HCLS’s East Columbia Branch Mural, by artist Anson Asaka.*
Meet the Alliance members
This Alliance guides and partners with HCLS in its public-facing racial equity work. We endeavor to strengthen the movement for racial equity in Howard County, and advance a more equitable and just community for all people.
HCLS’ public-facing racial equity work and the work of the Alliance is led by the experiences, stories and leadership of our diverse local residents. We share those experiences, stories and leadership in the public square and convene important conversations about racial equity and related local policy/issues. We provide educational opportunities for people to begin or continue their racial equity journey through speakers, resources and other opportunities, and we connect people with opportunities for action.
HCLS is part of a long tradition of libraries honoring free speech and diverse opinions. We encourage you to join the conversation.
 |
Ani Begay AuldProtect Native Elders Howard County Equity is:Acknowledging the first people of this land, not just in namesake but helping people to think deeper. Equity work is mindfulness in action, being aware of how we fit into a larger puzzle & learnin to move forward together. It is about respect & civility. Everyone should read:An Indigenous People’s History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
|
 |
Dr. Denise BostonHoward County’s Office of Human Rights, Equity and Restorative Practices Unit Howard County Equity is:An equitable community that values diversity, broader participation, and deep solidarity. Everyone should read:The Sum of Us by Heather McGee
|
 |
Amy BrooksHoward County Equity is:Ensuring equal access to the wonderful resources already available in Howard County. Everyone should read:The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
|
 |
Daniel BurnsHoward County Equity is:When there is love and unity for the full community resulting in the elimination of systemic inequities caused by exclusive ownership of and access to resources. Everyone should read:Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization by Anthony Browder
|
 |
S.N. CampbellGetting Ahead Groups in Howard County Howard County Equity is:The elimination of these words together, “racial equity,” is the real change we need. However, racial equity is both a process and an outcome. Everyone should read:So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
|
 |
Patrick CurtisCommunity Action Council of Howard County Howard County Equity is:Seeing that Howard County is no different than the rest of the country. There are definite disparities in median household income and a large group of individuals/families living at or below the Federal poverty limits. We can do more to help lift families up and we must. Everyone should watch:How to let go of being a good person and become a better person TED talk by Dolly Chugh
|
 |
Joan DriessenAssociation of Community Services of Howard County Howard County Equity is:All residents having access to the resources – health, education, employment , housing – that they need to thrive regardless of race or ethnicity. Everyone should watch:Baratunde Thurston – Race and Racism in America, Part I by This is America TV
|
 |
Jennifer GoldbergJewish Federation of Howard County Howard County Equity is:Equitable access to education, housing, health care, and justice, for people of all races, religions, and backgrounds, across the lifespan from children to older adults. Everyone should read:Letter from the Birmingham Jail by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
|
 |
Jumel HowardNAACP Howard County Equity is:Equity in Howard County looks like affordable housing development and need based funding for our schools. It looks like curriculum in our schools that is reflective of the community it serves and access to environmentally conscious and reliable public transportation. For Howard County to be a truly equitable place, we need to let go of the NIMBY attitudes and embrace the changing landscape we find ourselves in. Everyone should read:Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
|
 |
Suzanne HaleyHoward County Equity is:A community that, in every way, is dismantling every form of racism with solidarity. Everyone should read:The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee
|
 |
Trent Day HallHoward County Office of Human Rights & Equity Howard County Equity is:An authentic/tangible commitment to honoring & refining our collective humanity. Awareness. Alignment. Action. Everyone should read:The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
|
 |
Laura JohnsonNAACP MD Howard County Equity is:Diverse, brave voices and lived experiences woven together to advance healing, civility, and a shared prosperity that ensures every citizen can live their best and realize the true vision of James Rouse. Everyone should read:Letters to My White Male Friends by Dax-Devlon Ross
|
 |
Meina LiuHoward County Chinese School’s Equity Team; County Council’s Racial Equity Task Force Howard County Equity is:Removing a mountain that blocks the road, requiring ongoing collective efforts and wisdom to make it happen. Everyone should read:The Making of Asian America: A History by Erika Lee
|
 |
Gray RenThe Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC) Howard County Equity is:Knowing that if someone were to discriminate against you, that there would be accountability held on that person. Everyone should read:The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui
|
 |
Larry WalkerAfrican American Community Roundtable of Howard County |
|
|
* This photograph at the top of this page is of part of a mural in HCLS’s East Columbia Branch, by artist Anson Asaka. HCLS held an event in which East Columbia residents responded to the question “What gives you pride in your community?,” and worked with Asaka to represent their ideas artistically.
Continue your journey
 |
 |
 |
 |
