Human Rights Commission Special Meeting - December 23, 2025
A virtual Special Meeting of the Human Rights Commission of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
The Human Rights Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Sekou Sirleaf, Kristen Nelson, Nancy Boyle, Tambah Saah, Carolyn Becraft, Cody Severson.
Absent: Xavier Welty, Ritchell Aboah, Aaron Kawreh.
Other attendees: Brenda Derrig, Assistant City Administrator, John Strand, Fargo City Commissioner.
Item 1. Welcome and introductions:
Items 2 & 3. Draft press release and draft statement:
o Sekou outlined the primary objective of the meeting, which was addressing the ongoing situation in Minnesota involving the Somali community. He said the HRC, alongside community leaders such as Barry Nelson and Commissioner Strand, had sought to coordinate a formal City proclamation. While Mayor Mahoney indicated he was no longer authorized to issue unilateral proclamations, he said, the City Commission directed the HRC to spearhead the effort through a formal resolution and a subsequent press conference. He emphasized the importance of a regional, unified front and said he had already engaged with the Moorhead Human Rights Commission, which is on standby to join Fargo’s efforts. He expressed his intent to further involve representatives from West Fargo and Dilworth to create a truly regional statement of support.
o The Commission discussed the logistical details, deciding that the press conference will be a joint event to lend more weight to the message. The Commission reviewed a press release and a formal statement drafted by Brenda.
o Members Kristin, Carolyn and Cody all voiced their support for the language used in the documents, noting that the content was comprehensive and appropriate.
o Kristin moved to adopt the statement as written. Carolyn seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
o Following the vote, the official schedule for the press conference was set for Tuesday, December 30th at 1:30 PM in Sky Commons, the former City Commission meeting room.
o Sekou detailed the planned program for the press conference, which will include an introduction of the team, the formal reading of the statement by Nancy and brief comments from various Commission members and regional partners.
o Commissioner Strand reminded Sekou that the voted-upon documents are now public records and encouraged immediate outreach to media organizations.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned.