I speak to people. I don’t always expect people to speak back, but it doesn’t change my character. I just believe in seeing people and acknowledging them. Columbia itself is multi-racial and multi-cultural. The language and culture barrier lends to my understanding that, sometimes people don’t speak back. Often, I am the first to speakContinue reading “Columbia Speaks!”
Category Archives: 31-49
Impression of Howard County by a new resident
I have been in Howard County for about a year. My family and I moved from VA. When we came house hunting, we loved our neighborhood because it was vey cosmopolitan. I understand that not all neighborhoods in HC are like this. However, the equity and racial justice training facilitated by HCLS gives me hopeContinue reading “Impression of Howard County by a new resident”
School redistricting changes home value
A coworker was discussing how the value of their home would likely go down because of the projected redistricting of schools. The new schools their home was districted to were deemed of less value because of the demographics of students and families going there. They did not have any students in school and were notContinue reading “School redistricting changes home value”
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 oneContinue reading “Let’s actually go there”
Redistricting Plan
Howard County recently implemented a new redistricting plan where children from lower income neighborhoods would be bused to schools in higher income neighborhoods (and vice versa). Here are a few of the comments from Howard County residents that resulted: “Blacks destroy school systems and schools,” read one letter to county officials about the busing plan.Continue reading “Redistricting Plan”
support
The grand opened restaurant owned by asian near my house had to close 3 times because someon wrote asian hate words in the bathroom walls two times with spray paint and put poop all over in the bathroom walls. I heard from my friend to support.
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.Continue reading “School Friends”
Football Games in Howard County
I heard that there was some fighting at a football game between the fans and one of the marching bands. The fans of one team (from Clarksville) were yelling homophobic and racist things at the Marching band of another school (Columbia) The Marching band not only were yelled at, but there was also trash thrownContinue reading “Football Games in Howard County”
Hope in the Judiciary
My car was hit in 2019 by a man who was under the influence of many things, and I had to attend court for his hearing. My brother-in-law has worked for the county judiciary for many years, and he mentioned that the judge hearing the case was a friend of his. My case went last,Continue reading “Hope in the Judiciary”
Challenging comfort, moderation, and norms
I’m still so discouraged by the level of white entitlement and prioritization of their “comfort” we still see in our community. By my “liberal” white friends who express concern about issues that are served up to them by “moderate” and right-wing media explicitly fear mongering and seeking political advantage with white outrage. These issues areContinue reading “Challenging comfort, moderation, and norms”