Messages from HCLS Board of Trustees
The Howard County Library System Board of Trustees denounces racism and joins the call for social justice and equity. The Board firmly stands with statements issued by Chair Anne Markus and HCLS President and CEO Tonya Aikens. We collectively condemn systemic constructs that oppress Black people and people of color and invite all to engage in the educational pursuit for justice.
— HCLS Board of Trustees
As current Chair of the HCLS Board of Trustees and as a person who passionately believes in the call for social justice and equity since she was very little, I fully support the strong and emotional statement issued today by HCLS President and CEO Tonya Aikens. Racism has no place in America, no place anywhere. Last night, I was proud to see Baltimore featured as an example of civil protest. My hope is that a continued groundswell of fellow residents from all races, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds will unite toward a meaningful, lasting, and most importantly equitable and just resolution. Let’s not be distracted and manipulated by “made-for-tv” moments. We must speak up and act now or it will be too late.
— Anne Markus, Chair, HCLS Board of Trustees
The last several days have been incredibly difficult as we have watched the country react in protest to the horrendous death of George Floyd and to racial injustice more generally. Like many of you, I am saddened and angered by the systemic racism this and other recent hate killings evidence. Racism should have no place in our society, and we all must work together to fight it wherever it exists.
I saw a quote (sorry no author was identified) recently that resonated with me. “You want to be an Ally – know the history, speak up, show up. Your silence is poison.” I urge you to condemn racism and hate. Support positive change in our community and across our country. We must stand together with the Black community to demand equality, respect and justice.
— Andy Dalal, Treasurer, HCLS Board of Trustees
As a trustee of the Howard County Library System, I wholeheartedly support the statement issued yesterday by our President & CEO, Tonya Aikens.
As a straight, white male, I understand that I will never understand the oppression, violence, and inequity experienced by so many in our country. I also understand that my silence is complicit. It is long since time for all of us to speak out against systemic racism and all manner of bigotry. Simply stated: black lives matter. If you are troubled by this statement, I urge you to look within yourself and determine why.
— Phillip Dodge, HCLS Board of Trustees
