committee on health and human relations meeting of the new
year. I am chairperson Rodriguez Sanchez. It is 10:45 a.m.
on January 22nd of 2025 and this meeting is now called to
order.
On today's agenda, we will review major old appointments
and reappointment to the Chicago Commission on human
relations. And the advisory Council on new Americans and we
are going to discuss ordinance number 02024, 0001444, which
was introduced by Alderman Ramirez, Rosa to direct the
Chicago Commission on human relations, to establish a
working group, to address issues impacting, the bip Park,
transgender and gender diverse community in Chicago and
Cook County.
Um, before we begin I would call the role to establish
Quorum. Vice chair Ramirez.
Alderman Robinson.
Alderman. Jansy.
Alderwoman Gutierrez.
Alderman Lopez.
Alderman, Coleman Alderman. S Lopez.
Alderwoman of Fuentes.
Alderwoman Cruise.
Alderman Ramirez. Rosa.
Alderman Lawson.
Alderwoman, Mana hoppenworth.
Alderwoman Haden.
and chairwoman Rodriguez is present, there are a total of 7
members present and we have a quorum
and, you know, members in the room.
We have a request for remote participation, citing rule, 59
from Alderman, Robinson, Alderman, Lawson and Alderman.
Jansy, can I get a motion to approve, the remote
participation of this Elders? Um, all of those in favor.
Signify by saying, I
Opposed, in the opinion of the chairs, the eyes have it.
And can Alderman Robinson confirm that you're here?
Robinson here, Alderman Lawson. Can you confirm that you're
here.
Alderman. Jansy.
I'm here. Good morning.
Okay, good morning to you.
We will begin our meeting with public comment. These others
will be added to the role. We'll begin meeting with uh,
time for public comment. This period is limited to 30
minutes, and each speaker is limited to 3 minutes.
We don't have any.
Speakers. Oh, we have
we have 1 public speaker this morning. Um,
Edith, are you here?
Go ahead. We'll wait.
Um, Elder woman Ruth cruise is here.
Go ahead, ma'am.
Greetings panel.
uh, it's uh and uh, Trump's president's Trump inauguration,
I'd like to 2 things that he said.
Uh, out of his agenda.
And that was God and transformation.
but his primary,
uh, overall initial agenda was Revolution with common
sense.
so,
I, you know, I see that in in in your agenda today under
health and human relations,
You know, you are talking about new Americans.
Um, I feel that it should have said all Americans.
and um, under the umbrella of the health and human
relations is psychology and a sociology change.
and I would,
Hope and I would pray.
that the changes that you are talking about is is not only
only, uh, for the comfortability of the new Americans but
of the suffering of all people.
Of all people because you know, that that's what we need
and it's like protocol protocol.
You know, I I was looking at, you know, a young lady and,
and and a wheelchair. She says she been homeless for, uh, 2
months.
She couldn't even get into a facility.
I mean that's that's really hard you know, felt and and
it's a growing need. It's a growing need for housing.
A growing need for housing, but I see and and, and, and when
I'm, you know, I've been coming here like a month.
but and it and it's talked about housing, housing, really,
you know, really really really
you know, and then, you know, there's all type of signs all
over this city, uh new projects of housing, you know, it's
just a sign and it's saying coming and it would be built
what and and uh certain amount of time that's generate rate
and wealth. That's generation money when the people need
housing
People need housing.
So, I hope you would at least add that.
To your agenda sometime soon.
Thank you. Thank you for your common Miss edit, and there
be no further speakers. Um,
we conclude the public comment, period.
We have received 1, written comments uh from the public
that was shared with committee members yesterday via email.
Our first order of business is the approval of rule 45
report from our July 2024 meetings, can I get a motion to
approve the July rule, 45 report,
All their person Fuentes so moves all those in favor of
approving. The July 45 report uh, signify by saying I
Opposed say, nay in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have
it.
We will now move on to the matters before. The committee
item 1 on the agenda is a list of myural appointments and
reappointment to the Chicago Commission on human relations
and the advisory Council on new Americans.
We will hear the full list of appointments to each Council
and have time to receive.
Um, comments after the complete list has been read. Uh, we
have here attending in person um,
For the commissioner and human relations appointments in
person. Nancy Andra. Kimberly Walker, nether elrabadi,
Pamela Silas.
Um virtual, we have Marta, Cera, Rhian, salz Michael D
takaba, Vanessa Harris and Juliet Gilbert. Thank you, all
for being here today.
Um, I am going to now read the complete list.
For the Chicago commission and human relations. We have the
reappointment of Nancy Andra as chair reappointment of
Marta, Serra reappointment of Ray B Gonzalez, reappointment
of, Michael D, takada reappointment of Kimberly L Waller
appointment of Vanessa Harris. Appointment of Pamela, M
Silas appointment of another, elrabadi appointment of
Juliet C, Gilbert
Then for the advisory Council on new Americans, we have the
reappointment of Gerald, a polano reappointment of
Katarina, A Ramos reappointment of Gannett sarumi
appointment of Joseline, Aranda Ortiz, appointment of Farah
baz, appointment of Mari Maria Demitrius and appointment of
Ali Tarot.
Are there any questions or comments for the appointees?
Other Manhattan.
Um, good morning, thank you chair, good morning. Um, good
morning to all of our uh, appointees up for approval. Um, I
actually just generally have 1 question and I'm wondering
if you, each might take a moment to, to speak to it. And
that is, you know, whether you're continuing your
appointment or signing on for the first time, you know?
What in your?
What's your your kind of highest hope of serving in this
capacity on The Advisory Board?
I'll start off, uh, good morning. Uh, my name is Nancy
Andrade and I, um, am being reappointed as chair, um, of
the commission on human relations. And I just want to say
that it is my greatest honor privilege and duty to serve in
this position.
We have entered a new era in this country where many of the
rights and freedoms that we all um, enjoy are being uh,
questioned. And
It is.
My duty to ensure that the city of Chicago carries out and
defends continue to defend and enforce the fair housing
ordinance. So ma'am to answer your question. Um, fair
housing, the fair housing, ordinance is part of our work
and we are committed to enforcing the fair housing
ordinance, the human rights ordinance, as well as work with
on the civilian side, with regards to the hate crime,
ordinance and hate incident ordinance. We strive and
uniformly. Um, as a commission and our staff, we are
dedicated completely dedicated heart and soul. Um, and it's
not an exaggeration um, to carrying out the mission of
these 3,
important works, the of Acts to protect and um defend the
rights of all Chicagoans. And anyone who comes to Chicago,
who may experience discrimination, um we have a mighty
mission to uphold And We Stand United with your support as
well, um, to carry out that work.
So, thank you.
Good morning. My name is Kim Waller, I am a re-appointing,
My Hope and honor is in serving on the commission to be
able to transfer the work that I do professionally. Um as a
consultant and leader of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Um across North America to bring it home to Chicago, I love
Chicago. And it's my hope and vision that
being able to contribute my talents in a way that
contributes to all people, um, living a life, full void of
discrimination, and being able to fully live their lives
with joy, uh, without hate.
Being an impediment to them. Um, is the thing that I want
to make sure that I continue to commit to
I just said, good morning. Greetings in my language. Um, I'm
Pam Silas. I'm, uh, working at Northwestern University
Center for Native American and Indigenous research. Um, I
believe I can bring some useful skills to this work. Um,
but I really believe it especially at this moment in time
we have to continue to find ways to support our fellow
Chicagoans to ensure that we continue to see the humanity
and 1 another um, and really ensure the protections that
are there, um, whether it's the fair housing and human
rights or the against hate, uh, actions that they need us
more than ever. And, um, it would be an honor to serve in
that role. And I'm asking for your support for this
appointment. And I also thank you all for the work that you
do for our communities here in Chicago. Why Juan and Katana
Monaco? Thank you.
Good morning. My name is nadra, El robati. I previously
committed 10 years to the commission on human relations and
I'm grateful for the opportunity to speak with you today.
Um, as an arab-american, uh, first generation born to
Jordanian.
Um, Jordanian immigrants. Uh, I believe that I can provide a
a unique perspective and sharing the INE inequities that
we've experienced as arab-americans living in a city like
Chicago.
I believe with the resilience and the challenges that I've
personally experienced with within systemic inequities, um,
I can offer a unique role in position and fostering
collaboration, and understanding and advocating for
communities that have been impacted by discrimination, in
the areas of gender and race and housing
By serving on the commission. I hope to ensure that our
voices are heard.
That we can reshape policies and force ordinances and
continue. To do the work to protect our communities from
discrimination hate and exclusion. My goal is to work with
the esteemed board once again to be a bridge builder and
create space for collaboration and dialogue and to keep
this important position active within the community and
within the esteemed, um, room that we have today, it's an
honor to serve and I'm hoping to get your support once
again so that we can strengthen our board and continue our
commitment to serve to eradicate discrimination. Bring it
to the Forefront and ensure that our ordinances are
followed within the city of Chicago.
Anybody else? Um, virtual
do you want to hear more?
other woman, I I was just going to thank everybody, um, for
being willing to serve and especially um,
This is important, right? This work around our our
commission on human relations, the work that you all do. Um
Um, Commissioners you mentioned from fair, housing
protections, right? Um, to supporting our constituents,
when they are the victims of hate
um,
Uh, I appreciate the support that the commission has
provided constituents in the 49th Ward. Um, as you know,
we're a very, very diverse welcoming. Um, we're all too
different for anyone. Really to spend too much time
focusing on people's differences in the 49th Ward. Um, and
enjoy a culture of radical acceptance, I think
historically, and even in a place, like, Rogers Park, and
the 49th Ward people are the victims of hate. People are
the victims of discrimination, whether that comes to
services, that they're seeking housing. Um, you know, going
to the store, um, you know, in seeking education or even in
seeking city services, sometimes right. Um, so I I very
much appreciate the work that you do. You are a small, uh,
But Mighty team, um, I appreciate the volunteer work and I,
I don't
think that enough Chicagoans understand that so many of our,
um, commissions and advisory councils that you guys are
doing this out of, um, a sense of service, a spirit of
service, a commitment to this city, um, and to the people
of the city and as we in this week, of course, um, uh, are
looking at, and assessing the challenges that we'll face
under a federal Administration that wants to wipe out,
everything related to this work. Um, this works even more
important. So thank you. Um, and thank you, chair.
Thank you. Other Woman. Anybody else has comments or
questions?
seeing none, um, before we vote for, uh, this
Uh, item. I I wanted to, um, to speak to you all. I I'm
very grateful for the work that you all have been doing um,
either as
Um appointees and in your respective uh roles in the
community.
We are heading into uh, months and years of uncertainty.
Um, I'm very grateful that we are in the city of Chicago
and that we have been working so hard to create a safe
haven for everybody in this city. But that doesn't mean
that, um, these things that we have come to see as normal
Um, are not going to be under attack.
and that we are going to have to work together and by
appointing you uh, today in committee, and in our city,
council meeting, um, in February this this coming 19th, I
think, um,
We're also putting a huge responsibility over your
shoulders, um, to stand with the people that are going to
need it, the most to stand with the most vulnerable people
that are going to be under attack. And we are going to have
to um make plans. And we are going to have to organize
together in order to to protect people. And we're counting
on you for that. And I want you to hear that. And everybody
virtual, I want you to hear that because we here in in the
committee are going to fight for the well-being of
everybody and we we're going to need you. Um,
To, to support those fights and to be brave. Um, so with
that
um,
can I get a motion to recommend the approval of this
appointments?
so moved by Elder woman Fuentes all of those in favor
signify by saying I
Opposed.
In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and I will
report this appointments as recommendation to pass.
At the next city council meeting on February 19th. Thank
you so much for being here.
we're going to give you a chance to, um,
To exit so that we can have our next.
Guests come to the front.
Uh, I want to acknowledge Elder woman Gutierrez, and other
other woman Cruise, um, who have joined us for this
meeting, that will be added to the role.
And non-member chairman brunette is here with us as well.
You have been acknowledged sir.
Um, our guests moved to the front, we are going to be
discussing.
Uh the next item. Now we would like to be able to have you
close to the mics
Thank you.
And we are now moving to item 2 on the agenda. Uh, we have
ordinance 02024 0014446, which was introduced by Alderman
Ramirez, Rosa to direct the Chicago Commission on human
relations to establish a working group, to address issues
impacting, the bike park, transgender and gender diverse
community in Chicago and Cook County. I would like to
welcome our guest with us today. In support of this items,
we have Abby in the Box. Um, I don't see Iggy
Um, Silas Lesley Manuel Hernandez and Riya Ortiz. Are you
all here?
If you wouldn't mind coming to the front.
Alderman Ramirez. Rosa, would you like to start with
remarks?
Um yes, thank you so much Madam chair. Um,
it's
no secret that the new Administration has made it a point
of attacking our trans siblings.
Um, the new president signed an executive order targeting
our uh, trans siblings, uh, and our gender diverse
community.
In addition to that his rhetoric, um, has continued to
Target, uh, the trans community.
And that has a real world impact in driving violence and
hate towards our trans siblings.
and unfortunately in uh Chicago we have led the nation in
the number of homicides against trans people, in a report,
put out by the Human Rights Campaign in 2024. Chicago had
16 the most in the nation,
Um and so we need to take action to address trans femicide.
We need to take action to ensure that our city is leading
with policies to protect and support our trans siblings.
Um this is an issue that strikes close to home. I met
member of the lgbtqia plus Community as a proud gay queer
man. Um and my sibling Grayson is a trans man.
And I want to make sure that Grayson is safe. I want to
make sure that all of my trans siblings are safe.
Um,
so we looked at what we can do to uh protect the trans and
gender diverse community. And we looked at a model that was
successful, uh, during my first term in the city council
and that was creating the Chicago immigration policy
working group. So we brought together 12 organizations uh,
in 2015 organizations that were led by undocumented people
or organizations that um,
Are working on issues related to immigration. And we asked,
what can the city of Chicago do to protect and support the
Immigrant community? And we came up with 6 recommendations
and it took us 5 years. Uh, but we implemented most of
those recommendations. Some of them we almost implemented
but were quite not there.
Um, but that to us as a model of how we can bring together
stakeholders and government to address issues that are of
public concern. So looking at that model, we wanted to
bring together stakeholders that are LED, uh, so translate
organizations organizations that work with the Trans
Community to bring them together with City officials to say
what can we do? Um, 1 of the things that we learned about
the Chicago. Immigration policy working group is that while
we had a lot of stakeholder engagement, it was often
difficult to get city departments to meet with us. And so
we felt that codifying. This was extremely important to
ensure that City departments would be at the table.
With the community, coming up with Solutions.
Um, so I'm very happy that this ordinance is before you
today. Uh, this ordinance, uh, had a lot of support, uh,
most importantly, from a number of organizations, some of
them which are supported, uh, which are represented, here
we have the association of Latinos, Latinos Latinas
action, Alma Brave, space Alliance, the Chicago therapy
Collective equality. Illinois life is work and task force
Chicago. So all of these organizations were part of
drafting the legislation that you have before you today.
Uh, we also had the support of our Superstar, attorney Ray,
Phil of Santos. So thank you so much, uh, for your support
on behalf of the city Law Department. Uh, we also had uh
noren with the mayor's office, uh, and we also had the
support of Michael, with the legislative reference Bureau,
um, as well as a number of my colleagues in the lgbtqia,
uh, caucus. Um, so alderwoman Lenny Mana hoppenworth
Alderman, Lawson alderwoman, Fuentes alderwoman Ros.
Rodriguez alderwoman, Maria Haden and Alderman. Lamont
Robinson were all part of this effort. Um, so this
ordinance was already uh, signed as an executive order by
Mayor Johnson on
The 24th of December. Um, so the important thing we're doing
today is codifying this to show that this is initiative.
That's not just coming from the mayor and our community,
but it's an initiative that has the support of the council
as a whole, as well. Um, so when this is enacted, the
commissioner of human relations, Nancy Andrade, um, will
be, uh, tasked with creating this working group of City
departments, as well as stakeholders by the end of the
month of February, uh, and they will then be tasked with
coming up with a report with recommendations, uh, working
hand in hand with the stakeholders and City departments
departments that report, will then have to be publicly
released. Uh, and then this committee would have to have a
hearing on the progress of that report.
we also want to work hand in hand with the um,
with County government. Um, and I'm happy to report that
the county, uh, Board of Commissioners has already passed a
resolution that mirrors this legislation, um, to work
towards ensuring that the Cook County State's Attorney as
well as the Cook County medical examiner's office, as well
as they Cook County. Sheriff are all working with this
working group towards developing policies and solutions to
protect our trans Community. Um, so we have a number of uh
subject matter experts uh who have come here today to
testify in support and I'd like to turn it over to them.
Perfect. Um, we can start with uh, Aldi in the Box.
And thank you everyone. Um, who's here today? I have a
statement that I'd like to read. Uh, my name is Miss Les
hommes from the Chicago therapy Collective.
Chicago is a global City and for the a year in a row was
named the best big city in the US by Conde Nast Traveler
Readers Choice Awards in 2024. And that same year was the
third consecutive year of decreasing homicides in Chicago.
Last year, we also saw a 41% decrease in hate crimes,
according to the Chicago Commission on human relations
2024, hate incidents and hate crimes report.
The recent work and dedication of the city council with the
vote of 39 to 11 has also reaffirmed Chicago's status as a
sanctuary City.
As Mayor Johnson has stated, it's important. Now more than
ever that Chicago remain a Haven for people from around the
globe. And when it comes to lgbtq plus and human rights, I
want to emphasize all their person, William, Hall's words,
I don't want to go backward.
this trans femicide ordinance is so important right now
because of its focus on the safety of women of color during
a time of targeted attacks on human rights and bodily
autonomy, that impact all women.
This ordinance was conceived with inspiration from the Pao
buenrostro la.
Passed last year in Mexico championing Justice and
recognition for trans women in a country that elected its
first woman, president that same year.
I am reminded of the powerful words of Fannie Lou Hamer at
the founding of the National Women's political caucus in
1971. Nobody's free until Everybody's Free.
the movement for lgbtq plus Liberation has been assigned a
public face of gay men and pride parades but has always
been spearheaded by trans women of color.
Demonstrating a function of sexist and systemic oppression
that unites all women, the devaluing of our crucial labor,
strengths perspective, experience, resilience and Humanity
as women.
the rights celebrated today by all members of the lgbtq
plus Community, we're not
Was given they were fought for.
and as a member of the transgender community and
constituent of the city of Chicago,
I am inviting Representatives elected and appointed
officials and fellow citizens to fight with us to secure
the safety dignity and rights of trans women.
I am proud to sit here as a subject. Matter expert, an
openly transgender indigenous to Spirit woman and mental
health, professional. A psychotherapist with over a decade
of work experience within hospitals, Community
organizations, and treatment centers, who has seen
firsthand the impacts of sexist and systemic oppression and
violence on my community.
My sister's Ely malerie Aaron Cooper and Taylor Casey are
all survived by me.
The current presidential Administration has proclaimed only
2 genders, male and female.
But the reality of The Human Experience demonstrates that
gender expansive, people have do and will always exist.
While this ordinance is a much-needed, step towards safety
and justice for citizens of our shared City. The most
important thing is to invest in trans people, especially
trans women of color specifically while we're still here.
Employment Remains the number 1, way of keeping trans
people safe and out of vulnerable situations.
The city of Chicago has begun, making sure its own,
workplaces are competent and welcoming of trans community
members. And I urge the city and all stakeholders to find
inspiration from this ordinance, and the contributions of
trans women of color to our Collective culture. So we may
all continue to dismantle and remove systemic impediments
to the full Humanity of all minorities, racial gender, and
otherwise.
And if there is any question about what I am doing here
today, I am here to protect my sisters. Thank you
everybody.
Thank you so much. Uh, any other panelists wants to speak
at this time.
No. Okay. Um, do we have any questions or comments from our
committee members?
Other than Manhattan.
I'm going to be here right. Um thank you chair. Um I'll be
be brief so 1. Um, thank you, Miss albby and thank you for
our other panelists that are here um for your continued
work for putting yourself out there all the time um for the
the risks that you take, um, and know that we're here um,
to, to back you up. And I just wanted to thank my
colleague, um, Alderman Ramirez, Rosa. Um, for bringing
this forward for the council. Thank you.
Uh, otherwise.
Thank you, chairwoman as 1 of the 2 co-chairs of the lgbtq
caucus. You have elected officials in this city council
that are going to work every single day to ensure that
we're protecting trans siblings across the city of Chicago.
We know that this current Administration is going to do
everything uh, to Target our trans siblings. We're going to
make sure the Chicago remains a city that keeps our
Protections in place more important. We're going to have to
work really hard to double down and strengthen. Uh those
protections, I'm super happy to have all the as a friend as
as a brother and and as a colleague in this work. Um, and
if there's anything that I can do, or that the caucus can
do or any other outline in the city council, please lean in
and call in because we're ready to do the work. Thank you
chairwoman. Thank you. Other Woman, anybody else
Alderman.
Thank you, uh, very much. Madam chairman, I just want to
commend my colleague on putting this together. Um you know
know, just like most people in society, I have a trans uh,
in my family, binary members in my family gay members in my
members in my family, uh, who we love very much and care
for and don't want anything to happen to them nor do, we
want them to be discriminated against because of their
choices in life and, and we need to know the way I look at
it. If we allow for anything to happen to 1 of us,
It can happen to all of us. So we need to continue to
support everyone's freedom to be who they want to be. So I
I commend my colleague for putting this together. Thank
you. Chairman Bett. Um,
Seeing nobody else. Um, oh, you remiss if I didn't on the
record, also, uh, thank my policy director Lucio, uh, for
their work on this. They also a member of the community.
Thank you, Lucio.
Um, so I'd like to motion to pass. I I I will take a before
before before we go to your motion. I I would also like to
um, say a few words and um, some of these words are from my
colleagues. I am so proud, um, to be serving in, in this
role as chair of this committee. I'm so proud of the work
that we do together. I'm so proud that there are people in
this Council that care, so deeply about each other and
about our communities. I am so proud to be doing this work
with you, Carlos. Um,
And I am immensely proud that we have put together.
An ordinance that moves Us in the opposite direction of the
incoming Federal Administration. We are going in the
opposite direction. And we are going to go in the opposite
direction because we know that, that is what we need to be
doing, people need to be protected and, um,
And this this kind of of work is what we need to be doing
right now. Um and we need to be doing it with you. We need
to be doing it alongside our communities and I think that 1
of the proudest things,
for me as as somebody that works, um, making laws, uh, in
the city of Chicago is that when we do this work, we do it
with Community, we don't just make things up or, you know,
try to get the Limelight, we really go to the people who
impacted and that are already leading and that know what
they need and we listen and we sit together and we do it
together and we want to continue doing that together. So
this is a huge step that we are taking right now to put
serious work into making sure that we are protecting our
trans siblings.
But this is also not the last of this work, we are going to
continue working together and we need you as partners. And
we want you to be able to feel like you can lead this work
alongside us. Uh, so thank you so much for being here.
Thank you so much to everybody that, uh, that work and, uh,
do I have a motion?
Um other person Ramirez, Rosa moves to approve this item.
Um, all of those in favor of approving. This item, please
signify by saying I
Opposed say nay and in the opinion of the chairs, the I
have it, I will report this item as a recommendation to
pass at the next city council meeting.
Will there be no further business before the committee? Can
I get a motion to adjourn?
Elder woman heaven with the motion to adjourn all those in
favor. Signify by saying, I
Oppose say name in the opinion of the chair of the eyes,
have it and and uh the meeting of the committee on health
and human relations Is Now adjourned.