Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Commission

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Commission (DEIC) advises, recommends, and assists the Council in matters relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights. The mission of the Golden Valley DEIC is to promote and nurture a safe and welcoming community dedicated to the values of social equity, inclusion, and justice.

PrideMusic_Table_orig Opens in new windowMeetings

  • 6:30 pm
  • fourth Tuesday of each month (unless other notice given)
  • 7800 Golden Valley Road
    City Hall
    Golden Valley, MN 55427

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission (DEIC) meetings will be cancelled due to lack of an agenda if there is no business to be discussed or if there is no quorum.

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Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

2023 Meetings

Dates

Dates

  • Sept 26 (PDF) 
  • Oct 24 (PDF) 
  • Nov 28 (PDF) 
  • Dec 26 (PDF) 

Members

  • Lee Thoresen, Chair (term expires April 2025) 
  • David Scheie, Vice Chair (term expires April 2025) 
  • Joelle Allen (term expires April 2024) 
  • David Berry (term expires April 2025) 
  • Nyre Chester (term expires April 2025) 
  • Imara Hixon (term expires April 2026) 
  • Ruth Paradise (term expires April 2026) 
  • Ajani Woodson (term expires April 2024)
  • Drew Jones-Youth (term expires Sept 2024) 
  • George Kannenberg-Youth (term expires Sept 2024)

Community Outreach

  1. Bill Hobbs Human Rights Award

The Bill Hobbs Human Rights Award recognizes members in the community who work to build an environment that promotes fair and equal treatment for everyone. It is presented every December in conjunction with Human Rights Day. 

While nominations are open year-round, the deadline for submitting nominations for 2023 is Nov 17, 4:30. Nominations received after Nov 17 will be considered for the following year's award.

Bill Hobbs

Bill Hobbs served on the Golden Valley Human Rights Commission from 1965 to 1995, joining shortly after moving to Golden Valley.

In 1999, he received the HRC's first Human Rights Award, named after Hobbs himself. The award is meant to recognize an outstanding citizen who has worked to build an environment that promotes fair and equal treatment for everyone.

Since then, the Bill Hobbs Human Rights Award has been presented variety of community members and organizations for their dedication in making Golden Valley a more welcoming and inclusive city.

Nomination Process

Nominations may be submitted by either an individual or an organization (ie, a club, social agency, unit of government, religious denomination, school, or business). Fill out the online nomination form or fill out and drop off this form at City Hall. To submit a nomination in person, fill out this form and bring your submission to the City Manager’s Office at City Hall.

  • Nominees must live, work, or conduct business in Golden Valley during the nomination year.
  • Nominee activities proposed for recognition should have a positive impact or clearly improved understanding or cooperation in the areas of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or familial status.
  • Nominee services must be either voluntary or above and beyond a paid employee's usual job responsibilities.
  • Members of the Golden Valley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission are not eligible for the award while serving on the commission.

Selection & Award Process

  • The recipient is selected by members of the Golden Valley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission.
  • The DEIC may give special consideration to activities that have occurred for an extended time, at least part of which have taken place during the current year, and that have had a significant impact on an affected group or individual.

The award is presented during a City Council Meeting. The recipient's name is inscribed on a plaque permanently displayed in Golden Valley City Hall. In addition, the recipient receives a similar plaque inscribed with his/her organization's name.

Past Winners

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  • 2018: Golden Valley Pride Festival Steering Committee
  • 2016: Thomas Carlson
  • 2009: Tom Henderlite
  • 2005: Hilmer Erickson
  • 2002: Mary Anderson
  • 2001: Ronald Davis
  • 1999: Bill Hobbs
  1. Dr Martin Luther King Human Rights Contest
  1. Commission History