I was walking behind a son and father who were talking about a movie about a well known African American who was still successful despite experiencing repeated violent racism for years. The son asked, "Did all that stuff really happen?" The father said, "I don't know." I wanted to say, yes that happened and many more examples that the movie did not cover. I did not because I wasn't part of the conversation and I did not want to be dubbed the stereotypical angry Black person. Later, I decided … [Read more...]
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...]
“Helpful” at Whole Foods
I was sitting outside of the Whole Foods with a friend and my daughter. We were enjoying our lunch, laughing and connecting. As we were near the end of the meal, we were approached by a white woman wanting to let us know that the seats were for lunch, it was crowded and not a space for "hanging out". … [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...]
Acquaintance complained about ‘taking a knee.’
An acquaintance criticized football players for kneeling during the anthem. I asked how the players could better broadcast their protest of violence toward minorities. She said that the highly paid players should spend their money to do this in another venue. I felt unable to change her opinion. I could only say that the kneeling protest got the desired result of getting us to talk about racial inequity. … [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...]
Caution
I was pulling into my driveway when I saw my new neighbor coming back from running and I waved at him. His family is the only African American family on my street. He stopped on the street and as I got out of my van, he introduced himself, as did I. As we carried on talking, telling me as little bit about himself, he continued to stand in the street at the end of my driveway. We were having a friendly, genuine conversation. Then he took a step onto my driveway, and then took a step back, and … [Read more...]
No follow-up
Our school staff were assigned to read The Little Book of Restorative Justice in Education last year. Unfortunately, there were no students physically in school, so there were no opportunities to practice the lessons. There has been no follow-up this year. This lack of follow-up feels all too familiar. Our School Improvement Plan has African American Students as the focus group for Improving School Quality. "Relationship building" is the focus action. But without instruction to staff, there is … [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...]
How can we enter into dialogue?
While talking to a neighbor outside, he noticed a sign we have in our yard. It is a popular sign that lists the things that "matter." It says "in this house we believe..." and one of the things we believe is that Black Lives Matter. He made a comment that "All lives matter," which led to a monologue from him about the police and how "they" want to abolish the police. The conversation left us sad and, honestly, angry, but reminded us that there is still so much work to do. My husband told him … [Read more...]
We still have humanity left
Recently during the pandemic, I witnessed we come together to help for homeless. I worked together with local organizations to provide shelter and food. Proud to be a Howard County resident … [Read more...]
the Presence of an Accent?
Does the Presence of an Accent mean the Lack of Intelligence in HoCo? A couple of months ago, my mother and I went to the doctor's office, and once the receptionist heard the accented words leave my mother's mouth to announce that she was here for her appointment, she immediately got irritated and repeated that she could not understand my mother at all. It continued like that for about a minute until my mom asked me to repeat what she had said. I could see that my mother was struggling and … [Read more...]
Grocery time
I have been sticking close to home for the last few months. One of the few places I go is the grocery store. There is such a discrepancy between who is shopping and who is stocking/checking out/bagging - working hard and with long hours and probably not very significant compensation or recognition. It’s striking to witness these disparities in Howard County - a place that claims high levels of diversity, inclusion, and successes for all people in the region. … [Read more...]
An interception
I was witness to a kindergarten tour at a public library. A group of students were on tour of the childrens' section. There were kids of many ethnic groups and races. They all held laminated guides to the children's section. They were flapping them around making noise. One child was singled out for a harsh, "Stop that noise!". He was a little black boy. I looked at his chaperone and then she said I'm sorry. The little boy walked away. He appeared to be OK. And I hope that he really was. … [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...]
Everyone Shops
I recall a time at the grocery store when an individual was given a hard time at the self check out, “too many items”. I have never heard of such at the self check out. After the two argued the individual stated that “you people never follow the rules”. This caused a huge uproar in the store and everyone was uneasy about it. It is unfortunate that stereotypes still exist and blank statements are only able to be said because of the perpetuation of such. … [Read more...]
Spotted While Driving
I sat in Starbucks in Columbia with a work associate and noted how heavily policed the area was, with sirens constantly going by in the Oakland Mills area. Within five minutes of leaving, still new to the area, I was pulled over also. I had been holding my phone in my hand to view my gps more closely and then a call came in. I greeted the caller and the sirens went off. While the officer was talking to me, a white man who I estimated to be in his 60s was walking down the street. He started … [Read more...]
SRO reactions
Less of a story and more general observations over the past few months of how parents/community members respond to the call to remove SROs from schools. Not surprising, but still disappointing, how many white parents are intent on keeping SROs instead of listening and seeking out the voices of students/ families, many who are Black and brown, who are impacted negatively by police presence in school all the time. This would be the time to amplify the voice of someone who has been harmed, not … [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...]
Being followed in a store
Wandering through B&N and noticed staff following me. Didn't think much of it, other than they must have known I worked for their rival. It didn't hit me until afterwards, they were following me since I was the only non-white person in the store. … [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...]
Implicit Bias
someone told me to be careful about certain Black neighbors across the street because they let their dog outside with a leash (and I have a dog that I walk around there often). They went on to talk about how they've heard from other neighbors that this household is very loud and disruptive. As I heard this, I thought about the impact of implicit bias on the way this information was delivered through the chain of people. I think this is an example of white people who are in favor of racial … [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...]
HoCo is a Utopia for White People
HoCo is updating its General Plan. I have participated in several online Design workshops regarding the updates. I noticed that none of the illustrations used by the DPZ included non-white people. There were plenty of images of people enjoying the outdoor amenities, eating in outdoor restaurants, etc. In the post workshop survey, I commented about this, and how it is giving the impression that there are no black, brown, or Asian people in HoCo, nor are they welcome. Visibility is vital. … [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...]
limiting college choices
My daughter's top choice for a college to attend was somewhat selective, private college with a high tuition cost which we had determined was within reach both in terms of her academic record and our budget for her college education. Her white, female guidance counselor insisted repeatedly that she needed to go to HCC instead of her top choice. When I questioned her about it, her only explanation was that that was the route her family had chosen for her children and therefore it should be a good … [Read more...]
Sharing and listening
Our pastor seemed to change his attitude about the need to address race relations explicitly in church when African Americans in the congregation shared their feelings of woundedness … [Read more...]
Neighborhood revitalization
I was recently dismayed at a meeting with members of my community opposed to a new apartment complex in our neighborhood. People testified against it by saying “you know how apartment people are”. I interpreted this as a racist comment and opposed to my strong views of why Columbia was developed and why we chose it as a place to live no raise our children. … [Read more...]
Transportation Equity
I think the new initiative offering Middle School and HS students free public bus passes is a fabulous step toward equity and inclusion. … [Read more...]
Discrimination & Racism against Hispanics/Latinos
I have experienced that for being hispanic/Latino in the community it's sometimes hard. Why? Because we've been discriminated or faced racism for our color and the way we talk, the way we dress. This shouldn't be the way to be treated. Everyone should be treated the same and no different. … [Read more...]
Coming Together for a Good Cause
I attended the ribbon cutting of the library equity collection and was impressed both by the contents of the collection and by the representation of groups that attended the ceremony. … [Read more...]
People Need Housing
I was asked by neighbors in my upper middle-class neighborhood to join them in opposing high-density housing nearby. They cited busy streets and schools, but I felt they were really opposing mixing of classes and that this had racist undertones. I would like for the diversity in Howard County to also include the recognition that people of all race-classes deserve a place to live and that we can share our spaces and resources. … [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...]
Knocking on Doors for the US Census
I am a white woman who worked for the US Census part-time for 4 weeks in the summer of 2020, going door to door to collect census data from folks who had not yet responded to the census. My experience was that white people were more willing to talk with me than people of color (POC.) It also seemed to me that white people were more comfortable and trusting of the federal govt than POC. It seems to me that there is typically less trust between whites and POC in Howard County. … [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...]
Harriet Tubman Building
I heard about an act of vandalism that occurred at the Harriet Tubman Building, and it was noted that it appeared to be a deliberately targeted act with racism as the motivator. I learned for the first time about the existence of this enterprise, and it struck me as how out of the ordinary it must be for someone to go out of their way in a planned and determined way to take this action. … [Read more...]
Being Asian in America
This incident happened during the start of the pandemic. It is something that shocked me to my core, something that, made me reevaluate my opinions of howard county and its community. This event happened to me. I was shopping at the grocery store, trying to pick up something for me and my family that night. As I was at the hot bar for the store looking at the selection, I was approached by a man. He saw me and saw that I was looking at buying some chicken and leans in and says. "You know they … [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...]
Trying?
I have noticed a general increased effort of HoCo citizens to connect / relate, assist and show courtesy while out on trips to the grocery store or other errands. … [Read more...]
20+ years later, high school experience is still the same.
At a recent Howard County Board of Education meeting, a student provided testimony about his experience with racism/discrimination. He rattled off a list of Instagram pages that detail the racist and discriminatory experiences students have experienced in Howard County (ex. antiracisthoco). He asked when will it stop; when will his brother come home and not have to say that someone asked him if he had covid or ate bats. Hearing this made me feel profoundly sad as his experiences seemed so … [Read more...]
Against Asian Hate
I attended the Anti-Asian Solidarity rally at the Lakefront, Columbia to join in their fight against racism and hate. … [Read more...]
Enough is Enough
In my neighborhood, a few months ago a white neighbor's home was vandalized. Without any evidence, the white neighbor accused another neighbor's son, who was black, of the incident. My black neighbor was very upset because there was no evidence for this accusation. After a few weeks of investigation, it was found that it was someone from outside. Some of us in the neighborhood approached the white neighbor and asked her reasons. According to her someone told her it was a couple of black … [Read more...]
School Redistricting
The Redistricting of Howard County Schools - it is was obvious that it was racial. Residents did not care about equity. They used devaluing of their property as an excuse. … [Read more...]
Local Community and Law enforcement meeting in the middle
Shortly after the murder of George Floyd a program coordinator at the CA Youth and Teen Center invited me to participate in a community session with the Howard County Police and local community members. There was a moderator from Howard County, can't remember the department. His name was Trent. He was fabulous. There were about 25 people and it was a very powerful and balanced meeting. It gave me some background information on how there are so few black police officers in Howard County, which I … [Read more...]
Triggering
During a meeting a white woman leaned over to a Black acquaintance telling her "I just have to say I am so impressed by how articulate you are." … [Read more...]
Asian communities in time of COVID
All of the problems faced by our Asian communities recently have been very troubling - vandalism, hate speech, etc. … [Read more...]
Pre-Conceived Notions
A coworker of mine prefers not to see middle eastern clients because they "never know what they want" and because they "cause too many problems." … [Read more...]
Black Lives Matter at GMS
My family lives in Western Howard County and our children attend Bushy Park and Glenelg High School. Last month, the signboard outside of Glenwood Middle School was vandalized. Before it was vandalized, it read "Black Lives Matter at GMS." After it was vandalized, it read "Lives Matter at GMS" with the "Black" spray painted over. In this part of the county, it was predictable and shameful. … [Read more...]
Redistricing Racism
The redistricting process in Howard County is the most blatant example that I have seen of a recent experience that made me think "things have to change". I am aware of numerous people from an entire neighborhood that moved after being redistricted to a "less desirable" school than the one they had been in. … [Read more...]
Confederate flags in Western Howard County
Recently went to a store with my children and experienced two men wearing Confederate flags making comments of hate in Western Howard County. This confused my children and made me very angry that we are still experiencing such hatred . … [Read more...]
Not My HOA
My community was experiencing some conflicts between a renter and an owner that live in townhomes built directly across from one another. The Renter was a Black Woman with a child and the Owner was a White Man and his family of 4. The Owner took issues with things they observed going on in or around the renter's home involving police and also gripes about parking issues. The Renter complained that she was constantly being racially harassed by the Owner. She claimed she had been … [Read more...]
Verbal Abuse
I was abused verbally as I was walking through a parking lot. The abuser was a Caucasian elderly lady, very elegant and discrete, that became enraged at me for no reason other than I was behind her car as she was backing up. She treated me as if I was her maid. … [Read more...]
School Inequities along racial lines
For a county known for its diversity, there is a jarring amount of covert and overt racism whenever new school boundaries are recommended. I've heard and read people say that they don't want their kids "going to THOSE schools" and that "some people just don't value education as much as we do" to explain why some schools (with higher White populations) have higher test scores than schools with high Free and Reduced Meals students (and higher Black and immigrant populations). When explanations are … [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...]
Bullying on the School Bus
As we have moved back to in-person learning in the public school system, my daughter (Hispanic) had been picked on by another girl. An older girl on the bus, African-American, comforted my daughter, as she had been crying because of the incident. Later, the girl that comforted my daughter talked to me about the experience and how she helped. Later, I saw the girl's mother at the bus stop and complimented her on how kind her daughter had been to my kindergartner. I'm not sure if this illustrates … [Read more...]
Fear of Differences
Someone of mixed race was accused of bringing COVID to the US, even though this person has never been outside of the US. … [Read more...]
Group Equity, Individual Liberty & Equality
Racial equity is realized when individual liberty and rights are respected. There is no group equity and equality when individual rights are violated. The purpose of getting organized is to shape government policies not take away individuals rights or undermine individual liberty. … [Read more...]
Surveillance
Recently, I've noticed a paranoia in the use of the Ring camera/doorbell. Those of us on Nextdoor to share information with our neighbors are often bombarded with accusatory videos. It feels biased and judgmental. The uploading of these videos seems to disrupt community rather than to promote it. … [Read more...]
Kids
There was a huge stir in our neighborhood about thievery from 'youths' that would hang out in the park and wilderness area. These 'youths' might have stolen a bike from someone, and may have been responsible for burglarizing a neighbor's house in the recent past, but there was no proof whatsoever of any of these suspicions. At the time, I walked through this park area on my way to and from work on a regular basis. I finally managed to meet these some kids there, all young teenage boys of color. … [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...]
Words misinterpreted!
I had a customer highly upset that someone in the Branch asked, "Where are you from?" The customer was upset since she is of mixed race, and thought it was inappropriate for anyone to ask her that question. After speaking to the customer and speaking to the staff member, I contacted the customer back and let her know what the employee was really asking--was she from Howard County or from another County (wanted to know where people were coming from for her class), not asking about her race. I … [Read more...]
Racist, Much?
In 2019, the leadership of the Howard County Public School System engaged in planning for redistricting, and I was directly involved in that effort and publicly expressed support for equity-based decisions. Some of my White neighbors -- people who share many of my progressive ideals -- were opposed to the HCPSS proposals for redistricting and argued that their children were going to be heartbroken if the plan was approved. On social media, when I bemoaned some of the awful, racist rhetoric that … [Read more...]
Undocumented
I have been very disheartened to hear about the effort by some in Howard County to overturn the County bill passed that County police not ask people about their status (documented/undocumented). People collecting signatures for a ballot initiative to overturn the law were not truthful in telling people the reason for the petition. I have heard that the question will be on the ballot and people may be uninformed and overturn the bill. It's very sad how people view undocumented people. … [Read more...]
Intentional Engagement
I am a part of a Rotary Club that has recently read the book White Fragility and are having intentional engagement to address implicit bias. … [Read more...]
Racism Fatigue
Conversations have continued vigorously on the subject of racism and anti-racism. That is progress, but with that progress I have experienced what I would term "racism fatigue". I hear comments such as, "I'm tired of talking about racism and white privilege,", etc. These are good people voicing these sentiments: friends, colleagues, family. I think the weariness comes from, after becoming aware of white privilege and racism, what then? What can we do? As individuals, as community leaders, as … [Read more...]
Social Media/White Privilege
I was sent a social media post reacting to the HCPSS high school lesson on white privilege. First came the “what grade level is this?” and “why wasn’t this optional”/”why weren’t parents told?” comments which didn’t really take root. Then the inevitable “white privilege isn’t real” comment was made, eliciting 50+ replies. However, more than half of the replies were people trying to convince the poster that white privilege is real. The initial responses had a “I can’t believe you think white … [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...]
Forced Out
My Black neighbor had to vacate their home last week. Covid hit their family hard, and they weren't able to pay rent for several months. Their white landlord didn't help them with rent assistance and made them leave when their lease went up. It was a tragic disruption to their lives and a blow to our neighborhood. … [Read more...]
Students Discuss Anti-racism
In the spring of 2016, a student at Howard HS made a racist video about Black students. One of my children attended Hammond HS class of 2016. She and her friends hosted a sit-in at HaHS's parking lot to protest racism and discuss their feelings about the racist vitriol expressed by fellow HoCo students. They invited teachers and administrators and all HaHS students to participate. FYI. Hammond HS has one of the most diverse student bodies in the county. … [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...]
Columbia Mall
This happened with me and my brother in 2019. So, this isn't recent but that is the most recent story that I can share from my experience. We were in the Columbia Mall and doing what most people do.... shopping. My brother accidently bumped shoulders with a young white female...maybe in her 30's. She did not fall or get hurt; it was a light shoulder bump. My brother apologized before she could say anything, but her reaction took us both by shock! She said, "go back to your country and get … [Read more...]
Rude for no Reason
Recently I was shopping and there was a young African American man in the store who was shelving items. I was near him and overheard a conversation between him and a white woman. She was rude, condescending, and dismissive of him despite seeking his help to find a product. I saw her a few aisles later laughing with a white store employee. … [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...]
Need Better Communication
I sat in on a Racial Equity Task Force meeting, where I heard one speaker's testimony that was very troubling and misinformed, which targeted one specific ethnicity in Howard County. The backlash to that testimony was very aggressive but no solution or communication was reached. This was indicative to me of the work and communication that is still yet to be achieved. … [Read more...]
Journey worth Taking
As I was facilitating a session on equity-centered leadership, one of the elder participants stated that he felt that my work would be difficult, particularly during this contentious and divided time in America. He did not have the same position and because Howard County is a purple county, the work will be difficult and unwelcomed. … [Read more...]
Kids growing in culturally diverse schooling
My grandson is 8. He is half Korean, half white, but looks totally white. He attends elementary school here in Columbia, a school which is half African-American and only 20% white. All his best friends from pre-K to grade 2 have been black. A year or two ago, he told me that when he grows up he wants to be black. We had to explain that that is not possible. I love seeing him playing with his friends and learning about people and cultures different from ours. This gives me hope that children here … [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...]
Traffic Watch
Since hearing a Race Equity Collaborative colleague tell of his son being followed by police here in HoCo, I started watching during my short, pandemic-range drives to see who I saw stopped by the cops. Only once did a see a white person stopped. All the other stops (<10) were people of color. I'm not at all convinced this relates to minding the driving rules. Certainly not speed-related driving rules. I've seen plenty of white males whizzing past me at excessive speeds, ignoring stop signs, … [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...]
Sick and tired of being sick and tired
I had a long conversation a few months ago with a self-identified Black African American woman leader who's a native born Columbian. She's been active with several community and progressive political action committees as well. After just asking her, how she's doing, she unloaded a ton about her frustration in working with some well-intended but passive white bystanders within one of the committees she's worked in. I noticed just how exhausted and stressed she was and encouraged her to center … [Read more...]
AAPI Stereotypes
I was born and raised in Howard County. I'm half Filipino and half white. Growing up, I experienced extreme fetishism and microaggressions on a daily basis. I was bullied so bad that my Filipino mother couldn't drop us off at school or the bus stop anymore. I graduated from Glenelg high school in 2015, and there I was told by male students that they've always wanted to "f*ck an exotic". They would call me oriental. I had friends tell me that I was "white enough to be their friend, but … [Read more...]
Youth Inclusion
My son had an amazing experience joining an African American church basketball team for two years. As a white boy, he seamlessly integrated into the team. It was so heartwarming to see how they all treated each other with respect, including the parents. It was one of the highlights of his youth. … [Read more...]
Scary Situation
I work in Howard County at the library but I have a story from last year that happened where I live (different county). My son and a friend went to a National Park last year (right before the Pandemic). It was a nice day and they wanted to take a hike and explore history. My sons have grown up going to the parks and love them. They completely got questioned and patted down by a police office. They were accused of having pot. They did not and are completely the best kids. Super friendly, polite … [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...]
Don’t Assume
On a phone conversation making a purchase. Company located in Elkridge. When I gave my name to complete the sale - the representative said, " Wow you're English is great? Where are you from? I said my English should be great - I've been speaking this language all my life. … [Read more...]
Gate keepers
People who run boards and other leadership spaces want to keep them the same- same white community members who make decisions for our entire (diverse) community. Diversity is given lip service, but the gate-keepers are real. … [Read more...]
School Equity
It was disturbing to see the serious opposition to school equity plan. last year. Especially here, in Columbia, which was supposed to be founded on equality. … [Read more...]
Placing Blame Instead of Taking Responsibility
I was recently on an email thread about CA/village elections. There are currently no people of color of on the Board. The exchange started with someone raising the need to get people of color elected to the Board, and unfortunately the responses were defensive and blamed people of color for not being more involved in village boards rather than recognizing that we have a system which is clearly not inclusive. … [Read more...]
Small Changes Make a Difference
At first I was a little hesitant to choose this prompt, because HoCo is known for being progressive. But then I began ticking off recent events: the caller into a town hall who disparaged immigrants, the vandalism of the GMS sign, the property damage at local restaurants over the Chinese New Year holiday. I began to realize there are more instances of "things that have to change" than I would like to admit in the county. … [Read more...]
Affirmative Action and safety
During a church related zoom meeting, a mature, white, female made the statement (which was off topic): "I don't know why they insist that women and black people have to be hired as pilots. The best candidates should be chosen, regardless of who they are." I wanted to ask her if she felt that safety had been compromised because of affirmative action, but it was not the topic of the meeting, and since it was zoom, there was no usual break time to chat. I am frustrated that I'll have to wait until … [Read more...]
Immigrant Rights
During the Trump administration, I got into a discussion with several neighbors regarding immigration. One neighbor stated that " if people don't want to become citizens they should go back to their country." I thought this statement was very naive and insensitive. At the time this statement was made - one of my neighbors, who was sharing in the conversation, had been waiting for more than 18 months to get approval for citizenship status. This led to a debate of history, culture and rights. More … [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...]
How “United” Are We Really?
Ever since the school redistricting process started here in Howard County a few years ago, there are community members who are very vocal online, specifically on a "United" Facebook group. I taught in an elementary school in an "affluent" area. Parents had their children go to a private school rather than go to the "not so affluent" school their children were being redistricted to. One parent wrote "My child will not be going to school with those children, it is a bad school!" Who are "those" … [Read more...]
