The City of Redlands recognizes the importance of community
engagement with Redlands’ stakeholders to ensure the City’s
initiatives are properly communicated to them. Moreover, the City
recognizes the importance stakeholders play in the development of
these initiatives to ensure the City’s vision not only aligns
with the vision of the community, but also where diversity,
equity and inclusion are key considerations in the development of
truly impactful initiatives. It is only through this
collaboration that stakeholders can ensure the City is not only
hearing the needs and wants of the community, but also that the
City is implementing policies that promote the Redlands where its
residents desire to live and work and are treated as equals.
Human Relations Commission
The Human Relations Commission was established to foster peaceful
relations among persons of different races and national
origins. This commission serves in an advisory capacity to
the City Council and to aid the City in achieving better human
relations by providing assistance to all persons or groups in
promoting good will and better relations among all people.
The Human Relations Commission meets on the second Monday of
odd-numbered months at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers
DEI Training
On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, City management staff participated
in the first in a series of quarterly Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion trainings facilitated by Dr. Shindale Seale from Seade
Coaching and Consulting.
The two-hour DEI 101 session explored the numerous accounts of
exclusion throughout history and how these acts have impacted us
today. This was followed by the second training of the
series on September 28, 2022, Unconscious Bias and the third
training January 25, 2023, on Understanding and Mitigating
Microaggressions.
The fourth and final session took place on April 19, 2023
(Creating Psychological Safety).
City Council Policies
The City Council has adopted proclamations and resolutions in
support of diversity, equality, and inclusion in Redlands.
Proclamations
Black History Month 2025
On February 4, 2025, City Council signed a proclamation
recognizing the month of February 2025 as Black History
Month, and hereby encourages its residents to fight racism,
intolerance and prejudice through education, kindness,
compassion, and understanding.
2025 Black History Month Proclamation
Black History Month 2024
On February 6, 2024, City Council signed a proclamation
recognizing the month of February 2024 as Black History
Month, and hereby encourages its residents to fight racism,
intolerance and prejudice through education, kindness,
compassion, and understanding.
2024 Black History Month Proclamation
Hindu Heritage Month
On October 15, 2024, City Council signed a proclamation
recognizing the month of October 2024, as Hindu Heritage month,
and encourages residents to observe Hindu Heritage month through
activities, events, and educational initiatives that promote
understanding, cultural exchange, and respect for Hindu
traditions and contributions.
Hindu Heritage Month Proclamation 2024
Juneteenth
On June 20, 2023, City Council signed a
proclamation recognizing June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth and
encourages all residents to reflect on and honor the significant
contributions that Black Americans have made to our nation, and
in addition encourages its residents to share their unique story
by visiting:
https://www.akspl.org/news-events/redlands-community-history-initiative/.
Juneteenth 2023 Proclamation
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
On June 6, 2023, City Council signed a proclamation declaring the
month of June 2023 as Pride Month in recognition of the
Anniversary of Stonewall Uprising and the contributions made by
members of the LGBTQ+ community to actively promote the
principles of equality and liberty.
LGBTQ+Pride Month Proclamation 2023
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
On May 2, 2023 City Council signed a proclamation
declaring May 2023 as Asian American Pacific Islander
Heritage Month in the City of Redlands and encourages
residents, businesses, and institutions to learn more about Asian
American and Pacific Islander heritage, and work to combat racism
and xenophobia as we celebrate this month.
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Cesar Chavez Day
On March 21, 2023 City Council signed a proclamation declaring
March 31, 2023 as Cesar E. Chavez Day in the City of Redlands
and encourages all residents to promote service to the
community in honor of Cesar E. Chavez’s life and work.
Cesar Chavez Proclamation
Women’s History Month
On March 7th, 2023 City Council signed a proclamation declaring
the month of March 2023 as Women’s History Month
and encourages its residents to learn more about the rich
and diverse history of women through available programs, reading,
ceremonies, and educational activities.
Women's History Month
Black History Month 2023
On February 7, 2023 City Council signed a proclamation
declaring the month of February 2023 as Black History Month,
and encourages its residents to fight racism, intolerance and
prejudice through education, kindness, compassion, and
understanding.
Black History Month 2023
Mahaparamashivaratri 2023
On February 7, 2023, City Council signed a proclamation,
proclaiming February 18, 2023 as the celebration of of
Mahaparamashivaratri as a gesture of support for those persons in
our community who observe and celebrate this occasion.
Mahaparamashivaratri 2023
National Transgender Day of Remembrance
On November 15, 2022, City Council signed a Proclamation
proclaiming November 20, 2022, as “National Transgender Day of
Remembrance.” Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual
event which began in 1998. The city of Redlands honors the
bravery and resilience of all transgender individuals who live,
work or play in our city.
National Transgender Day of Remembrance
Hispanic Heritage Month
On October 15, 2022, City Council signed a
Proclamation proclaiming the period of September 15 through
October 15, 2022, as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of
Redlands.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Condemning Violence against Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders
When COVID-19 began, inflammatory rhetoric blaming Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) for the pandemic led to a
national surge in hate crimes and incidents against this
community. On April 6, 2021, the City Council took a stand
against these acts by adopting
a Proclamation Condemning Violence against Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Proclamation Condemning Violence Against Asian Americans
Resolutions
City of Redlands Strategic Plan
On March 15, 2022, City Council approved Resolution No. 8315
adopting the six-year Redlands Strategic Plan for FY 22-23
through FY 27-28. The plan identified Equity and Inclusion
as a priority. The measurable outcomes listed were as
follows:
- Develop and implement a Communications Plan by December 31,
2022.
- Method established to measure effectiveness of City’s
communication methodology to provide baseline for improvement in
future years.
- 100% of City staff receive initial DEI training by December
31, 2023.
- Comprehensive employee training plan developed.
- Establish baseline metrics for current staffing demographics
in comparison to community.
- Identify gaps or areas of focus for future recruiting, hiring
and training.
- Develop plan to address the identified gaps.
- Increased diversity of City workforce.
Resolution 8315
Affirming that Racism is a Public Health
Crisis
On July 21, 2020 City Council adopted Resolution No.
8113 Affirming that Racism is a
Public Health Crisis. The issue of racism as a public
health crisis came to the forefront following the global response
to the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and
the impact of COVID-19 on the Black community and discussions
with local community advocates.
The resolution states that racism results in disparities in
family stability, health and mental wellness, education,
employment, economic development, public safety, criminal
justice, and housing.
Resolution 8113
Current Events
In celebration of Black History Month, the A.K. Smiley Library is
presenting the following:
Musical Performance
Live ska music from The Dubtet at the Contemporary Club on
Wednesday, February 26, 2025. For over four decades, The
Dubtet blends the rhythms of ska, reggae, soul, two
tone and jazz. With a lineup of seasoned musicians, each bringing
their unique artistry to the stage, the band has carved out a
niche in the music scene.
Southern California in Film
Don’t miss the latest screening of the “Southern California in
Film” series featuring Car Wash on Saturday,
February 15 at 2pm in the Contemporary Club. The film stars an
ensemble cast that includes comedy legends Richard Pryor and
Garret Morris, and features an appearance by The Pointer Sisters.
Rated PG. The Contemporary Club is located at 173 S. Eureka
Street. For information about future screenings, visit News +
Events at www.akspl.org.
New Exhibit at the Lincoln Memorial Shrine
Come see the Lincoln Memorial Shrine’s new exhibit, “That All Men
are Created Equal: Slavery in America.” Featuring selections from
the Shrine’s extensive collections, including its newly acquired
“Slavery in America Collection,” the exhibit examines enslavement
in the United States. The Lincoln Shrine is located at 125 W.
Vine Street. The museum is open Tuesdays-Sundays, 1pm-5pm, but
will open in observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, February
17. Visit www.lincolnshrine.org for
additional information.
Film Series
Wed. 2/19/25, 6:30-8:30 PM – Selma: A stirring
historical drama that chronicles Martin Luther King Jr.’s
leadership during the civil rights movement, capturing the
passion and determination behind the iconic 1965 marches. Rated
PG-13.
Sat. 2/22/25, 2:30-4:30 PM – Hidden Figures: A spirited
and inspiring account of the brilliant African-American women
mathematicians whose groundbreaking work at NASA helped launch
America into the space age. Rated PG.
Tue. 2/25/25, 6:30-8:30 PM – Glory: An intense war epic
that brings to life the valor and sacrifice of Black soldiers
during the Civil War, delivering a raw, unflinching portrayal of
battle and brotherhood. Rated R.
Fri. 2/28/25, 2:00-4:30 PM – The Color Purple: A
sweeping, emotionally charged narrative that follows a Black
woman’s transformative journey in early 20th-century America,
highlighting resilience in the face of adversity. Rated PG-13.
Past Events
Celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring the contributions,
achievements, and struggles of women throughout history.
Women's History Month
A.K. Smiley Library welcomes journalist Janelle Molony on
Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the
Assembly Room or on Zoom. A descendant of Rousseau, Molony will
share the story of Rousseau’s journey to San Bernadino in the
nineteenth century. This presentation is free and open to the
public. Registration is required to view on
Zoom (passcode 536433). For more information,
contact the Heritage Room at (909) 798-7632.
A.K. Smiley Library partners with author, historian, and curator
Vanessa Wilkie for a special evening of conversation. Celebrating
the paperback release of her book A Woman of
Influence, this event takes place on
Tuesday March 19, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
at the Contemporary Club. This event is free and open to the
public. Registration is not required.
Join our Friends at A.K. Smiley Library for a series of Free
Concerts – The Americana Roots Series
2024 February Smiley LIVE!
Join our Friends at KVCR 91.9 for a series of Black History Month
Specials, Saturday evenings at 7:00 P.M.
Black History Month 2024 on KVCR-Radio
Join our friends at KVCR PBS for Black History Month Films.
Black History Month 2024 on KVCR-TV
Check out a list of local Black History events taking place
in the Inland Empire.
Black History Month Flyer 2024
