[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,73,85,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},"mediaId",6117046,"mediaKeyId","2731054-d3230f5f78413b0ee14ce6bf7a7f945e","parentId",2731054,"title","Human Rights Commission approves minutes, adds member and reorganizes subcommittees; announces local events","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",74000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2731054-d3230f5f78413b0ee14ce6bf7a7f945e&start=74&end=74","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2731054-d3230f5f78413b0ee14ce6bf7a7f945e/thumbnail_74000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6117046/Moorhead/Clay-County/Minnesota/Human-Rights-Commission-approves-minutes-adds-member-and-reorganizes-subcommittees-announces-local-events","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117046-807c1ffafb2d7a682ecfdc08a394be77/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437751&Signature=mghmH-OyyJ0bkZqkAJtvqAEkKSWDhIdxNXzOv2RO9t44oEs~eM3qdYMcE2P4bMy7wSyRhu2S5JcZfO2JRwsDPQoxduReATSJjt4WmUMkVAPpZ1gpGTjrkPY7SD8XZ23jaSY8sVzARS62QNB9TES~Ic9s-2OtSCTwhgUB3lM-y5E1T6nyaRWYnA8ogsYbtLDGCn65GEH7qTn610yj~OncBpttrBdW~jbgWqcb8qahNrxdfXVD1F7Bl3J6iYrf45NG5fiLEv~i7W7uF~fEDeX1iA-wYflVgc5CusO2tpyue1MnmzBejg8lRd9HEKtXmK4gbmK06L7q6V6~WqP9JQ5Rnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-22T00:42:14.997Z","article","The Moorhead Human Rights Commission approved minutes from its previous meeting by voice vote at the start of the March 18 session. A motion to approve was made and seconded; the chair called for the ayes and moved on when no opposition was raised.

The commission welcomed a new member, Dr. Jennifer Aranda, who introduced herself as an employee of the University of Minnesota Extension and cofounder of the Onyx Collective, a group working with rural Black residents in greater Minnesota. “I am Doctor Jennifer Aranda. My professional life, I work for University of Minnesota Extension… and I am a mom and an advocate and cofounder of the Onyx Collective,” she said.

Captain Swenson of the Moorhead Police Department provided a brief personnel update: Deputy Chief Torrey Jacobson recently retired and Chief Shannon Monroe is scheduled to retire March 28. Swenson recognized both officers for approximately 30 years of service and highlighted their community-engagement work.

Commissioners reorganized subcommittees. The body now lists three subcommittees: Education & Outreach, Events, and Awards. Commissioners and volunteers volunteered for committees during the meeting: Education & Outreach includes Anna Rajesh, Siham Mehdi and a volunteer Marissa Uhring; Events includes Sebastian McDougal and Dr. Jennifer Aranda; Awards includes Trenton Garrets and the chair. Commissioners discussed quorum rules for subcommittee meetings and expressed a need for one additional Education & Outreach member.

Announcements and upcoming events shared at the meeting included:
- 34th annual powwow on Saturday, April 5 (students K–12 and elders free; adults $5), produced by The Woodlands and High Plains, held at Concordia (as announced).
- Global Market Day on Tuesday, April 8 at the Omnium/Income Center (food vendors and local vendors; event details on Facebook).
- NAMI-Fargo–Moorhead’s “Mental Health Day in the Park” on Saturday, April 26 at Viking Ship Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring more than a dozen local mental-health organizations.
- MSUM restorative-justice conference in April (date posted on MSUM events pages).

Commissioners also discussed planning considerations for Juneteenth and summer events and encouraged the commission to coordinate with partner groups to secure speakers and event logistics.

No other formal votes on ordinances, contracts or resolutions were recorded at the March 18 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Moorhead - Human Rights Commission- March 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Moorhead Human Rights Commission approved last month’s minutes by voice vote, welcomed new member Dr. Jennifer Aranda, reorganized subcommittees (Education & Outreach, Events, Awards) and shared upcoming community events and retirements.","taxTitle","Moorhead, Clay County, Minnesota","taxId",56511,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":74,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":75,"_41":76,"_43":77,"_45":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6117051,"Commission discusses immigrant community fears, 'red card' resources and local legal supports",515,3335000,3850000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2731054-d3230f5f78413b0ee14ce6bf7a7f945e&start=3335&end=3850","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2731054-d3230f5f78413b0ee14ce6bf7a7f945e/thumbnail_3335000.jpg","/articles/6117051/Moorhead/Clay-County/Minnesota/Commission-discusses-immigrant-community-fears-red-card-resources-and-local-legal-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117051-4b7f1e70db8b4b5e0c7a4d74da20726e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437751&Signature=dNMfaebWKePaB1sHV43GrOr9673MgBN5t~bk0-6v9K85oCFvsgnlnGW2quXC8cLfAJPjLPqCwIghWMgIddfErCl6EX2Y2e73g5hV2as4R7xjKGZFk8pXOEg0ByksOoxtAcjbq6c3yUqCqTVn4v8hnB22avPIkvrS2M9IddfrGRNHdcwRUqum5kLgTemnGZFXqVXJyGDsY0557MtzPOPhfaLScsAA4opkRacGjinDlabHmJhLalOVtZcEPH7JHAEvaGw5DsuVR9yuiDlyEaejU59x62G0yEqSxSqoaVomB3mJCvR9R9BZ15v4KXVXOP52OfWMw~-AM7aKO0zB0mX0wA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners and community members devoted a portion of the March 18 Moorhead Human Rights Commission meeting to concerns about immigrant-community fear stemming from deportation activity and uncertainty about legal rights.

Commissioners recounted reports that some residents are avoiding work, school or public events because they fear enforcement actions. Multiple speakers urged education and rapid-response resources rather than speculation. A commissioner noted that community members are being advised to carry immigration documents such as green cards or passports; another commissioner said the commission previously invited an immigration attorney to brief residents on their rights.

Commissioner remarks singled out several local resources and efforts: an upcoming town hall with the Minnesota attorney general at Minnesota State University Moorhead; the Immigrant Development Center (referred to in discussion as an area resource), Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, and other regional legal-aid and resettlement agencies that can provide referrals. Commissioners said capacity is limited among local legal-service organizations but that referral networks exist.

Commission members discussed a practical outreach tool they called a “red card” — a wallet-sized handout with basic legal-rights information recommended by an immigration attorney — and agreed to circulate an electronic link to commissioners and consider quiet distribution strategies (leaving cards in restrooms or on bus seats) to reach people who might be reluctant to engage publicly.

Commissioners asked whether the Human Rights Commission’s role should include broader public education campaigns; several suggested partnering with immigrant-serving organizations and resettlement agencies to promote trust and awareness rather than undertake standalone efforts without partners.

Captain Swenson of the Moorhead Police Department reiterated that police priorities include community protection and community policing efforts; commissioners thanked law enforcement for previous community-engagement work and suggested continued collaboration to reduce fear.

Commissioners agreed to share red-card links internally and to track developments from attorney-general and local legal-aid outreach so they can provide referrals and meet community needs as they evolve.","Commissioners discussed community fear about deportations, local legal resources and education strategies after reports that residents are avoiding public life; they said town halls, an immigration-attorney briefing and printed 'red card' information are being circulated to help residents know their rights.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6117056,"Local Kurdish residents highlight history, Nowruz and Halabja remembrance in Moorhead",893,1325000,2218000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2731054-d3230f5f78413b0ee14ce6bf7a7f945e&start=1325&end=2218","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2731054-d3230f5f78413b0ee14ce6bf7a7f945e/thumbnail_1325000.jpg","/articles/6117056/Moorhead/Clay-County/Minnesota/Local-Kurdish-residents-highlight-history-Nowruz-and-Halabja-remembrance-in-Moorhead","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117056-eb66cd27646c2639a6f4d172e8b96654/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437751&Signature=PaA9emvx~D9Dm9oSfB7MVcZNq9L9r3XNsNyFwIM4mpv4719ntLXohgESqgksbmJAkkHF6-DwkOAOqvp6bHQOu1SBmuhR1FcvPI1WUdIoCjhNbKFTv06~LYCeGmHo8fYeor1dNZa95H4BaHJWk7cu6-E11IwwF3J3JHkItDkWWt-nUQWwcaWjs1MdDmAjrNrog3APQvN4hb4cilVAjr5xAm7Hb~ZnGkHmhl~1j8rouFPnKa-31MABDpNWWGtCKIc2tecjOOE5RkpbTudzo7-eSsRRQFpT0lvRhJ7enjb2vlvPLW-xJkutMVFv3eoFQ8yyoArwlri~dgrThwLCGjonmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Siham Mehdi, project lead with Creating Community Consulting, spoke to the Moorhead Human Rights Commission on March 18 about Kurdish heritage in Moorhead, the community’s history of resettlement and the significance of March observances including Nowruz and the Halabja remembrance.

Mehdi said a substantial Kurdish population has resettled in Moorhead in waves since the 1970s and 1990s, with additional arrivals tied to conflicts in Syria. She described Kurdish identity as transnational — spanning parts of Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Syria — and noted historic persecution, including mass killings and forced displacement under Saddam Hussein.

Mehdi explained that March holds multiple meanings for Kurds: March 16 commemorates the 1988 Halabja chemical attack and March 20 marks Nowruz, the spring celebration. She described the March observances as both remembrance and cultural celebration, and encouraged attendance at a “Home of Memories” exhibit at the local historical society that includes Kurdish stories and artifacts; she said the exhibit is free on Tuesdays and is scheduled to be on display through at least May or June.

Mehdi also detailed how Kurdish students and second- and third-generation residents now participate in school cultural events and in classes where Kurdish history and identity are being taught. She said local Kurdish community leaders — including longtime residents such as Hamid Al Mahdi — and recent resettled families contribute to an estimated share of about 8 percent of Moorhead’s population, a figure she characterized as approximate.

Mehdi noted community contributions in education and social services, and highlighted that many Kurdish women serve as school support staff and teachers. She said Moorhead’s city council issued a proclamation recognizing Kurdish heritage on March 10, read by Council Member McNew McDowell.

Commissioners asked about exhibit hours and whether the exhibit charges admission; Mehdi said the historical society charges in some circumstances but that Tuesday evenings are free and that special events will be scheduled for school visits.

Mehdi closed by inviting commissioners and residents to learn more about Kurdish culture and to view the museum exhibit and other community events.","Siham Mehdi, project lead with Creating Community Consulting, outlined Kurdish history, the significance of March observances including Nowruz and Halabja, and a local historical-society exhibit that features Kurdish community stories.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6117060,"Moorhead troop leader highlights Girl Scouts’ leadership, service and Gold Award projects",669,562000,1231000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2731054-d3230f5f78413b0ee14ce6bf7a7f945e&start=562&end=1231","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2731054-d3230f5f78413b0ee14ce6bf7a7f945e/thumbnail_562000.jpg","/articles/6117060/Moorhead/Clay-County/Minnesota/Moorhead-troop-leader-highlights-Girl-Scouts-leadership-service-and-Gold-Award-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117060-c6779c1678bb96884c3582c438db7666/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437751&Signature=heDR8fjMKC-IniwmlbR-pEvFvKO0qy7PF~7ND~fPip5~r14tp2D4kOPJ9NrqJi2NAcc0RMyCHb6aiRSwc-M6xVWiRXyVrtlnqtOEOn8GFwgSKs8i1yCAmgkgLaz~0zjQukI7iiOWIol7Hy-sBlw-pLNgfkNmC0-Rm-zxcIF5bEL45oEOQTNC~nXspXw-kfSOgRMUHgzkkGF-KQ6GAVwEeKsxqNowlj0QcWtypLJhHyA9oCWQbPQylOxfMGPfZp0cL2fxO~anGWtNWkrPmMDTnP82KNAUoqa~EtG1pI4Z7MshlqK37Qg7OVN4Z8Qjer5AL6VH2LmTLxn~Ml7Rhv1onw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kayla Wainscott, a fifth-grade teacher in Moorhead Public Schools and a Girl Scout troop leader, spoke to the Moorhead Human Rights Commission on March 18 about her troop’s activities and leadership development work.

Wainscott described Girl Scouting as a leadership organization open to girls from kindergarten through 12th grade that builds “courage, confidence, and character.” She said her local troop has completed Silver Award projects and that three eighth-grade cadets are beginning Gold Award projects; only about 4 percent of Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award, she noted.

The troop’s recent Silver Award involved creating 100 care bags for people experiencing homelessness. The bags contained water bottles, cereal bars, a handmade blanket, a handmade coloring book, crayons and a list of local resources, Wainscott said. The troop distributed the bags at local shelters, libraries and other community locations.

Wainscott also outlined typical troop activities — camping, STEM badges, first-aid and babysitting training, and the cookie program, which she said teaches business and money-management skills. She said individual girls have sold more than 500 boxes of cookies in some seasons and the troop once stored more than 6,300 boxes in one garage during cookie season.

The three gold-award projects described at the meeting include building fidget bags for people newly diagnosed with autism or anxiety, assembling self-care bags for people with post-traumatic stress disorder, and a project supporting animal rescues.

Commissioners thanked Wainscott for bringing students’ community-service work to the commission’s attention and noted the troop’s service connections with organizations that help people experiencing homelessness and local animal rescues.

Wainscott said girls in the troop gain leadership, public-speaking and problem-solving skills that she and parents see reflected in school performance and extracurricular success.","A Moorhead elementary teacher and troop leader described Girl Scouts activities, community service projects and girls’ work toward Silver and Gold awards that include service bags for people experiencing homelessness and supports for animals and mental-health needs.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_46":115,"_48":116,"_50":117,"_52":118,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":119,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":120,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6117065,"Age Friendly Moorhead group outlines listening sessions, accessibility goals",286,101000,387000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2731054-d3230f5f78413b0ee14ce6bf7a7f945e&start=101&end=387","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2731054-d3230f5f78413b0ee14ce6bf7a7f945e/thumbnail_101000.jpg","/articles/6117065/Moorhead/Clay-County/Minnesota/Age-Friendly-Moorhead-group-outlines-listening-sessions-accessibility-goals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117065-8224d4395e363ebb307fc7ed877e78ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437751&Signature=W8MdwJmgZ0ynRGI8Hfywd3OOktJ8aoNtuc1x54y89Czi97YVWf6-fAXNu9WATX9vomjOrxWhdb8jNKMI6~yxUXBKT-2SMal7-PV0tkiRTE9AID~hdn1zS09j7YyQ3AWegEoT72wFcNPudEdiw3N2E8awPybwTHj8pldXnneKs1q5Mu9qdYsU7QOPzR-qfJlIgG5Al5N6Fwfqa2-MOM-zBqg~GhUdQJwHRUV~9OIyi27z5M5M1wwmS1WFzls9KQfa9uj2WQDGEW5Za8HF2nOoHLqv-QI7RAfrHK1HaV0-P3Qf8AB5zwFmGa3MewuMxSOXbbKLSPcJwQHYNf8R5gHHpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mason Kimball, an intern with Dancing Sky and a graduate student at Minnesota State University Moorhead, told the Moorhead Human Rights Commission on March 18 that Age Friendly Moorhead is holding monthly listening sessions and building community partnerships to promote accessibility for older adults.

The group’s immediate goals include creating a logo; holding two listening sessions per month in varied locations across Moorhead; expanding community connections through local publications and outreach; and gaining buy-in from city officials to pursue longer-term steps such as joining AARP’s Age-Friendly Communities program, Kimball said.

The effort centers on people age 65 and older but Kimball emphasized that many accessibility improvements — curb cuts, cleared sidewalks and transit access — also benefit parents with strollers, people using walkers, and others with mobility challenges. “If there’s a curb and someone can’t get up, that accounts for strollers, walkers, and just the general family,” he said.

Kimball described recent listening-session locations as St. Joseph’s Church, Nativity Catholic Church, Good Shepherd Church and the Moorhead Public Library. Attendance has varied; Kimball said typical turnout ranges from about four people to 10–15, depending on the session. Upcoming sessions he mentioned include one at the Omnium/Income Center on April 24 from 1–3 p.m. and another at Crossings at Waters Edge (an independent-living facility) on March 27; the group hopes to add a session at Eventide in April.

Commissioners asked about advertising and reach. Kimball said the group distributes flyers, uses an email list of prior attendees and posts on Dancing Sky’s Facebook page, but does not yet have a standalone website. He noted funding constraints limit where the committee can host sessions and that the committee welcomes hosts willing to provide space.

Commissioners thanked Kimball and encouraged the group to pursue partnerships with affordable-housing sites and senior housing facilities to reach residents who may face transportation or snow-clearing barriers that impede building access.

Age Friendly Moorhead’s organizers are seeking broader municipal engagement to back longer-term projects and potential grant applications tied to an AARP age-friendly designation.","A student-led Age Friendly Moorhead initiative described monthly listening sessions, outreach plans and a push to secure city support and AARP affiliation to improve sidewalks, transportation and housing for older residents.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Human Rights Commission approves minutes, adds member and reorganizes subcommittees; announces local events

Commission discusses immigrant community fears, 'red card' resources and local legal supports

Local Kurdish residents highlight history, Nowruz and Halabja remembrance in Moorhead

Moorhead troop leader highlights Girl Scouts’ leadership, service and Gold Award projects

Age Friendly Moorhead group outlines listening sessions, accessibility goals