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3 <br /> <br />and Islamophobia: The Continuing Struggle”. The HRC also held the 27th Annual Pauli Murray <br />Awards on March 12, 2017. The Awards recognized a youth, an adult, and a business that <br />embody the characteristics of the late Dr. Pauli Murray in their dedication to social justice in the <br />community. The Annual Student Essay Contest was held as a part of the Pauli Murray Awards <br />to engage Orange County youth in the quest for social justice and equal opportunities. Three <br />middle schoolers and three high schoolers were recognized for their essays. <br />The HRC sponsored a Town Hall on June 8, 2017 with the Hate Free Schools Coalition, <br />titled “The Confederate Flag: Does it belong in Our Schools?”. The meeting was an effort to <br />provide an opportunity for education, discussion, and understanding to address the growing <br />tension as a result of Confederate flags being allowed in Orange County public schools. <br />Several panelists with varying points of view spoke and residents were also given an <br />opportunity to ask questions and make their own statements on the issue. <br />The Community Read Program has been in partnership with UNC in recent years. It is <br />possible that HRC may continue with this alone, and conduct it slightly earlier in the year. <br /> <br />Emerging Issues or concern: <br />1. Ensuring that the membership of the HRC reflects racial, cultural and gender diversity. <br />2. Recruiting more representation from Northern Orange for the HRC. <br />3. Creating an open line of communication between the HRC and other residents in order <br />to keep up-to-date on social justice issues impacting all parts of the County. <br />4. Exploring the HRC’s outreach and marketing in order to draw more residents to events. <br />5. Engage the community in frequent conversations to promote positive communication <br />and understanding. <br />6. What is happening around the UNC campus, and how do they include them in their <br />conversations. <br /> <br />Commissioner Burroughs said the interest in civility is exciting, and suggested that the <br />HRC contact Aaron Keck from WCHL about this issue. <br />Commissioner Rich said she liked the idea of promoting the HRC more, and if a <br />Facebook page would be helpful she is in favor of that. She suggested that the HRC work with <br />Todd McGee, Community Relations Director, to insure that information is disseminated in an <br />efficient matter. <br />Commissioner McKee referred to the conversation about the flag, and said he felt <br />people were talking at each other, and asked if there is a way to connect opposite views in <br />more of a conversation, as opposed to people sharing talking points. He said the event was <br />good, but he is not sure any minds were changed, and he would like to have a true <br />conversation. <br />Deborah Stroman said the HRC felt the same way, and this is a process. She said the <br />HRC felt it was a big win to have differing opinions in one room, and both sides were <br />passionate. She said at the end of the meeting people did not leave, but stayed and talked to <br />each other, as well as the other side. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said the Board got an email today from a UNC journalism student <br />requesting to talk to someone on the HRC about the flag issue. He said it may take a series of <br />meetings to discuss these sorts of topics. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said the Board struggles at public hearings to make sure people <br />are engaged and feel heard. He said the interaction between the elected officials and residents <br />needs to be more robust and effective, from the perspective of the residents. He said any work <br />the HRC could do to this end would be very helpful. <br />Deborah Stroman said the HRC talked about inviting residents to speak at HRC <br />meetings, but there are issues with timing. She said this idea is still being explored.