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New Communities

My neighborhood has become a lot more diverse in recent years. It gives me a lot of hope to see my new neighbors and old neighbors forming a new community together. We've had a couple neighborhood get-togethers to celebrate different holidays and traditions that have been really fun and educational for all of us. … [Read more...]

Mall

Saw a couple of young white people in a shopping area that assisted a harried African American mother with picking up items her 2 children had dropped. The young people were all polite and seemed happy to help. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary for them and after the encounter they went on their way without comment. … [Read more...]

HCPD Officer and Students

A Howard County Police Department Resource Officer was engaged in a friendly exchange with students after school at one of the HCLS branches before the branches were closed because of COVID-19. It was clear that the officer and the students knew each other, and that there was an established and positive relationship. The officer knew the names of the students, and the students seemed very comfortable with the officer. The exchange seemed very relaxed and friendly. … [Read more...]

At the pool

One of the things that I really enjoyed in Howard County is going to the pool with my family. It's heartening to see such a diverse mix of families from all over the world having the exact same issues with our children while trying to keep them safe in the water. Gives me hope that we can come together in bigger ways. … [Read more...]

Team Work

I was a youth athlete and now a coach of youth sports for over 40 years and I always have enjoyed and witnessed the coming together of teammates regardless of ethnicity, religion or background to achieve the team goal. Many have established life long friendships with myself as well as each other long after their sports playing days are over. It also gives a chance at team meetings to share differences and learn about other cultures and religions represented. … [Read more...]

Moving for positivity

A customer recently moved into the area, from a region in the world where there was a lot of social mistrust and hostility, and was overwhelmed with how welcome and accepted they felt to be in the area. They felt they could just live and be a person without feeling like they are being judged or noticed for being themselves. The individual expressed how blessed they felt to be part of the community here. … [Read more...]

IMAGINE NATION

I hosted an art show in Columbia MD at a local park. There were multiple young people who vended/ showcased their work! I myself am an artist and like to call myself a community leader/organizer! The event was very successful for all parties who participated! I had a creative station for children. They could also eat my food as I have worked in many culinarily restaurants and attended Arnold CC! The most interesting thing for me (a 24-year-old woman who graduated from Long Reach with multi … [Read more...]

Undesign the Redline & 1619 Project

I would say giving tours for the Undesign the Redline tours has given me the most hope as far as improving race relations in Howard County. I was also encouraged about hearing that Nicole Hannah Jones, author of the 1619 Project was part of the Busboys and Poets opening and the Books in Bloom festival earlier this month. … [Read more...]

Let’s actually go there

I was meeting someone for first time and asking about her work in the community. A long-time resident came up and started talking about how he knew her. He said that she was one of the only Hispanic leaders in Columbia and she was such an asset. She said graciously I am not one of few, I am one of many. He said we need more of you, but there just aren't any here. It seemed both she and I reacted at same time. I said, no, that's actually not accurate. Our Hispanic community is sizable and active … [Read more...]

I Maintain Hope

I live in a very racial and culturally diverse Ellicott City neighborhood. I have lived there for ten years now. I see children of different races and cultures play together, families meet together for lawn picnics. Neighbors stop and chat with each other at our cars as we come and go. In my small building of twelve families, we have families from Asia, Africa, Pakistan. My neighbors bring me food from their religious celebrations and explain to me what their beliefs are. These interactions give … [Read more...]

Plant a seed

As a children's instructor I have the opportunity to teach a very diverse population. This opportunity provides me with a way to bridge commonalities between these populations through the content I share. It allows me to plant a seed of understanding and friendship in my classroom. … [Read more...]

School Friends

I grew up in Howard County, and I've always been involved in diverse social groups and relationships. I've taught classes, played sports, attended school, coached teams, worked, and been a part of the community in Howard County for a long time. My outlook on race relations was strongly influenced by my interactions in Columbia schools. The diversity of people, culture, and socio-economic status within Columbia schools instilled a perspective of allowing people to come as they are. … [Read more...]

Simple Help

In helping a Black woman with a computer problem at the library, she expressed to me, a white man, that a diverse staff gave her a lot of hope for race relations in the county. She did say that she was sad it took so long but that things were looking up. … [Read more...]

Cookout

Over the summer, my neighbors and I got together for a cookout. It was a good opportunity to meet the neighbors. Some of the neighbors brought food from their native country. It was a good chance to get to know people over food and fellowship. … [Read more...]

Missing pieces

Every year, local community based Chinese language schools will host lunar new year festivals. The community members are invited to celebrate together. Due to pandemic, the events were canceled 2 years in a row. Hopefully, people can get together and celebrate and share their culture in person soon. … [Read more...]

Sharing Ice Cream

My neighbor celebrated her young daughter's birthday by renting an ice cream truck and sharing ice cream with her guests and neighbors. The truck was ran by folks who support social justice interests, it was a nice way to learn about their efforts and get to know folks in the neighborhood. … [Read more...]

Flower of Hope

When the incident in Atlanta occurred and there were subsequent micro and macro-hateful acts against Asians, my next door neighbor stopped by with a pot of orchid and a lovely card saying that she is there for us. … [Read more...]

I felt hope…

I felt hope when the Black Lives Matter rally at the Mall was so well attended, organized, and well-received. My husband (age 68) and I (age 64) were afraid to attend due to Covid but I followed it closely on social media. To this day, I wish I had attended. I felt proud to live in HoCo! … [Read more...]

Don’t Miss the Message

While driving through a neighborhood yesterday I saw a hand made sign on the corner that said " BLACK LIVES MATTERS ", My first thought was that the sign was grammatically incorrect and then I realized that I was missing the message. This sign may be the most significant and most heartfelt one I've ever seen, It was hand made and a bit sloppy, weathered and leaning over. Similar to the lives it represents. It's had me thinking ever since I saw it. So much so, that I'm going to go back by and … [Read more...]

Been to China recently?

In March of 2020, I had to go to urgent care for my son. During check-in, the nurse said, "I am sorry, but I have to ask this question: have you or your son been to China recently?" Although we are of Asian descent, I did not take offense to the question, and understood the reasoning for the question. I was encouraged at the empathy the nurse felt towards us in having to ask the question. … [Read more...]

Inclusion Empathy and Understanding

A Howard County citizen heads up a group that teaches kids and teens how to treat other kids, teens and adults using inclusion, empathy and with understanding. The kids and teens are practicing these ideas by inviting into their circle of friends other children and teens who they might not practice their own cultural practices. This is the start of uniting people and getting to know each other on a one to one basis. … [Read more...]

Grow Together

I am currently participating in a "Grow Together" program as a part of an equity collaborative here in Howard County. The partnership is between Equity4HC and The Chinese School. … [Read more...]

Together we will prevail!

During the first two weeks of library re-opening, I witnessed the community come together through our open doors with excitement and appreciation. People are polite and kind to each other and our staff. We received many compliments, children's drawing and flowers. It is hopeful that people of all race and background work together for a common goal. … [Read more...]

Inspired

This year, in our program, we have elevated the dialog with our class about DEI and specifically racial equity. the open, honest discussions as people have shared their issues and challenges has inspired me because of the support and encouragement the class has given one another. … [Read more...]

Our Workout Group

For the past 6 years I've been a part of a morning exercise group. We all come from many racial and ethnic backgrounds and three times a week we meet up at 6am, work out, and and encourage each other to get stronger and better. This feels to my like what Howard County is meant to be like. … [Read more...]

Stamped Book Club

I started a book club to read the book Stamped From the Beginning by Ibram Kendi. Friends and neighbors joined to read and discuss each of the five sections. Both the book itself and the discussions were illuminating and very eye-opening to me. … [Read more...]

Community Support

I attended the program a year ago, after George Floyd's death, sponsored by young Muslims in Howard County. On short notice there was a beautiful collection across the County showing up at the Lakefront. This included Muslims, Jews, Christians, Black and White residents. Even with COVID we were willing to stand together. … [Read more...]

The Bridge that can Unite Us

I live in Montgomery County, but work in Howard County. I see the same challenges present. I do not have a particular story, at the moment. However, I have seen instances in which, a little kindness could go a long way, in resolving issues, or differences. I believe sharing stories, is the bridge to understanding each other better, and really seeing the other person, as Us, collectively, for a better future. I am very excited and look forward to what others' stories are. … [Read more...]

My Church

I go to Christ Church Episcopal Church in Columbia. We are currently involved in a ministry called RAGE. Racially Aware Group of Episcopalians, which explores issues of systemic racism and what we can do to be educated and active in seeking justice and equity for all … [Read more...]

Opportunity to Read and Understand

Recently asked to create an AAPI booklist appropriate for k-12 students for members of the AAPI task force. Back & forth process of communicating with members of AAPI task force members and the recognition that this needs to be an ongoing process gives me hope for being able to promote and connect Ho Co children & teens with materials to broaden understanding of the experiences of the AAPI community gives me hope. … [Read more...]

Sharing Treats

Last week my son and his friends were talking about foods - everything from what kind of ramen noodles to buy at H-Mart to what kind of chocolate to use when making chocolate chip cookies. Then they decided to share with each other. Four of them dropped off at each other's houses a treat. What struck me is how interested they were in each other's cultures/traditions. One Pakistani Muslim family, one Korean family, one white family, and one Chinese family. That's what I like about Howard County- … [Read more...]

One Book

My son's high school, Mt. Hebron High School, began a book club open to students, parents and community members called One Book. The club is meant to discuss pertinent issues in our communities regarding race, equality and progress. Our first meeting discussed Jason Reynolds and Ibram Kendi's book, Stamped. The conversations were powerful and enlightening. The group is just getting started. … [Read more...]

Ideal environment

Living in Howard County I noticed this is a very diverse community. I see children of different races playing together. In my neighborhood, there are multiracial families and a diverse racial representation. To me, this is the ideal environment for my kids to grow up in. … [Read more...]

Connecting with others

Last month I participated in a Howard County gathering for Courageous Conversations. My group of roughly ten participants included African Americans and other races, Christians, Jews, Muslims and other religions. In our challenging and open discussion, I was particularly struck by one very articulate African American women who commented after a lifetime of struggle with systemic racism and this summer's black lives matter events said she was simply exhausted; it was simply exhausting on a daily … [Read more...]

Food for HoCo

The Indian cultural association has been distributing free food for all in HCLS parking lots during COVID, which is very heartening to see, given the anti immigrant conflicts in HoCo over the last few years. … [Read more...]

Neighborhood Picnic

My neighborhood has a picnic every year. We have a very diverse population in our group of nine families. Coming together in that way allows for connection not only on that day, but encourages it throughout the year. … [Read more...]

Denying the Problem

"An elementary school in HCPSS had "Black Lives Matter" on their marquee and someone spray-painted over "Black" on Friday. This afternoon, HCPSS leadership (BoE and Superintendent) shared a press release denouncing it as a hate crime and standing in solidarity with BLM. The story doesn't end there. On the Facebook post from HCPSS sharing the press release, many people dismissed the vandalism and criticized the idea of the original message saying Black Lives Matter was a political statement … [Read more...]

New to HOCO

I am new to Howard County, so I am still coming to an understanding of "typical race relations" here. What I can say is, I have never experienced the level of commitment to conversation and knowledge surrounding racial equity and race relations that I have seen in Howard County. … [Read more...]

Authenticity at Work

Recently, I've been so cognizant of the fact that as a white woman in business, I've mostly been able to bring my whole self to work every day. And the realization that my colleagues of color have not felt able to or given permission to, or have felt as though they would be judged or (consciously or unconsciously) because of their life experience, was just so eye opening for me. Especially in this year that seems to have highlighted incredible racial inequalities, I have truly been touched and … [Read more...]

Feeling Seen

[Name] and I serve on a local Howard County board together. She is Filipina and I am a Black woman. We are Facebook friends and I noticed how she was very vocal about her support of Black Lives Matter, and I appreciated that. I felt seen. When the Anti-Asian hate was making the news, I reached out to her and showed my support. We have since grown deeper in our friendship and sisterhood. … [Read more...]

Starting the conversation

My 10-year-old niece, who is white (as am I), was telling me a story of something that happened to her, and referred to someone in the story as "a man who had dark skin." I waited until she was done, and then asked her why she referred to that man as having dark skin instead of just saying that he was black. She said that she felt bad referring to someone as black, because she didn't want anyone to think she was racist. She also wasn't sure if he was African-American, and Islander, etc., and … [Read more...]

Youth-led Antiracism March

Participating in the June 2020 youth-led antiracism march following the murder of George Floyd gave me hope for improving race relations in Howard County. Seeing so many people of many races and backgrounds coming together in a common humanity and in protest against police brutality was an important step in affirming the desire for justice, motivating change and finding solutions. … [Read more...]

Inclusive Neighborhood

I moved to a new neighborhood 4 years ago in Howard County. I am so grateful that I found this inclusive, mix racial community (religions and race) where we get to share and celebrate different festivals. We have a Facebook group for our community where we learn more about our neighbors and we connect with them to share news or volunteer to help decorate for Halloween. I just noticed recently that in one of our common area's, I saw a sign that said "Ramadan Mubarak" and last month we celebrated … [Read more...]

Education is the key

I'm one of the managers for the library system. Shortly after I got this job, a library co-worker told me that people of my race don't make good managers. The same co-worker is now working through the training as the rest of us and, maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I can see subtle changes in how she relates to me so I remain hopeful that race relations will improve through more education and open dialogues on this topic. … [Read more...]

Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Pie?

For the past 3 years I have been part of an interracial, intercultural group which meets twice a month. We discuss everything except politics. We have talked about George Floyd and our families' Christmas traditions. I was surprised to hear that pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving was not universal but that many African Americans do sweet potato pie instead. We have built a great trust relationship and solid friendships with all participants. We have about 20 members. This is, I think, a model for what … [Read more...]

Neighbor for a Neighbor

I work in a non-profit organization that helps new Americans to get access to opportunities. I witnessed a situation that gave me hope about racial equality in HoCo. It was a US citizen, a white guy that called to our organization to help a family that recently moved to their neighborhood, they didn't speak English and this neighbor just step up and call us to get some help and opportunities for this family just because he saw that need. That gave me hope, it wasn't someone that he knew for a … [Read more...]

Now They Know

I participated in the Howard County Equity Collaborative. It was interesting to gather a group of citizens who want to see change in the county, but didn't always realize their own biases. There were some Asian participants who had not felt the sting of being considered less than or being hated until the COVID 19 pandemic hit. They became targets for hatred comments and other negative behaviors. Then they understood what many African Americans have gone through for many many years. … [Read more...]

Community Cleanup

I recently worked a community clean up event. In the past, cleanup events consists primarily of white individuals, with very low numbers of minority and/or black and brown community members. This event, however, was a major improvement. There were families from various ethnic backgrounds coming together to clean and beautiful the community. … [Read more...]

Hope for change

Neighbors and colleagues who, in the past, would have avoided acknowledging or discussing racism, microagressions, and their existence in Howard County - either because of discomfort or denial - are now engaging in these discussions. I find this encouraging because we can only begin to address these if we admit that it is happening here. … [Read more...]

Running Buddies

For the past 6 years I've been a part of a morning exercise group. We all come from many racial and ethnic backgrounds and three times a week we meet up at 6am, work out, and and encourage each other to get stronger and better. This feels to my like what Howard County is meant to be like. … [Read more...]

Soccer Moms

A group of adults, adult caregivers or parents, were talking together while their elementary school aged children played soccer at a local park. Multiple ethnicities and races were represented, and all of adults were women, apparently in early-mid thirties. … [Read more...]

I Read It in a Book

During a Battle of the Books team meeting with my daughter, we were discussing excerpts from Kekla Magoon's, The Season of Styx Malone. One of the white students couldn't believe that a parent would ever encourage their child to be ordinary and just keep their head down. The family in question is black. We then went on to discuss how the parent was trying to keep his black sons safe. It gave me so much hope to know that we can raise our white children to really see, advocate for, and amplify the … [Read more...]

Getting to Know You

I volunteer on the Courageous Conversations planning committee. CC offers great opportunity for people of different backgrounds to come together to try to understand one another. At the last session there were great ideas about how to move forward as individuals, congregations and community. Love the idea of having a Diversity Picnic and Diversity Walks. … [Read more...]

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All branches of Howard County Library System will close Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, in observance of Christmas. Passport services will not be available at East Columbia and Glenwood on December 24 and 25.
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All HCLS branches are open Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.