HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.04.25 DEI Advisory Board Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Advisory Board Meeting - Minutes
March 4, 2025
5:30 – 6:30pm 7th Floor, City Hall Lansing, MI
Call to Order: 5:31 pm
Attendance: Bryon Haskins, Emily Sorroche, Florensio Hernandez, Terry Frazier, Cheryl Horn-Benard,
Sharron Gillison; quorum was achieved.
City Staff Attendees: Kim Coleman, Michael Hopson, Brandon Waddell, Teresa Bingman
Member(s) of public: Dr. Darla Bishop
Introduction of our new member, Cheryl Harn Bernard, and around-the-table introductions
A mention was made regarding a consultant who will be invited to a future meeting, named
Johnathan Butler.
Approval of Agenda:
a. Motion moved by board member Sharon Gillison and seconded by Board Member Byron
Haskins, motion carried.
Approval of December 3rd Minutes:
a. Motion (February 2025), supported by board member Byron Haskins and seconded by
Sharon Gillison, motion carried.
Public Comments: None
Update: BIPOC toolkit presentations - We had Dr. Darla Bishop, Author and Small Business
(Consultant) owner, Mother, Educator, and Community advocate, share with the DEI Advisory Board
her work in the community, which entails financial literacy training and how her resources for Small
Businesses could benefit the City of Lansing BIPOC communities and help us carry out this goal of
having Lansing be a place where people can make their dreams of opening and starting a new
business a reality. There was a great discussion about the online toolkit. An essential resource shared
with the group: www.darlabishop.com/resources
Director’s Update: The Celebration of Diversity, scheduled for the last week of June, will take place in
the Lansing City Hall Lobby. All members are encouraged to attend and spread the word about the
event. More information will be shared in the upcoming months.
DEI Officer’s Update: Information was shared about the City of Lansing HRCS Racial Equity grants, 21
applications were reviewed, and the awardees have been invited to the Celebration of Diversity June
event, where they will have an opportunity to participate and share information with the community
on how the grants helped their organization and the work they are doing in our communities.
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Standing Teams Updates: No updates were provided at this time. Board reassigned Themes/
committees.
• Justice and Safety – (Terry) No report
• Economic Empowerment – (Florensio, Sharon, & Emily) The meeting is scheduled for
Thursday, March 13, at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom.
• Community Sustainability – (Byron) Reported that they have a meeting scheduled with
the homelessness group.
Unfinished Business: None
New Business:
a. The resignation of Hannah Jones-Nelson was discussed. Chair Sorroche read the resignation
letter, Byron Haskins supported the motion, and Sharon Gillison seconded it.
b. Lansing City Ordinance 684.04: The use of specific language in this ordinance was discussed
around the table, with some historical context shared. An update from the Lansing City
Council's EDI committee meeting was provided to the group by the DEI Officer, Hopson.
Adjournment: 6:35pm – Motion Hanna, second Terry, passed unanimously
Submitted by: Florensio Hernandez