Chairman Leon Binger at 8:05 P. M.
Roll Call: Marvin Stavig, Neil Smeaton, Leon Binger, Rev, Wendell
Shiell, Arthur Gustafson, Jesse Sandoval. Also present were; Jerry Dulgar
• and Mary Jane Gustafson.
Chairman Leon Binger opened the meeting by welcoming Mrs. Richard
Anderson and Mrs. Ray Jordahl, who were observing the meeting on behalf of the
League of Women Voters.
Chairman Binger made the following announcements:
a. That at the August 13 meeting of the Commission Mr. Robert
Fjerstad of the personnel department of Northern States Power
Company will address the Commission;
b. that the Brooklyn Center Chamber of Commerce, Brooklyn
Center Jaycees and the Brookdale Merchants Association-
would be invited to the August 13 meeting of the Commission;
ce that at the request of Brooklyn Methodist Church which is
having a series of sermons on Human Rights, Mrs. Rankin,
Mike Friedman and John Winkleman of the Commission will
each attend one Sunday to answer questions at a round
table discussion following the sermons.
• Following the announcements, Commissioner Smeaton reported on the
Conference on Creative Concern attended by several of the Commissioners in
St. Paul on June 29, 1968.
Chairman Binger then introduced Mrs. Katie McWatt, Associate Director
for Community Services of the St. Paul Urban League, as the main speaker for
the evening.
Mrs. McWatt addressed the Commission on a broad range of subjects
having to do with Human and Civil Rights. Mrs. McWatt noted that she was
glad that the Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission had stayed free from
entanglements so they could be effective. Mrs. McWatt also mentioned that
she thought it was good that the Commission was meeting with groups like the
Chamber of Commerce.
Following the address, Mrs. McWatt and the Commission participated
in a discussion of Human Rights. In answer to a question from a Commissioner
on how she interpreted black power, Mrs. McWatt said it was economic free-
dom and power and political freedom and power equal to that which white
Americans have.
The meeting recessed at 9:15 P. M. and resumed at 9:22 P. M.
When asked if she believed the riots, violence and disorders in our
cities were justified, Mrs. McWatt said she did not feel they were justified,
but that they were understandable.
Motion by Jesse Sandoval and seconded by Reverend Shiell to adjourn
the meeting. The Human Rights Commission meeting adjourned at 10:05 P. M.
Those present at time of adjournment were: Marvin Stavig, Neil Smeaton,
Leon Binger, Rev. Wendell Shiell, Arthur Gustafson, Jesse Sandoval and Mrs.
on Rankin.
Secretary Chairman