Human Rights Annual Impact Report 2023-2024

2023 2024

IMPACT REPORT CITY OF GREENSBORO HUMAN RIGHTS

Increasing Excellence | Expanding Service | Building Bridges

A Note from the Director

Staff

Rebeca Garcia-Gil Human Rights Administrator

Growth. Evolution. Service. These words describe the Human Rights Department’s work over the last two years. Service has always been our foundation but how we provide service and its outcomes have changed significantly. The COVID pandemic revealed disparities and inequities that remain concerns, so the City responded by doubling our capacity and expanding our expertise in critical areas. While we miss staff veterans who left a legacy of excellence, the personnel changes allowed us to reimagine how we address concerns, develop programs, support volunteers, and equip peers to provide excellent service. Growth and change yield progress, which we realized in our fair housing work, boards and commissions programming, and attendance at special events. More City staff are benefitting from the department’s customer-service resources. The new Open Door GSO initiative provided public accommodations training to internal and external audiences. Staff members and their work captured the attention of government leaders. International Support Coordinator Jodie Stanley serves on the NC Governor’s Advisory Council on Hispanic/Latino Affairs and as a US Citizenship Ambassador. The ReEntry Expert and the National League of Cities recognized our support of justice-impacted populations. The department has ranked among the region’s best in closing fair housing cases. This report demonstrates the department’s support of harmony, freedom of expression, fairness, equity, and education. It also pays homage to the work of human rights pioneers and those who follow in their steps. I hope you will see how the department remains committed to supporting these and other core human values.

Liz Lennon Commissions Administrator

Anthony McCarty Human Rights Technician

Ivan Oliveira Investigations Specialist

Josè Paula Investigations Specialist

Jodie Stanley International Support Coordinator

Elizabeth Thomas Investigations Specialist

Love Jones, PhD Director City of Greensboro Human Rights

Paula Washington Outreach & Education Coordinator

2

Supporting the Second Chances

Thrive by the Numbers 2022-2024

Thrive GSO

20 100 200 300

Thrive GSO is a City program for individuals and agencies concerned with raising awareness and support for justice impacted or justice-involved residents. It aims to build understanding and empathy around the issues related to criminal records including expunction, education support, housing, voting, education, and employment. From 2022 to 2024, nearly 300 individuals participated in Thrive programming, including quarterly Lunch-and-Learn programs, reentry simulations, and outreach tables at community events. The department launched the UnPrisoned Conversations series, which screens the popular television show, “UnPrisoned,” and highlights the work of a community partner. Human Rights staff also participated in meetings of the new NC Joint Reentry Council and is working to ensure Greensboro is aware of the state’s commitment to supporting the federal Reentry 2030 initiative.

EXPUNGEMENT REQUESTS PROCESSED

CALLS FOR INFORMATION ANSWERED

BUS PASSES DISTRIBUTED

PARTICIPANTS IN THRIVE PROGRAMMING

As a local educator supporting justice involved students, I found the UnPrisoned Conversations a unique way to tie popular culture with real issues facing people and their families. There are many barriers, but there are also programs to help them as they work to recover from mistakes. It was good to hear from other people that work in different areas and to hear their stories.

— Jessica Langley

local high school teacher

3

Commissions Giving Back The Human Rights Department oversees five boards and commissions comprised of City residents. Each group educates residents, engages the community, and informs City leaders through regular programming. In fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24, the department hosted approximately 60 programs that impacted nearly 4,000 people.

Ad hoc Committee on African American Disparities The ACAAD debuted a new program, Taste of the African Diaspora (pictured) . Hosted by the African American Atelier, guests enjoyed signature African American dishes prepared by local cooks and restaurants in traditional styles. The committee also held meetings that discussed how sustainability and transportation impact the Black community. Commission on the Status of Women CSW programming included the LeadHERship through Service Series, the annual Women’s Equality Day Breakfast (pictured) , and events held in conjunction with the Family Justice Center and Greensboro Police Department to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. Human Rights Commission The HRC hosted a variety of meetings and programs, including the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast, which featured recognition of the City’s second group of Everyday Champions of Human Rights Award winners (pictured) . The commission also held meetings about discrimination, Black equality, and housing. International Advisory Committee The IAC held its fifth biennial citywide election (pictured) in 2023 to determine committee leaders for the 2023-2025 term. The committee continued support of Greensboro’s annual World Refugee Day celebration and sponsored programming focused on human trafficking, supporting small businesses, immigration, and immigrant access to healthcare. Transgender Task Force The TTF put on youth summits in 2022 (pictured) and 2023, which brought together individuals, families, and organizations for a day of information sharing and education. The task force also hosted gatherings for the annual Trans Day of Remembrance and Trans Day of Visibility.

4

Language Access & Immigrant Support In 2023, the Human Rights Department expanded its work to include the City’s first international support coordinator, which helped the department better collaborate with city and local agencies to create additional programs and support for Greensboro’s growing immigrant and refugee populations. The department is also increasing its policy development and legislative advocacy efforts. External initiatives like the 2023 International Advisory Committee Election, the first International City Academy, and participation in Greensboro’s annual World Refugee Day Celebrations sometimes attracted hundreds of participants, plus local agencies that support Greensboro’s international community. Usage of the City’s telephonic interpretation services during fiscal year 2023-24 saw a 22 percent increase. Human Rights also joined forces with other City departments to support employees as they interact with Greensboro’s increasing languages and cultures. The GSO Speaks program provided Spanish-language training to 128 employees in 2023 and 187 the following year. A partnership with the People & Culture Department yielded the H.E.A.R.T. to Serve series, which offered City staff customer-service guidance with specific populations.

Language Access by the Numbers

44

CERTIFIED BILINGUAL CITY OF GREENSBORO EMPLOYEES (42 IN SPANISH, 2 IN ARABIC)

5,660

TIMES GUILFORD METRO 9-1-1 USED VOIANCE LANGUAGE SERVICE IN 2023-24

AVERAGE ANNUAL SAVINGS PROVIDED BY BILINGUAL CITY STAFF IN 2022-23 AND 2023-24 $6,337 10,323

INTERPRETIVE SERVICE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND BILINGUAL CITY STAFF FROM 2022-2024 $103,270 INTERPRETATION COST SAVINGS FROM THOSE INTERACTIONS

2023-25 IAC Executive Committee Nghieng Nay (secretary), Fanta Dorley (chair), Yayra Adjrah (vice chair), Sahar Rahimi (executive member), Smita Sarkar (vice chair)

5

Fair Housing Work

Fair Housing by the Numbers 2022-2024

Fair Housing

36

As housing access challenges grow, the Human Rights Department informs residents of their rights under the Fair Housing Act of 1974. This federal law ensures residents can find housing free of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and/or disability. The department supported close to 300 people over the past two years through outreach events and training. Language access, disability, familial status, race, and color remain the top areas of reported discrimination. Community Conversation events explored housing for disabled persons and those with children under 18. Feedback from these annual luncheons guides future housing discussions. The Coffee Convos initiative launched in 2024 and fostered fair housing conversations in different community locations. The Landlord Tenant Dispute Program (LTDP) is a free, voluntary, non-legal, and community-based mediation program administered by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Peace and Conflict Studies program and the Human Rights Department. The program helps tenants and property owners informally resolve communication- and tenancy-related disputes. Following COVID-19, the LTDP continued to monitor major trends in Greensboro communities, as most inquiries were related to the following topics: unsustainable rental rate increases, increased evictions, unrepaired maintenance issues, and a general lack of heating or cooling in rental properties. The Human Rights Department worked diligently with community partners to alleviate these issues and help landlords and tenants find amicable solutions. Landlord Tenant Dispute Program

CASES INVESTIGATED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMPLIANCE TEAM

CONCILIATIONS AWARDED IN THOSE CASES $52,080 $52,080 CONCILIATIONS AWARDED IN THOSE CASES

A young resident at the Human Rights housing table at the City’s 2024 Dia de los Muertos Celebration.

565

REFERRALS TO COMMUNITY ADVOCATES, LEGAL AGENCIES, AND CITY DEPARTMENTS

1,322

LANDLORD TENANT DISPUTE PROGRAM INQUIRIES

6

Public Accommodations

In 2021, the City Council modified Greensboro’s non-discrimination ordinance to guarantee all residents equal access and fair enjoyment of places of public accommodation, including private entities like restaurants, movie theaters, hotels, and private schools. The change ensures access to these facilities and others, regardless of age, gender expression, disability, race, family status, hairstyle or texture, and more. The Human Rights Department welcomed an investigations specialist in 2022 to handle complaints and ensure residents are aware of their rights. It launched Open Door GSO the following year. The program supports local businesses with tiered training options that can help prevent discrimination in public spaces. Human Rights staff trained about 50 employees from the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Greensboro, Inc., and the City’s Libraries and Parks and Recreation departments. The initial programs were well received and demonstrated the City’s high standards and ground breaking efforts to end inequality and discrimination. A New Initiative Takes Shape

Open Door GSO

Open Door GSO assists and recognizes City businesses as they strive to provide exceptional service to all consumers. The program consists of three sequential training sessions (green, bronze, silver), which provide information and support so organizations can comply with public accommodations legislation.

GREEN Green-certified businesses have completed the CIty’s entry-level programming and shown an awareness of public accommodations. BRONZE Bronze Level training grows an organization’s understanding of the nuances and significance of public accommodations for customers and staff. SILVER The Silver Level demonstrates an organization’s commitment to learning and applying inclusive practices, plus a willingness to train personnel to accommodate clients at the highest standard. GOLD The Gold Level is the program’s ultimate goal and is attainable by reaching the Silver Standard and then hiring and training an intentionally diverse pool of employees.

Public Accommodations by the Numbers

6 50

PILOT TRAINING SESSIONS

EMPLOYEES IMPACTED

7

The Human Rights Department celebrates those committed to protecting and expanding human rights and social justice. It sponsors the following awards to honor those committed to making Greensboro and beyond! Mosaic Awards These annual awards celebrate City staff and community partners for their exemplary partnership with the Human Rights Department.

Honoring Community

Everyday Champion Awards Presented at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast, this honor recognizes those committed to Dr. King’s social justice work.

City Mosaic Awards

2023 Liz Alverson Katie Croft

2024 Karen Archia Brigitte Blanton Anthony Camacho Erica Chadwick Fabiana Correa de Oliveira

2023 Skip Alston

Jamie Harvey Lisa LaMarr Josh Sherrick

Melanie Jones Tony McCarty Tracy Nash Victorian Simmons David Walters

T. Dianne Bellamy-Small Joyce Gorham-Worsley James Shields T. Anthony Spearman 2024 Clarence Henderson Erin “Summer” Hunter Dr. Michelle Linster

Shannon Stevens Tatianya Stevens Ja’Tia Thompson John Thompson

April Craddock Malissa Dance Charlene Dillard Phil Fleischmann Carla Harrison

Stacy Tomkins Kyle Williams Shadi Zeidan

Community Mosaic Awards

Morningside Awards Greensboro’s City Council established this annual prize for five human rights-minded graduates of Dudley High School. It memorializes those who perished in the 1979 Greensboro Massacre.

2023 Meredith Berger Alex Eiffe Robbielene Lawhorn Leilani Roughton

2024 The African American Atelier Siddiga Ahmed Brent Christiansen Inez Elliot

Jennifer Ruppe Mark Springfield

Bettye Jenkins Rob Overman

2023 Nylen Brewington-Al-Ahmar

Ruth Wicker Tribute to Women This biennial award honors women with Greensboro roots who have made a lasting impact on the community and beyond. The honorees’ stories are enshrined in a permanent exhibit at Barber Park. 2023 Joanne Bluethenthal Bertha Cone Linda Weil Cone Robin Davis Mazie Butler Ferguson

Makayla Garner Leotis McNeil III Jordan Miller Anthony Taylor 2024 Brianna Davis Omar Huertas Olivia Johnson Anu Jones Alicia Rodriguez

Mary Hines Griffin Dr. Erika Hendrix Rosella Jarrell Ruth Revels Martha Sebastian Gladys Shipman Angeline Smith Leah Tannenbaum Dr. Goldie Wells