HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-28 Kaloma SmithProclamation
HONORING REV. KALOMA SMITH
Human Relations Commission
WHEREAS, Reverend Smith actively participated in the Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) and the Emerging Needs Fund as a member of an ad hoc subcommittee, thoughtfully reviewing funding applications from local nonprofit organizations and offering well-informed recommendations to support community services; and WHEREAS, Reverend Smith, together with fellow commissioners, conducted numerous site visits to agencies receiving HSRAP funding, gaining a deeper understanding of their operations, successes, and challenges, thereby strengthening the Commission’s ability to make informed decisions; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Smith played a pivotal role in leading the Commission’s response to a Council referral
on police reform, notably through the lens of the “8 Can’t Wait” framework, and contributed significantly to the development of public forums, in-depth research, and the publication of the report “Black and Brown Palo Alto – History and Current Experience” as well as the 100 Conversations on Race initiative and other race and equity-related efforts; and WHEREAS, Reverend Smith demonstrated courageous and compassionate leadership during a particularly challenging time in the community by initiating a series of community listening sessions focused on the experiences of local Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab residents in the face of rising Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate, and Local Jewish Experiences in the Face of Rising Antisemitism; and WHEREAS, Reverend Smith served with distinction on the City of Palo Alto’s Human Relations Commission (HRC) for eight years, including three years as Chair, providing steadfast leadership and vision throughout his tenure.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ed Lauing, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby gratefully extend appreciation to Rev. Kaloma Smith for his many years of faithful service to the City of Palo Alto. PRESENTED: August 28, 2025 ______________________________
Ed Lauing Mayor