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Human Relations Commission

The duties of the Commission are to foster mutual understanding and respect among all ethnic, racial, and religious groups, to discourage and prevent discrimination against any such group, or discrimination due to gender, age, handicap, or familial status, and to cooperate with federal, state and municipal agencies and non-governmental organizations with the purpose of effectuating its aims.

Membership Information

The Council appoints the nine members, each to three-year terms or until their successor has been appointed and qualified. The membership is to be broadly representative of the religious, racial, education, labor, civic, commercial, management, ethnic and governmental groups of the community. For additional information or if you would like to contact the commission please email staff liaison John Mayfield at jmayfield@indepmo.org.

Current members (all appointed by Council):
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  • Helen Hurley (Vice-Chair), term expires February 16, 2027
  • Lupe Moe (Secretary), term expires October 4, 2025
  • Virginia Hudson, term expires February 16, 2027
  • Mindy Meadows, term expires February 16, 2027
  • Charlene (Traylor) Gray, term expires December 1, 2025
  • Nina Woodson-Falls, term expires February 16, 2027
  • Mara Bradford, term expires December 1, 2025
  • Deputy Police Chief Michelle Sumstad (Advisory Member)

Commission's Work & Outreach Efforts:

ICON Award
ICON Award showing diverse groups of people in a graphic.

The Independence Champion of Non-Discrimination Award (ICON) is awarded by the Commission to an individual and a local business that promotes the ideals of understanding and respect for others. 

The inaugural year of the award was 2025.

Find out more about the ICON award here.
MLK Award 2026 Graphic for the Humanitarian Award given by the Human Relations Commission

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award is awarded by the Commission to an individual or organization that embodies the spirit of Dr. King Jr.'s life and legacy.

Find out more about the MLK Jr. Award here.

Events
Group of participants at the 2024 Human Relations Commission's Annual Skateboard Competition at Hill Park. The group is posing with their trophies and a Commission member.
During the Fall, the Human Relations Commission partners with the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department to host a family-friendly Skateboard competition for all levels and ages at Hill Park.
Crowd seated at the Truman Memorial Building gym facing the stage/podium for the annual MLK Jr. Celebration. The Human Rights Commission and Mayor Rory Rowland is gathered near the podium for the presentation of the awards.

Each January, the Commission partners with local organizations to host a community-wide Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy—a tradition in Independence since 1987. The event includes the presentation of the MLK Jr. Humanitarian Award and the John Oliverez Scholarship Award.

Find out more about the annual MLK, Jr. Celebration here.