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A resolution recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission.
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WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government established the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission (“MHRC”) in 1965 during a time of heightened racial tensions in Nashville and across the county; and
WHEREAS, the MHRC was established pursuant to Bill No. O65-697, which sought the creation of a permanent organization to study the problems of human relations and to take positive action to eliminate discriminatory practices within Nashville and Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, the MHRC was established with 15 members representing various social, economic, religious, cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds and was the first official human rights agency in Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, in 1967, the MHRC determined that a full-time staff was needed for the Commission to achieve its goals. Warren N. Moore was selected as executive director and Fred Cloud as assistant director; and
WHEREAS, Fred Cloud became the executive director in 1970 and served in that role until 1990. Over the years, executive directors have included Anthea Boarman, Kelvin Jones, Caroline Blackwell, Melody Fowler-Green, and the current executive director Davie Tucker, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, today, the board of now 17 members supports the MHRC staff’s work, organized around a theme of “One City for All People.” This motto guides all the MHRC’s education, engagement, events, program building, policy development, systems change, training, advocacy, and compliance services; and
WHEREAS, in January 2015, the MHRC released its first IncluCivics Report, analyzing the demographic makeup of 50 Metro departments. In 2020 and 2023, the MHRC released subsequent and more robust InlucCivics reports looking at change over time while analyzing the race, gender, salaries, geographies and other demographics of employees within and across Metro departments; and
WHEREAS, the MHRC is responsible for Metro’s Title VI function. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law requiring the non-discriminatory delivery of services supported by federal financial assistance. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, including language access; and
WHEREAS, the MHRC’s modest and resourceful staff works with: residents; nonprofit and community-based organizations; neighborhood, multicultural, and faith groups; advocates and organizers; Metro departments and employees; and elected officials and policymakers to ensure it is delivering on its mission; and
WHEREAS, the MHRC recently launched Humans Over Hate to comprehensively confront the escalating hateful and discriminatory environments, rhetoric, and actions experienced and witnessed by residents; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes the MHRC for its dedication to the personal dignity, peace, safety, security, health, and general welfare of all people in Nashville and Davidson County throughout its 60 year history.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission on its 60th anniversary and expresses support for its continued work to make Nashville and Davidson County a more just and equitable place to live and work.
Section 2. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.