City of Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission

Prepared by the Department of Human Resources

Annual Report to City Council July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013

“Helping Hands, Healing Hearts”“Helping Hands, Healing Hearts”“Helping Hands, Healing Hearts”

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Dear Mayor Sessoms & City Council Members: On behalf of the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission, I am proud to present the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission’s (HRC) 2012-2013 Annual Report. This report provides highlights of the various accomplishments, initiatives and programs in-volving the Human Rights Commission’s dedicated volunteers, staff members, depart-ment liaisons and other City agencies. The HRC continues to educate citizens, address human rights related issues, and ensure more efforts are made to focus on citizens’ concerns in order to protect their rights and create a more inclusive community. We will continue to listen to one another, nurture our relationships and bring peo-ple together for the greater good by building bridges of understanding. As we prepare to enter another fiscal year, the HRC will continue to champion change, observe progress, celebrate successes, and actively address challenges. As always, I appreciate your continued support. It is a privilege and honor to lead this Commission. Respectfully submitted, James E. Parke, Chairman Human Rights Commission

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Executive Summary

The Human Rights Commission serves as an advisory agency to the City of Virginia Beach City Council. The mission of the Commission is to institute, conduct and engage in educational and informational programs for promotion of mutual understanding and respect among all citizens and the fulfillment of human rights. The Commission also serves as a forum for discussion of human rights issues, conducting studies and proposing solutions for the improvement of human relations in the City. We provide assistance to persons who believe their rights have been violated by identify-ing the appropriate federal, state or local agency to address the complaint and referring such persons to that agency. To achieve this mission, we continually meet with citizens of diverse races, religions, ethnic backgrounds and cultures to better understand their needs and con-cerns about human relation issues. It is very important that we continue to share this diversity with all citizens so they gain a greater understanding of our differences. It is our hope that citizens will learn, accept and include those different from themselves so that we will all live more enriching lives. The 2012-2013 Human Rights Commission Annual Report is a testimony to the com-mitment of all members of the HRC and staff to achieve excellence in human relations. We strive to build an inclusive culture where we focus to increase community under-standing of cultural diversity, and tighten the fabric of understanding for “all” people to live, work and play in our great City.

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Human Rights Commission Members

Father James E. Parke, Chair

William “Cliff” Rice, Vice-Chair

Geraldine King Hunt, 2nd Vice-Chair

Beatriz Amberman

Vivian E. Blaize

Rev. E. Ray Cox, Sr.

Gene J. Hou

Elaine Scholl-Iglecia, LCSW

Mohammad Karim, Ph.D.

L. W. “Duff” Kliewer, Jr.

Dr. Agnes Moon

Luis A. Rivera, MA Ed.

Teresa Stanley

Sylvia Nery-Strickland

Rabbi Israel Zoberman

Council Liaisons

Glenn R. Davis

Bob Dyer

Legal Counsel

Rod Ingram, Deputy City Attorney

Staff Members

Regina Hilliard, Director of Human Resources

Bonnie Hall, Community Relations Specialist

Shandra Cummings, Executive Assistant

Department Liaison Members

Deputy Chief John L. Bell Jr., Police Department

Crystal M. Ferrara, Human Services Department

Sergeant Coleen McCauley, Sheriff’s Office

Sergeant Kevin Hugo , Sheriff’s Office

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Educational Efforts

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Black Law Enforcement Pioneer Ceremony The HRC served as a co-sponsor of the Black Law Enforcement Pioneer Ceremony on August 20, 2012. The purpose of the ceremony was to honor the first African-American Police Officers who served Princess Anne County, the Town of Virginia Beach and/or the City of Virginia Beach in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Eight officers were recognized in addition to auxiliary pio-neer officers. At the ceremony it was brought to the committee’s attention that two officers were not identi-fied during the initial research. These men will subse-quently added to the plaque honoring the pioneers. Many who acknowledged the need for this recognition praised the very well attended ceremony as exceptional, not for the pageantry and splendor, but for the significance and substances of the tribute. Bonnie Hall represented the HRC as a member of the planning committee.

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VBPD 2nd Precinct Community Day For the second year, the HRC has co-sponsored the VBPD 2nd Precinct Community Day. Staff member, Bonnie Hall, worked extensively with Captain Gallagher to ensure the concept and logistical requirements were met. Chairman Parke, Commissioner Moon, Commissioner Stanley and Bonnie Hall manned a booth in which we welcomed citizens and provided them with information about the work of the HRC. Attendees in-cluded Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., military personnel, city departments and over 1,000 attendees from the community. Commissioner Rice also attended.

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Human Rights Week In honor of Virginia Beach Human Rights Week, December 10-14, we hosted a ceremony to cel-ebrate the 64th anniversary of International Human Rights Day and to kick off our 2nd Annual Coat Drive. During the ceremony Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. provided a proclamation de-claring December 10 as Human Rights Day in Virginia Beach. Commissioner Zach Nissen de-livered a presentation on human rights and Brandon Middle School Step team energized the au-dience by performing themed human rights dances. Attendees also expressed their thoughts and feelings about human rights on harmony ornaments. The coat drive was a huge success. The HRC received 240 new and gently used coats. The youth community impressed everyone with their initiative to help others. A student at Lynnhaven Middle School, solely collected 112 coats. The students of Thalia Elementary School contributed a total of 792 hats, scarves and gloves. Donated items were given to local charitable organizations to distribute to citizens in need of assistance.

Mayor Sessoms presents Chairman Parke with the proclamation,

Brandon Middle School Step Team performs Harmony Ornaments

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Native American Celebration

Throughout history, drums have served as a way for Native Americans to connect to the earth, representing the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Eastern Sky Drum was heard as a call to the community as SkyFest Group, representing many tribes, performed at the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library on Sunday, November 25, to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. SkyFest Group performers presented Journey, which included tributes to the American Bald Eagle, military veterans, and in remembrance of Indian actor and activist, Russell Means. The drums, music, dance and spoken words were uplifting and a true testament to the heartbeat of the people. The group shared their heritage inclusively, honoring the Ojibwe phrase, “Gakina Awiiya” meaning “we are all related.” Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. presented a proclamation to recognize Native American Heritage Month in Virginia Beach and participated in one of the performances as an honorary drummer. Approximately 50 guests attended the event including HRC chairman James E. Parke, Commissioner Zach Nissen, Commissioner Sylvia Nery-Strickland

who performed with the SkyFest Group and Bonnie Hall coordinated. When the event concluded many attendees expressed how much they enjoyed the performances, how they had a better understanding of the Native American culture, and that they appreciated the feeling of a stronger and more inclusive community.

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Nineteenth Annual Human Rights Awards Program On Thursday evening, March 21, the Virginia Beach Convention Center was full of hearts filled with goodwill as the Human Rights Commission hosted its 19th Annual Human Rights Award program to honor citizens for their meritorious service in the pursuit of cultural diversity and hu-man rights for all. This year’s event was titled, “Helping Hands, Healing Hearts.” The thought is that through your helping hands you are healing the hearts of those injured by prejudice, injus-tice and oppression. This year’s Human Rights Award recipients are Joanne Mancuso, Susan Mayo and Mariah Smith.

For the ninth consecutive year, the HRC honored the memory of the late Daniel Matthew Stone, former Department of Social Services Director, by awarding the Daniel M. Stone Humanitarian Award. This prestigious honor was given to the Black Law Enforcement Pioneer Committee led by Police Captain Pat Gallagher. The HRC presented Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, Harvey L. Bryant with the fourth Meyera E. Oberndorf Human Rights Award for Achievement in Government and Jack Praver was awarded the second Helen P. Shropshire Hu-man Rights Youth Award. Special keepsakes for the recipients were created by the clients of the Department of Human Service -SkillQuest Day Support Program. Commissioner Vivian Blaize serves as the mistress of ceremonies. In attendance were 125 guests along with members of the Human Rights Commission, Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. Councilmember Glenn Davis, Councilmember Amelia Ross Hammond, Police Chief James Cer-vera, Director of Human Resources Regina Hilliard, Deputy Director of Social Services Alexis Zoss, and representatives from the Community Services Board, Social Services Advisory Board, Department of Human Services, Police Department and Commonwealth’s Attorney Office. Bon-nie Hall, Human Resources, coordinated the event.

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Nineteenth Annual Human Rights Award Recipients

Councilmember Glenn Davis Mayor Will Sessoms

Joann Mancuso Chairman Jim Parke

Councilmember Glenn Davis Mayor Will Sessoms

Susan Mayo Chairman Jim Parke

Human Rights Award Recipient Mariah Smith

Councilmember Glenn Davis Chairman Jim Parke

Captain Pat Gallagher (BLEP) Mayor Will Sessoms

Alexis Zoss

Helen P. Shropshire Human Rights Youth Award

Jack Praver

Councilmember Glenn Davis Mayor Will Sessoms

Harvey L. Bryant Chairman Jim Parke

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching

down and lifting people up.” - John Holmes

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Autumn Colors-Leaves of Diversity Cultural Festival The inclement weather did not dampen the spirit of sharing cultures at the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission’s first cultural festival, Autumn Colors – Leaves of Diversity, on Sunday, October 7 at the Farmers Market. The festival provided entertainment and educa-tional opportunities to help build a stronger and more inclusive community. Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. presented a resolution to recognize human rights in Virginia Beach. In addi-tion, the Commission sponsored a food drive to recognize World Food Day on October 16, a worldwide event to increase awareness and understanding of hunger. Donated food was given to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. Additionally, on-site voter registration was provided by Virginia Organizing. The performances and informational tables included the Chinese Cultural Center of Hamp-ton Roads; Eastern Sky Native American Drum; Hampton Roads Black Caucus; Imam Sam Husein; International Folk Dancing Club; Multicultural Alliance of Virginia; Ohana Arts Stu-dio, Panamanian Folklore Group of Hampton Roads; Tidewater Irish American Society; Tidewater Korean Association; the Police Department; Virginia Organizing; and special mu-sical performances by Maurissa Gooden. Approximately 100 guests were in attendance including the Human Rights Commission, Councilmembers Glenn R. Davis and Bob Dyer, Director of Human Resources Regina Hilliard, Police Captain Patrick Gallagher, and Shannon Kendrick, District Director of Congressman Scott Rigell’s Office. Special thanks to Bonnie Hall, Human Resources, who coordinated this community event.

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Communication

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Ancillary Duties Designated Commissioners visited the City’s Correctional Facility on a regular basis to do a “walk through review” of the services and atmosphere. Each Commissioner observed and provided a written statement to the Commission after their visit addressing the following:

Interaction of correctional officers with the inmates

Living conditions (i.e. adequacy of space of inmates)

Rehabilitation activities/programs

Discrimination of any type to the inmates The Commission also visited the Oceanfront during Fourth of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day and other non-holiday days to monitor services offered by the City. We observed and assessed the atmosphere with regard to a safe and friendly environment. Again, the designated Commissioners reported positive observations. On March 13, several of Commissioners, along with the HRC chairperson, received a ‘special’ guided tour of the Mental Health Pod at the correctional facility. The purpose of the tour was for the HRC to do a “walk through review” of the services provided to people who are incarcerated and suffer from mental illness. We were very impressed with the facility and program improvements for these inmates. We believe Sheriff Stolle and his team are doing an outstanding job addressing the complexity of issues and challenges they face on a daily basis. They accomplish this in a very efficient and effective manner through high standards and excellence.

HRC Volunteer Hours As you are aware, Commission members are appointed as volunteers by City Council to serve on the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission. This budget year we have volunteered approximately 760 hours with an estimated savings of $35,000 to achieve our

mission to the citizens of Virginia Beach.

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Human Rights Inquiries

One of the objectives of the Commission is to provide assistance to residents who believe their rights have been violated. The Commission does not have legal authority to act on the claims. Rather, the role of the Commission is to assist the person with identifying the appropriate agency (at the local, state or national level) that can address the claim. Listed below are the inquiries received from our citizen’s in the last year: Type of Inquiry Number of Inquiries Agency Referral Employment 4 EEO, Legal Aid Society Housing 2 HOME, VBPD, VA State Bar, Legal Aid Child Protective Services 1 VB Human Services Department Discrimination 1 Rochester, NY Human Rights Office Immigration 1 Human Rights Council, Legal Services of NOVA, Fairfax County Police Domestic Abuse 1 VBPD, Samaritan House, Her Shelter, YMCA

Mission

The Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission (HRC)

exits to advocate for the human rights of residents in the City of Virginia Beach.

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Legislative Agenda Submittal

The HRC requested that City Council consider including the request to expand the Virginia Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation; the second request that the General Assembly provide meaningful increases for funding for mental healthcare services and housing for 2013 Legislative Package. Additionally, the HRC presented a resolution to City Council requesting that the General Assembly and Governor (Accept and Implement the Full Expansion of Medicaid) as provided by the Affordable Care Act.

Monthly Public Meetings

The HRC conducts monthly meetings to discuss human rights issues facing the community and to keep informed. We periodically request presentations on various topics and other sources. These meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month at 4 pm. In an effort to reach out to the community, we continue to have our monthly meetings at various City facilities. Again this year, some judges from our judicial system ordered citizens convicted of crimes with a racial component to attend our monthly meetings. The judges determined the number of meetings the citizens were required to attend, and staff verified their attendance at the required meeting.

Sponsorship & Scholarship Campaign

The HRC partnered with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) to launch their sponsorship campaign to assist with the funding for the first Helen P. Shropshire Human Rights Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was awarded to Macon C. Spruill, a senior at Princess Anne High School. Macon plans to attend the University of Virginia in 2014.

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Community Outreach

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Hispanic Dialogue The Hispanic or Latino (of any race) community comprises 5.9% of the population in Virginia Beach. However, by 2030, according to the Southeastern Institute of Research (SRI), the City of Virginia Beach’s non-White population will have a 57% growth. In support of the Envision Virginia Beach 2040 vision, a diverse community where our residents are seamlessly infused and celebrated throughout our neighborhoods, the Honorable Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. and the Human Rights Commission met with leaders of the Hispanic community on Thursday, March 7. The purpose of this dialogue was to specifically address some of the Hispanic community’s concerns and to solicit their input on the existing perceptions of the city. Suggestions were developed as to how the city might continue to strengthen overall community relationships within the Hampton Roads region. Presentations were made by the Police Department (general information), the Office of Volunteer Resources (volunteerism & neighbor program), and the Virginia Beach City Public Schools (registration regulations, gifted programs). This meeting was an important start to gaining valuable information from 35 leaders. The information will assist in building bridges, creating more awareness about us being an inclusive city, helping us celebrate the gifts of diversity, and becoming ambassadors for diversity appreciation. Councilmember Glenn Davis, liaison to the HRC, attended the event as well as Director of

Human Resources Regina Hilliard. Bonnie Hall, Human Resources, coordinated the event.

A recap of this meeting was provided to Mayor Will Sessoms and Councilmember Glenn Davis.

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Bringing an End to All City Homelessness (BEACH) Chairman Parke and Commissioner Stanley are actively involved with BEACH. The HRC has supported the efforts of Beach by attending meetings, participating in donation drives.

Citizens Advisory Committee Meetings Each month, Commissioners attend the VBPD’s Citizen Advisory Committee meetings at all of the precincts. We believe this is a “win-win” situation that enables us to promote the efforts of the Police Department and other City departments. Additionally, this attendance brings more awareness about the Human Rights Commission to our citizens and serves as an avenue to hear their thoughts and concerns.

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Other Activities

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Community Events & Miscellaneous Chairman Parke attended the NAACP Virginia Beach Freedom Fund Banquet on November 4, 2012. Chairman Parke and Bonnie Hall attended the Azumaya Dedication Ceremony at the Miyazaki Garden, Red Wing Parke on July 25, 2012. Chairman Parke, Commissioner Hou, Commissioner Karmin, Commissioner Moon and Bonnie Hall attended the 2013 Chinese Spring Festival at the Tallwood High School on February 2, 2013. We also hosted an information table and provided handouts about the Human Rights Commission. Chairman Parke, Commissioner Amberman, Commissioner Stanley attended the Human Trafficking Forum on January 15 at Thalia Lynn Baptist Church to learn more about this topic. Several Commissioners attended the Together We Can Foundation Awareness Breakfasts. Commissioners attended the Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on May 15.

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Envision 2040 Meetings Chairman Parke attended some of the Envision 2040 meetings to understand the work of this group and to determine how we could provide input regarding diversity and inclusion concerns. Chairman Parke has reviewed the Envision 2040 report and looks forward to working with the City to ensure continued alignment.

Human Rights Symposium

Chairman Parke attended Regent University’s School of Law’s Center for Global Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of the Law. Symposium topics included human trafficking, the protection of children, religious freedom and the rule of law and corrupt governments, among other issues. This symposium encouraged creative collaboration and explored how media arts and the legal system can partner to affect change for oppressed people. Over 100 human rights organization and panelists from a variety of fields participated.

Virginia Association for Human Rights Conference The HRC hosted the Virginia Association for Human Rights Conference on June 7-8 at the Holiday Inn at Greenwich. The goals and purpose of the VAHR are to produce a medium for the exchange of ideas and information among the various statutory commission, councils, and agencies; work to inform the public and public policymakers about issues of concern in the field of human rights, encourage and assist in the creation of statutory human rights commissions in jurisdictions where such bodies do not exist and seek to strengthen the state and local commitment to the recognition a and preservation of human rights. The conference agenda included a discussion on developing a united front, social equity in local governance, voting rights act and fair housing issues. Councilmember Glenn Davis welcomed the VAHR to Virginia Beach. Chairman Parke, 2nd Vice-Chair Hunt and Commissioners Blaize and Scholl-Igelica attended. The VAHR presented Chairman Parke with the VAHR Commissioner of the Year Award and Bonnie Hall received the VAHR Staff Member of the Year.

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City Committees Commission members serve on various committees:

Affordable Housing

Bringing an End to Homelessness (BEACH)

Citizen Advisory Committee

Light Rail Committee

Mayor’s African American Roundtable

MAPP Leadership Committee - Public Health Department

Resort Advisory Commission

Sheriff’s GED Program Committee

Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations

Sustainability Planning Committee

Virginia Beach City Public Schools Equity Council

Commissioners Appointments During this fiscal year, City Council appointed Zach Nissen, Sylvia Nery-Strickland, Elaine Scholl-Iglecia, Luis Rivera and Rabbi Israel Zoberman to serve as Commissioners. At the June 13 meeting, the HRC reappointed Jim Parke to serve as chair, William “Cliff” Rice as vice-chair, and Geraldine King Hunt as second vice-chair.

Resignations The following commissioners resigned during this report period; Mike Makela, Greg Goldfarb, Zach Nissen and Mohammad Karim.

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Presentations To keep informed, we periodically request presentations from staff and other sources on various topics. The following were provided during the past year:

October 2012 - Municipal Center, Bldg. 19 Patti Phillips, Director of Finance and members of the Minority Business Council presented information on Minority Contracting.

March 2013 - Municipal Center, Bldg. 19 Mary Russo & Melissa Zibutis provided an overview of Volunteerism and Neighbor helping Neighbors Program

June 2013 - Municipal Center, Bldg. 19 Deputy Chief Tony Zucaro and Captain Pat Gallagher provided information on preparations made by the Police Department for summer activity at the resort area

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——————————————————————- Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission

2424 Courthouse Drive, Building 18, Municipal Center 385-8374 ~ www.VBgov.com/hrc