BUF Black Lives Matter Ministry Action Team
Minutes March 13th, 2023, 7pm
In Attendance: Pam Graham, Naomi Gary, David Curley, Rupert Ayton, Murray Bennett, Claire Lending, Michael Betz, Stephanie Sarver, Mel Hoover, and Rose Edington
1. Land acknowledgement provided by Pam Graham
2. Upcoming speakers
a. Mar 20 Donnell Tanksley
3. Speaker Honorariums
a. in process with Kathy Wahto
4. I am the Hope and the Dream Juneteenth video part 2
a. Remy Styrk is raising funds; video will feature Isaac, Jason, and Sislena; has extra footage from first video
b. Can BUF plan a fundraiser event in May? Maybe combine with George Floyd Memorial on 5/25??
5. March 11th Black History Month Celebration Debrief
Naomi to start a Thank You card for Sean!!
6. Planning March 18 retreat
New concept…not a retreat but a 10am-12noon planning session at BUF
Work on Protocols (Naomi and Pam)
Use the Johari Window framework to understand conscious and unconscious bias that can help increase self-awareness and our understanding of others (Pam to facilitate)
7. Okanagan Charter
a. Could we make this the focus of the Mar 27 program meeting?
8. Follow up on possible guest speakers starting in April:
a. Jeremy Wang, counselor at WWU—Rupert in conversation
b. Willie Broxton Jr., relationship manager at WECU—Rupert in conversation
c. DeeDee Davis, homelessness advocate—who wants to contact?
d. Sislena Ledbetter (WWU ED for Counseling, Health, and Wellness)—Rupert in conversation
e. Katryne Potts WWU police chief—who wants to contact?
f. Chuck Parsons, Community Co-op GM—has not yet responded to Rupert
g. Keith Montoya—Whatcom CARE—does David want to follow up?
h. Dr James Ray WWU music—has not responded to Rupert
i. Dr Richard Hodges WWU music—has not responded to Rupert
j. Deanna Lane D/E/I consultant—discussed with Rupert but has some scheduling conflicts
k. TeeJay Morris (NWYS, Juneteenth Coordinator, Bellingham Unity Committee)—no invitation yet
l. Flo Simon (former Interim COB Police Chief)—keep on list?
m. Debra Lekanoff (WA State Rep)—who wants to contact?
n. WWU Black Student Union representative—Naomi to contact
o. Gabe Epperson of Whatcom Land Trust—who will contact?
p. Daman Wandke—consultant, disability expert—who wants to contact?
q. Clyde Ford (Author)—spoke with Mel and Rupert but seemed reluctant and suggested multicultural roundtable discussion
