Human Relations Commission

Public Participation

Everyone is invited to attend meetings of the Commission.

If you would like to schedule an appearance before the Commission, contact Marquita Mbonu at 919-996-5740.

Purpose

The City of Raleigh's Human Relations Commission (RHRC) advises the City Council in the area of human services and human rights. The Human Relations Commission works to promote human dignity, equal opportunity and harmony among Raleigh residents. 

Promoting activities and programs for residents without regard to race, color, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation, or national origin. The commission sponsors a number of activities that promote diversity and human relations.

Activities

The Commission sponsors a number of activities that promote diversity and human relations. Among them:

• Human Relations Awards

The annual Human Relations Awards recognize those who make outstanding contributions to advancing human rights in our city. Awards go to individuals, organizations, businesses and students.

• Mayor's Unity Day Celebration

This annual event brings people together to share ideas that enhance understanding of diverse cultures and improve human relations. Community, faith, business and education leaders, along with residents who want to strengthen human relations, come together to learn about diversity, share insights and build an open and inviting community.

• Human Services Grants

The Commission reviews requests from human services agencies seeking grants from the City and makes recommendations to the City Council. The grants are awarded annually to nonprofits that serve the elderly, youth, those with handicaps, those who abuse substances and homeless.

• Community Dialogues

The Commission sponsored a series of dialogues that engaged the public in how the City of Raleigh can best serve its increasingly diverse population.

Members

• Chris Moutos
  Chairperson
  Serving: 3rd Re-Term, 3/19/2018 - 3/18/2020
• Emily Kissee
  Vice-Chairperson
  Serving: 2nd Term, 4/22/2019-4/21/2021
• Melissa Florer-Bixler
  Secretary
  Serving: 2nd Term - 2/21/2018 - 2/20/2020
• Bearta Al Chahar
  Serving: 1st Term - 1/23/19 - 1/21/21
• Wrenia Bratts-Brown
  Serving: 3rd Term, 4/16/2018 - 4/15/2020
• Tanzeel Chohan
  Serving: 3rd Re-Term, 4/16/2018 - 4/15/2020
• Nura Elhentaty
  Serving: 1st Term, 4/3/2019 - 4/2/2021
• Eric Handy
  Serving: 2nd Term, 2/8/2019 - 2/7/2021
• Keith Karlsson
  Serving: 2nd Term, 7/5/2018 - 7/6/2020
• Taty Padilla
  Serving: 2nd Term, 3/1/2018 - 3/15/2020
• James Purington
  Serving: 3rd Term - 6/6/2018 - 6/7/2020
• Mary Thompson
  Serving: 1st Term - 7/4/2018 - 7/3/2020
• Byron Laws
  Serving: 1st Term - 6/19/2019 - 6/8/2021