Members of the Ames Human Relations Commission gathered with shovels at Moore Memorial Park Sunday. The shovels were meant for an oak tree, which was planted to commemorate their commitment to serve the community and celebrate 50 years of community support.

The oak was planted near the Big Bluestream shelter in Moore Memorial Park, and the event was live-streamed on the City of Ames Facebook for the community to view online.

Chunhui Chen is a professor at Iowa State University and the commission chair.

He described the tree as more than just a tree and said that it symbolizes growth and deep roots in the community. 

“The tree is the dedication of our past,” Chen said. “ Also [it] is a way to look for the future, to see the tree will be there for a long time, and we will be here also for a long time to serve the community.”

The commission advocates for breaking down barriers and helping make the Ames community welcome and inclusive. The commission primarily works with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission to help resolve issues related to human relations. They also sponsor and help out with many events sponsored locally. 

“The commission’s primary motivation is to act as bridge to connect different ethnic groups because typically people are from the same communities,” Chen said. “We want them to know each other and to make this community an inclusive community.”

 The commemoration included statements from commission members and featured T-shirts that a local artist designed in the Ames community for the event. 

Caitlyn Chellew is a resident of Ames and won the event shirt design contest. Chellew said she grew up in Ames, and her primary goal with the design was to have diverse stories and local heroes in the Ames community. 

“I wanted to honor some real-life people that are great examples that we can all strive to be here in our community,” Chellew said.

For more information on the Ames Human Relations Commission or to inquire about joining, visit the AHRC website.