Fargo Human Rights Commission adopts statement backing Somali community, schedules joint press conference
December 24, 2025 | Fargo , Cass County, North Dakota
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Sekou Sarleaf, chair of the Fargo Human Rights Commission, said the commission voted to adopt a statement supporting the Somali community and scheduled a joint press conference for Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 1:30 p.m.
The action followed Sarleaf’s explanation that the meeting was called in response to "the situation going on in Minnesota involving a Somali community," and that prior attempts to have the mayor or city commission issue a proclamation had not produced a citywide proclamation. Sarleaf said the HRC was asked to lead a statement and outreach to affected communities.
Kristen, a commission member, moved "that we adopt the, the statement as written." Chair Sarleaf seconded the motion; after commissioners responded "Aye," the chair declared, "Motion carried," and the statement was approved as the HRC’s working document. The commission did not record a roll-call vote tally in the meeting transcript.
Commissioners and staff discussed next steps for a joint regional press conference. Brenda was assigned to work with Archie to secure a venue; members identified Skye Commons (the former city commission chamber) as the likely location and agreed to invite representatives from the Somali and Liberian communities as well as neighboring jurisdictions including West Fargo and Mohair. A member who identified themself as speaker 5 advised that the written statement is already a public document and urged that press materials specify date, time and location.
The group agreed the press release would be distributed after the HRC’s approval, and the same statement would be read at the planned press conference. Sarleaf and others asked staff to publish event details on the HRC’s Facebook page and share the notice with media outlets mentioned in the meeting (Inforum, WDAY) to maximize attendance.
Nancy Boyle, who identified herself and provided contact information during the meeting, and Chair Sarleaf were listed as public contacts for follow-up. The HRC adjourned after confirming the press conference date and time; commissioners closed the special meeting with holiday greetings.
The press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 1:30 p.m.; Brenda will report back on venue and exact logistics prior to the event.
The action followed Sarleaf’s explanation that the meeting was called in response to "the situation going on in Minnesota involving a Somali community," and that prior attempts to have the mayor or city commission issue a proclamation had not produced a citywide proclamation. Sarleaf said the HRC was asked to lead a statement and outreach to affected communities.
Kristen, a commission member, moved "that we adopt the, the statement as written." Chair Sarleaf seconded the motion; after commissioners responded "Aye," the chair declared, "Motion carried," and the statement was approved as the HRC’s working document. The commission did not record a roll-call vote tally in the meeting transcript.
Commissioners and staff discussed next steps for a joint regional press conference. Brenda was assigned to work with Archie to secure a venue; members identified Skye Commons (the former city commission chamber) as the likely location and agreed to invite representatives from the Somali and Liberian communities as well as neighboring jurisdictions including West Fargo and Mohair. A member who identified themself as speaker 5 advised that the written statement is already a public document and urged that press materials specify date, time and location.
The group agreed the press release would be distributed after the HRC’s approval, and the same statement would be read at the planned press conference. Sarleaf and others asked staff to publish event details on the HRC’s Facebook page and share the notice with media outlets mentioned in the meeting (Inforum, WDAY) to maximize attendance.
Nancy Boyle, who identified herself and provided contact information during the meeting, and Chair Sarleaf were listed as public contacts for follow-up. The HRC adjourned after confirming the press conference date and time; commissioners closed the special meeting with holiday greetings.
The press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 1:30 p.m.; Brenda will report back on venue and exact logistics prior to the event.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
