Black History Honored By REDI After Temecula City Council Opts Out

TEMECULA, CA — Despite a move last month by a majority of the Temecula City Council to do away with proclamations of federally-recognized pride and heritage months, the city's Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Commission stepped up.

During Thursday's REDI Commission meeting, nearly 90 minutes were dedicated to the celebration — and a proclamation — of February's African American History Month, otherwise known as Black History Month.

After last month's 3-2 vote by City Council to do away with such proclamations, the commission seized the opportunity "to create [a] space of belonging for everybody," said City Clerk Randi Johl.

School districts and community stakeholders collaborated for Thursday's meeting that saw the honoring of Black Student Union representatives from Chaparral, Great Oak, Rancho Vista and Temecula Valley high schools. A video about Black history was shown. Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington — the first Black citizen to serve on the Board of Supervisors and the Murrieta and Temecula City Councils — made a video appearance.

Former Temecula City Councilmember Maryann Edwards delivered a public comment. She sat on the council when the REDI Commission was formed amid the 2020 protests over George Floyd's killing beneath the knee of a Minneapolis police officer.

"I was there at your birth," Edwards told the commission. "We've seen you walk through the fire. You've been through the valley. You have come out the other side. But you will have other battles to fight."

The REDI Commission operates in an advisory role to help identify opportunities where the city can be more inclusive.

Not everyone is supportive.

The Aug. 10, 2021, Temecula City Council meeting was one of many heated discussions over the commission's existence. Councilmember Jessica Alexander, who had pushed for REDI's abolition, suggested "race" be taken out of the commission's name.

"Race is there because we want to make sure people are not excluded because of their race," Edwards said during that 2021 meeting. "Since when did race become a dirty word?"

Disturbed by hatred spewed by some public commenters during that summer meeting, Edwards asked, "What is wrong with us?"

During Thursday's meeting, Edwards praised the commission's ongoing fortitude in the face of adversity.

"Keep moving forward in a peaceful, loving way," she said. "Know that we are all very, very, very proud of you."

Alexander, who still sits on City Council, was not present for REDI's Thursday night proclamation. She, along with Councilmembers Brenden Kalfus and James "Stew" Stewart voted on Jan. 10 to do away with such proclamations at the Council level and instead let the REDI commission take them up.

Stewart attended Thursday's REDI meeting. He was joined by Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank, who has consistently supported the commission.

"You all represent a bright future," Schwank told the students gathered at Thursday's meeting.

Upcoming REDI recognitions and likely proclamations will be:

Women’s History Month - March 9
Arab American Heritage Month - April 13
Asian American and Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander Month - May 11
Jewish American Heritage Month - May 11
Pride Month - June 8
Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month - September 14
Native American Heritage Month - November 9

On May 20, the city is hosting CultureFest, a free event with activities and entertainment that showcase different cultures and traditions. Read more here.

The seven-member REDI Commission meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 41000 Main Street. Read more here.

During Thursday's meeting, Commissioner Denyse Wilson was absent.