Public to receive access to civil rights investigators

On six occasions in the coming weeks, Topekans will get a chance to talk to civil rights investigators with the city's Human Relations Commission.

HRC director Rio Cervantes-Reed said investigators Bobby Wilkerson and Jessica Brown will be available at city community centers to answer questions about Topekans' rights under the law in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodation.

Cervantes-Reed said the appearances will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on:

Wednesday, Crestview Community Center, 4801 S.W. Shunga Drive.

March 19, Oakland Community Center, 801 N.E. Poplar.
April 2, Central Park Community Center, 1534 S.W. Clay.
April 16, Hillcrest Community Center, 1800 S.E. 21st.
April 23, Rice Community Center, 432 N.E. Norwood.
May 7, Garfield Community Center, 1600 N.E. Quincy.

Cervantes-Reed said Wilkerson and Brown also will be able to take any complaints that may fall within the jurisdiction of the HRC. Brochures and handouts regarding civil rights and the HRC will be distributed.

"This is an opportunity for citizens who can't get to our offices downtown to visit their local community center and get the information they need in regards to protecting their civil rights," Cervantes-Reed said.

The HRC is based in the city's Cyrus K. Holliday Building at 620 S.E. Madison.

People who have disabilities and need special accommodations to attend any appearance by the investigators should call the HRC at (785) 368-3606 or e-mail hrc@topeka.org between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at least 72 hours in advance of the scheduled event.