May 4, 2016

Liz Wielinski
President and District 1 Representative
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
2117 West River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55411

Dear President Wielinski:

I write in response to the vitriolic personal attacks that recently have been made against Jayne Miller,
Superintendent for the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB). Some of the missives have
targeted employment practices of MPRB while others have unfairly maligned the Superintendent and
accused her of intentional racial bias.
Jayne Miller has served on the Minneapolis Urban Leagues (MUL) Board of Directors for two years.
During my tenure as Interim and permanent CEO she has demonstrated passion and personal
commitment for MULs mission to create and sustain pathways to prosperity for African descendants.
She has been an exceptional director and partner, tirelessly providing counsel, encouragement,
feedback, resources and advocacy to advance our cause. Jayne is compassionate about serving
underserved and marginalized populations in our community, including African Americans, African
immigrants and other people of color.
The character and behavior we have observed of Superintendent Miller is inconsistent with the spurious
personal accusations leveled against her. A line from a favorite poem reads, Id rather see a sermon
than hear a sermon any day. Jayne Millers actions on the MUL board have preached a gospel of equity
and inclusion and we are grateful for her service.
Thank you,

Steven Belton
President and CEO
SB:lra
cc:

Clinton C. Collins, Jr.

Chair, MUL Board of Directors
MPRB Commissioners