Brookhaven Completes Membership To The Social Justice, Race And Equity Commission

Brookhaven GA

13 November, 2020

5:22 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Brookhaven: Brookhaven, GA, Nov. 13, 2020 – Brookhaven, GA, Nov. 13, 2020 – At its regular business meeting on Nov. 10, the City of Brookhaven appointed five additional members to its new Social Justice, Race and Equity Commission, bringing the total on the committee to 37. The City Council approved a resolution establishing the Commission in September and appointed the first 31 members on Oct. 27. The Council appointed John J. Funny as the Chair of the Commission prior to naming the volunteer members, who were required to complete an application process. Funny serves on the City's Planning Commission and the board of the Brookhaven Police Foundation. The new members are: Aixa Pascual, Mohammed Zaki Arifulla, Rudy Beserra, Ruben Cruz, and German Barreda. "In light of recent unrest and demonstrations, we felt it necessary to not only start a conversation, but also enact a framework that will result in real action," said District 3 Councilwoman Madeleine Simmons. "We need a forum to have open conversations on race, diversity, social justice and equity. I look forward to the Commission's discussions, proposed initiatives and recommendations." "As a young City, we have had a lot of experience, and considerable success, in developing planning documents with extensive public input that guides policy making and budget decisions. However, the Brookhaven Social Justice, Race and Equity Commission is arguably more important than any other planning process the City has undertaken. The members of the Social Justice, Race and Equity Commission not only represent the diverse demographics of Brookhaven, but each brings to the table their experiences, training and passion in the areas of inclusion, equity, and community engagement," said Mayor John Ernst. "Society's inequities are based a variety of factors, including disparities in treatment and opportunity based upon race, age, ethnicity, gender identity, and religious affiliation. I am looking forward to these discussions as the commission undertakes its important work." More information about the Brookhaven Social Justice, Race and Equity Commission can be found here: https://www.brookhavenga.gov/bc/page/social-justice-race-and-equity-commission The complete list of committee members includes: Name Affiliation John Funny Committee Chairman David Alexander Spiritual Director at Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta Rene Alvarez Director of Academic Success and Advising at Oglethorpe University Shahrukh Arif Asian Americans Advancing Justice Foundation Boardmember Mohammed Zaki Arifulla Brookhaven Islamic Center German Barreda General Manager, Big Bang Pizza Rudy Beserra Former Vice President of Latin American Affairs at the Coca Cola Co. Charlene Bowden CEO, Host, Minister Davis Burnett Previous church leadership on diverse college ministry, former law enforcement Vena Cain Social work, psychotherapist, experience with refugee families placed in Atlanta Karen Cariello Justice and Peace Ministry, Our Lady of Assumption Loren Collins Attorney, mediator Chris Corces-Zimmerman Doctoral studies with a focus on Race and Equity at Univ. of Ariz. Amy Corn United Way of Greater Atlanta, Racial Equity Task Force member Ruben Cruz Attorney, specializing in Hispanic legal issues Jose Hardy 2020 LLS Team IN Training Executive Leadership Committee Member Josh Hearshen Rabbi at Congregation Or VeShalom Jeremiah Hinson Social Services Program Mgr, Salvation Army Monique Wright Hudson EPA Attorney, specializing in discrimination and desperate treatment Danita Knight VP Communications, Agnes Scott College Tywana Minor Habitat ofr Humanity, Sr, Dir. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Jim Moses Retired Publishing Specialist IRS Catherine Murihi-wohl Board of Directors at Sagal Radio, serving refugees and immigrants William Naglich Managing attorney Kirk Nelson Former Pres. Caribbean Students Association, Leader of diversity recruiting at Georgia Pacific Janis Niesse Justice and Peace Ministry, Our Lady of Assumption Melissa Owen Emory University School of Nursing Matthew Paetzhold Delta Air Lines/US Air Force Reserve Marco Palma Founding President, Los Vecinos, Board of Fundacion Adelante Guatemala Aixa Pascual Latin American Association Tiffany Russell St. Martins School, Director of Diversity and Inclusion William Alex Thomas GA State Univ. Assistant Dir. of Admissions Conni Todd Board of Trustees for Sub-Saharan Education Project Anibal Torres Former Executive Director at the Latin American Association Kathy Wells Retired Montclaire Elementary School Principal, Chair of Lynwood Park Foundation Beth Wendl Senior Minister, Brookhaven Christian Church, Racial Reconciliation Commission Thomas Woodward Spiritual Living Center Atlanta (SLCA) Board of Trustees This press release was produced by the City of Brookhaven. The views expressed here are the author's own.