On Monday, July 21, 2008, beginning at 4:00PM, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission will host a general commission meeting, followed by a public forum at 5:30PM, at Benton Harbor High School, in the New Student Commons. The center is located at 870 Colfax Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.

This event marks the first Commission meeting and forum held in Benton Harbor since the 2003 disturbances. The Commission will be hearing from area residents regarding general civil rights concerns. Representatives from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights will also be available to answer question and disseminate information about civil rights protections and resources. Also at the meeting, Ms. Lisa Peeples-Hurst; a St. Joseph resident and well-known Benton Harbor advocate, will be sworn in as the newest member of the MCRC. The meeting and public forum are open to the public with opportunities for public comment.

For more information on the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, visit http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr