Human Relations Commission

 Mission Statement

The mission of the City of Jackson Human Relations Commission is to empower and promote a diverse, inclusive, and equitable city.

Vision Statement
To serve as an official agency of the City of Jackson, responsible for advising and making recommendations to the City Manager and City Council concerning good human relations, combating discrimination within the community wherever it exists, and for acting to promote needed change.

Meetings

Meetings of the Human Relations Commission are generally held the 3rd Wednesday of every month. All meetings will be held virtually until further notice due to COVID-19 concerns.  

2021 HRC Meeting Schedule (PDF) 

The latest meeting information is posted on the City Meeting and Event Calendar.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes 

Membership

The Human Relations Commission (HRC) was established as a part of the City of Jackson government on November 19, 1963. The commission is comprised of nine members, of which at least five must be residents of the City while others may reside in Jackson County. A diversity balance is sought among members to allow for a fully representative body reflective of the City's population.

​HRC News

 

• Human Relations Commission releases election civility statement (Oct. 23, 2020) 
• Human Relations Commission looking for new members (July 29, 2020)
• Back to School Blast and Harold White Sr. Awards Breakfast canceled for 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns (July 21, 2020)  
• HRC releases anti-racism statement  (July 20, 2020) 

Anti-Racism Statement

The City of Jackson Human Relations Commission has released an anti-racism statement. The statement was confirmed at the commission's meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. This is the full statement: 

“We, the members of the City of Jackson Human Relations Commission, categorically condemn racially based prejudice, oppression and violence. Unequivocally, we are committed to fair and transparent treatment and equal justice for all residents of the City of Jackson. We stand with the protesters, a vast majority of Americans, who agree that Black Lives Matter. Justice matters. Fairness matters. Equality under the law matters and transparency matters. 

Systemic racism is defined in the United States of America as: systems and structures that have procedures and/or processes that disadvantage African Americans. Recent local and national events have highlighted the continued presence of systemic racism in the United States. It camouflages itself across those procedures and systems within our communities including but not limited to: education, quality health care, the criminal justice system, employment, housing, etc. These systemic issues, have been historically targeted towards the African American community and have made it challenging for African Americans to fully participate in society and the economy. 

We, as the City of Jackson Human Relations Commission, stand with all our residents. We are here to promote mutual understanding, dignity, and respect among all racial, religious, and ethnic groups, and work to discourage and prevent discriminatory practices against any such group.

We invite you to contact us with your concerns, ideas, and initiatives and we look forward to continued dialogue and an opportunity to share these collective efforts with you.  We are your emissaries in ushering in a more just, compassionate, and equitable City of Jackson.”  

Collaboration

The Human Relations Commission welcomes opportunities to partner with other organizations.