HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-04-2024 MinutesHUMAN RELATIONS DIVERSITY
BOARD
I N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
April 4, 2024 MINUTES 6:15 PM
0 CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Moyer at 6:15 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of City Hall
located at I N. Bluford Avenue, Ocoee.
Chair Moyer led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of personal reflection. Recordin,,g,
Clerk Torres proceeded with the roll call, and confirmed the presence of a quorum.
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Absent: Member Singh
Also Present: Mayor Johnson, Support Services Director Gaines, and Recording Clerk Torres
First line • Mission Statement was read • Member Mellen "The general mission • the Muman
Relations Diversity Board ("HRDB") is to promote understanding, respect, goodwill, and equality among
all citizens • businesses • the City • Ocoee."
1. Approval of Minutes for the HRDB meeting held March 7, 2024:
Member • Motion carried •
Dr. Ahmad Jalloul, president of the Arab American Community Center, emphasized the significance
of Arab American Heritage Month. He shared he is a Lebanese native who migrated to the USA in 1995
for medical studies, and now calls central Florida home, running his own practice. He highlighted the
contributions of Arab Americans and the importance of celebrating their culture during this dedicated
month.
John Payne -Rios, a dedicated member of The Arts and Cultural Affairs Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Committee, as well as a board member of the Orlando Fringe Festival and the Technical Theatr-!v
Director at Howard Middle School of the Arts, addressed the importance of celebrating diversity. During
his presentation, Payne -Rios shared valuable insights on how smaller organizations can access grants
from the county, empowering them to make lasting, positive impacts within their communities. His
advocacy for inclusivity and support for cultural expression emphasized the vital role of the arts in
fostering unity and understanding among diverse populations.
HRDB Meeting
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HRDB Meeting
Aprit 4, 2024
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Ocoee Music Fest — April 12th & 13 th
5k Race — April 13 th
Asian American Heritage Month Event at Bill Breeze Park — April 18 th
Police Department Community Picnic at Vignetti Park — April I 8th
Fire Department Open House — April 27th
Memorial Day Ceremony — May 23rd
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Mayor Johnson addressed the board, and expressed his profound pride and gratitude for their
voluntary commitment to improving Ocoee. He voiced his vision of fostering positive change and
dismissing falsehoods about the city, and emphased the importance of spreading truth. Reflecting on
his initial involvement with the city's boards, he commended the board's progress and reaffirmed his
confidence in their efforts, applauding them for their outstanding work.
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0 Read aloud Mission Statement
I rem 1 -1 W.Ton I E E !on,
Guest Speaker Kavita Sawh with UCF's Ginsberg Center for Inclusion and Community
Engagement
Adjournment: meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
FA ,N&JOHN
Recording Clerk
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