Every time a news story is posted online, comments say things like “Typical” or “Why no mug shot?” or “We are becoming Baltimore.” – It makes it seem like the county is divided along “us” and “them” lines, and is disheartening.
Category Archives: District
BLM march
My spouse and I attended the Black Lives Matter march that began at the Columbia Mall last year and was stunned by the turnout. My 16yo son came with us. He was very moved and inspired. We were able to stay in our car due to COVID safety, but still felt part of the community,Continue reading “BLM march”
Work needs to continue
At the start of this school year, there were incidents of racial remarks/taunts at high school football games. This followed a number of other previous incidents, e.g., in 2019 students being accused and found guilty of racial hate crimes for racial epithets at Glenelg HS.
A garden grows hope
I feel a little sheltered these days with limited experience in the wider world of Howard County. That said I continue to report to work and that work takes me to a garden. In the garden I meet people from numerous place in HC and the world. In the garden conversations grow around flowers, vegetables,Continue reading “A garden grows hope”
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 buildingContinue reading “I Maintain Hope”
Working
I don’t really have a story. However, I have taken notice that there is a slow change happening at work and my coworkers are becoming more diverse. I’m glad to see this because they are roll models for kids.
Homecoming
My story is from a few years ago. My son was going to his Homecoming dance at high school. He didn’t have a date, but was going with 3 of his best friends. After taking all the required pictures, and looking back on them, I saw that they were 4 boys, 4 different races, 4Continue reading “Homecoming”
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 America 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 onContinue reading “Caution”
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”
Small Interaction
The family who lives across the hall from me are Black. One of the parents is usually taking their young son to go wait for the bus every morning around the same time I leave for work. I say good morning and the boy has started waving at me. Now whenever he sees my car,Continue reading “Small Interaction”