Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee
Chestertown Unites Against Racism
April 13, 2021
Present- John Queen, Vic Sensenig, Kate Livie, Bishop Ronald Fisher, Jenn Baker, Maegan White, Ruth Shoge
Absent- Reverend Robert Brown, Thomas Hayman
Executive Action: Approval of minutes March 9, 2021
- Chairman Queen started the meeting at 7:09 PM. The minutes for Feb 9, 2021, were approved unanimously with no edits.
Updates:
- New member Maegan White was approved by Mayor and Council, and introduced by John Queen. White expressed her excitement at joining the committee.
- Jedi trainings – not approved (Update Ruth Shoge)
Councilman Tolliver did not approve the training, and it was not approved at the council level. Sensenig and Shoge reported that they have not heard directly from Councilman Tolliver. A different training was proposed by SACRJ, and Sensenig confirmed that the committee is open to exploring all possible diversity training, and is willing to field more local training that may be available to the Council. Some of these programs may have a cost attached. Shoge reported that the training SACRJ proposed had a $3k cost for the town. There may be additional opportunities available.
Queen reported that the SACRJ has not proposed their training directly to the EAC, via email, and the challenges that presents. Livie confirmed this challenge, and how it may be different than town committees normally work.
Queen asserted his confidence in the due diligence of Shoge and Sensenig’s efforts, and that he hoped these trainings might be available during the upcoming Juneteenth celebration,
- Historic Signage approved by Mayor and Council
Queen reported that the approved signage will be located by 98 Cannon, and that the committee is working closely with Bill Ingersol to have that installed by the Juneteeth celebration.
- Justice Day Kick off May 15th, (education pillar w/Lynching project)
Queen reported that the James Taylor lynching project will formally kick off May 15, with everything virtual due to covid.
- Book Club will Start May 15th, 2021 (June 15th, and July 20th)
Sherilyn Ifill will be in attendance, in partnership with the Sumner Hall, and the council’s participation, with a community dialogue to follow.
- Community Dialogue #2 April, 15th, 2021
Council members David Foster and Meghan Efland have been invited to the next dialogue, to be held this week with college students from Washington College. Maegan White discussed that the focus will be on action-based solutions, the mayoral election, and moving forward.
- Raising money
Queen reported that the funds raised from banners hasn’t been sufficient to actually cover the plans of the EAC. Queen reiterated that with the changes in leadership, funding is unclear. The banners are selling, but not in enough volume to cover the committee’s costs.
Livie suggested that sales at the farmer’s market could help for sales and promotion. Councilman Herz said her would be happy to facilitate a conversation to allow the EAC to set up a table for banner and sign sales.
Committee Agenda:
- Research and data collection (Legislative pillar)
Queen introduced the newest pillar of the plan, encouraging committee members to explore some of the issues and infrastructure related to their implementation.
Plan Implementation: Education, Legislation and Unification
- Book Club w/Sherrilyn Ifill’s “On the Courthouse Lawn” (Education w/ The Lynching Project) May 15th, 2021
Queen reiterated this is well underway.
- Juneteenth Town Festival (Unification)
The structure of the event, including permits and entertainment. Livie took the opportunity to acknowledge Queen’s efforts in promoting and planning the Juneteeth event. Queen reported that next month, other members from the Black Union of Kent County will update the EAC on their progress.
Historic Video Selection upcoming:
- Community Dialogue Part #1 (Education Pillar w/ Community Dialogue)
Queen reported this is currently in editing for imminent public release.
New Business:
- Black Union of Kent County w/ Juneteenth Festival update
The structure of the event, including permits and entertainment. Livie took the opportunity to acknowledge Queen’s efforts in promoting and planning the Juneteeth event. Queen reported that next month, other members from the Black Union of Kent County will update the EAC on their progress.
Public Comment: Agenda
- Individuals or groups will be provided 2 minutes (NO EXCEPTIONS)
None of the public attended.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.
Next meeting Tuesday May 11th, 2021 7pm