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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
New People, New Understanding
HoCo is a very diverse place - even more so now than when I was a child. I'm hopeful that having this many people together will mean more understanding for everyone. … [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...]
Shopping
When shopping at Wegman's, after using restroom I mistakenly left the store with the wrong cart. I discovered the mistake when I arrived at my car. Immediately returned to the store to find a clerk (Black) with the customer (White) whose cart I had taken, only to be asked had I taken any of his items. Even though the cart I had left in the store had 3 times as many groceries. Understanding that the other cart owner was not joking, I responded certainly not and left with my cart with the clerk … [Read more...]
Social Media Flames
A recent social media posting about a HCPSS assignment about white privilege brought out tremendous response - anger, defensiveness, and snark from many white participants, but also attempts by both white and black individuals to educate and offer different perspectives. Emotions were high and nobody seemed to walk away with a different point of view. … [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...]
Confederacy in Maryland
Confederate flags flown in neighborhood. Black Matters signs being referred to as racist. During Trump presidency, some white neighbors stopped speaking/interacting. I have no evidence it was related to the presidency but that was the only thing that changed, as those neighbors had no issue interacting with our family before that time. … [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...]
Anti-Asian Sentiment?
Someone I know (of Asian Descent) was at a Grocery Store in Howard County. They were minding their own business when all of a sudden, a man (of Caucasian descent) pushed his cart and began cursing at them (not sure what prompted this) we are not sure if this is related to the current wave of anti-Asian sentiment … [Read more...]
Improve Don’t Move?
The most recent debates around redistricting schools in Howard County was the ugliest I've seen. Racism and classism were both subtle and overt. Opponents revived the "separate but equal" sentiments of Jim Crow with "improve don't move" signs which they littered throughout the county, including near schools with high percentages of students of color and students eligible for free and reduced meals. Bussing was a near constant refrain of why things shouldn't change. … [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...]
Self-Realization
I increased my awareness of racism by expanding my circle of friends and learning about their experiences of overt and covert racism, and institutional racism. Why did I do this? I don't want to live in an unjust society and realize I need to do something, no matter how small, to contribute to social justice. I want to be an ally, to to become more empathetic, to understand my friends not as victims, but as humans like my self with similar aspirations. If I can make this leap and begin a new … [Read more...]
Love Thy Neighbor
I am African American. For the past year, we have been at home due to the pandemic. During this time, I have done a great deal of walking around the neighborhood with my daughters. I have noticed that at the beginning of the pandemic, people (white) were more neighborly and I started to get a sense that we were all in this together and after the Black Lives Matter movement, things were going in the right direction. As the year has gone on, I have watched my neighbors return to their old ways of … [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...]
Restaurant reported racist attacks
A restaurant in my community was the target of racist attacks a few months back. Some people had scrawled racist epithets on the outside of the store. One of the owners of the restaurant - an Indian American man - was also yelled at and told to go back where he came from. … [Read more...]
Too Close for COVID
I'm a Black woman, and I used the large pool in Columbia during Covid. My observation at the pool was that most folks were happy to follow the new Covid protocols - no matter what race. There were a few occasions, however, when a pool patron was unwilling to follow the rules. I noticed that when a person of color was around the pool and their mask was on improperly (or not at all) - there was swift action from the pool staff to ask them to either put the mask on or pull the mask up. I also … [Read more...]
Empathy and Worship?
My indigenous friends experienced racism from Howard County police last year. It was very traumatic. The wife bravely shared this experience in a church setting as an example of when prayer helped her. A former police officer in the group stuck up for the police and denied there being any racism in the situation. I tried to meet up with this person later to hear her side and perhaps convince her to be more empathetic towards the indigenous person. She refused and shared a lot more racist … [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...]
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...]
Affirming love
Neighbors planting flags on their lawns affirming love of people, not hate. … [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...]
Neighbors and Strangers
This is not really a story but more a reflection of my observations in my own neighborhood. I live in a townhouse community of about 95 homes. In my cul-de-sac there are about 15 houses. We have quite a diverse population within the cul-de-sac. We have African-American neighbors, Asian neighbors, Jewish neighbors. What is frustrating is that we seem to live in separate worlds. We are neighborly and acknowledge each other but we don't seem to mix when it comes to our social events within the … [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...]
Two different worlds
The pandemic brought the moment of "things have got to change". The xenophobia triggered by "China virus" or "Chinese virus" and all kinds of conspiracy theories caused collateral damages on the Asian American communities. Many anti-Asian American incidents happened across the country. I feel a new version of Chinese exclusion law coming up. That is very crazy. However, at the local community, I have so many friendly neighbors and friends of different ethnic backgrounds. It is very difficult for … [Read more...]
Everyday Trauma
I am traumatized daily around the pronunciation of my name, which to some, is an ethnic spin on a traditionally white name. I am full of grace for mispronunciation. We all need that. What is never graceful is others asking why my name is spelled or pronounced the way it is. Or, those who go further to tell me I am mispronouncing my own name! I formerly thought of these interactions as microaggressions, but as it literally happens almost everyday, there's nothing micro about it at all. It mounts … [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...]
Racist Lens
Narratives and dynamics repeated in the county frequently imply that people in need in the county are Black and Latino. When I saw the diversity of people collecting food at a recent distribution it made me realize that I'd internalized some of that rhetoric. Even during a pandemic and related contraction of jobs I'm ashamed to say I was surprised by the full diversity of people coming to receive food. I've since wondered about our social services - I don't think that we're doing enough to help … [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...]
Another story
Another story: I Don't Tell People I'm Chinese Anymore As the rates of Asian American hate crime cases started going up, and I witnessed how my community members were reacting to it, several Asian Based shops got vandalized. My dad sat me and my little brother down and told us not to tell people I'm Chinese anymore, as if we already didn't know that. … [Read more...]
Planting Trees Together
A Columbia tree planting earlier this month had the most diverse group of attendees I'd ever seen at an environmental event. … [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...]
Racist Mail
Our neighborhood received racist mail. A sticker was placed on old magazines and flyers that promoted interracial distancing due to COVID, and the flyers were distributed in driveways. There is no place in Howard county for this type of hate and ignorance. … [Read more...]
Change Is Needed
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...]
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...]
