Iowa City’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission is now memorialized in a final report that outlines a list of policy and program recommendations including stricter enforcement of antidiscrimination laws, ongoing funding to support racial equity efforts, research focused on housing discrimination and additional programs for community healing.
Thousands took to the streets in 2020 to push for racial justice and equity, but area activists say the work didn’t stop there.
The Iowa City Council has given permission for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to hire a consultant to draft a final report and recommendations to the city council. The work could take months to complete.
Hours of emotional and passionate comment from the community, commissioners and council members showed there is a desire and interest to get this work done even if there is disagreement on the path forward. Concerns were again raised Tuesday that there still hasn’t been enough community input.
Amel Ali will remain on Iowa City’s ad hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a restorative justice process begins to repair the harm caused by comments she made on a local podcast.
After a lengthy discussion Thursday morning, the Iowa City Council voted 6-1 to table the decision until its Aug. 16 meeting. Council members want the TRC to move forward but differ on the best way to accomplish that.
Amel Ali, who previously served as vice chair, was unanimously selected as the new chair of the city’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The commission also heard an updated facilitator proposal.
The commission, after months of work, approved an updated facilitator proposal with the same out-of-state firm but this time working with local partners. The proposal has a larger budget and includes more community input.
Council members agreed during the work session Tuesday more time is needed for the commission to complete its work and outlined potential next steps.
Mohamed Traore, 26, was arrested following a meeting of the city’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which he is chair of. The police department released a statement saying it could have addressed the matter more privately.
The Iowa City Council narrowly rejected an agreement to hire a facilitator for its Truth and Reconciliation Commission, raising questions about what is the next step for the commission.
A year after George Floyd’s death, two organizations that gained visibility took different tracks on the trail to their goals.
Council members agreed that the nearly $200,000 was worth it but some had hesitations about the firm that is being considered by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Group says meetings too focused on issues raised by white people
25-year-old Mohamed Traore says he will learn from eight other commission members and community.
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