Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity

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Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity

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We exist to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity, and protect & promote human rights.

11/04/2026

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission will be having their Commission Meeting, Wednesday, November 4, at 6:00p.m. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/OHRE-mlk to view the meeting agenda.

If you enjoyed this year’s MLK Holiday Celebration and Day of Service Activities and want to be a part of the team that makes it happen, join the MLK, Jr. Holiday Commission! County Executive Ball is looking for community members interested in continuing the important work of preserving Dr. King’s legacy of human rights and service. Apply at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/boards-commissions or email [email protected] for more information.

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10/27/2026

In partnership with the Howard County Human Rights Commission, join us on Monday, November 16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Howard Community College for an evening of celebration as we recognize individuals, students, and organizations who have made significant impacts in Howard County in the areas of human rights, social justice, and community uplift.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners!

1. Bronze Villagers, recipients of the 2026 Howard County Human Rights Commission’s Colette Roberts Organization Award.

2. Roselyn Bi, recipient of the 2026 Dr. Murray Simon Student Award.

3. Danielle DuPuis, recipient of the 2026 Howard County Human Rights Commission's James E. Henson Sr. and Jean W. Toomer Individual Award.

Register to attend at https://bit.ly/HRCAwards2026

[Description: a dark turquoise flyer listing the details for the 2026 Human Rights Commission Awards Ceremony. Additional details in Alt Text.]

10/21/2026

We had an incredible time celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at this year's celebration! Hosted alongside Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and La Alianza Latina Commission, this annual event celebrates Hispanic and Latino heritage while highlighting how essential the contributions of all those, from our most recent immigrants to those who have been in the US for generations, remain to our communities, culture, and identity.

Thank you to all the amazing performers, vendors, volunteers, staff, and all who made this day possible. A special thanks to our partners at Inner Arbor Trust and Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, who are an invaluable part of Howard County's diverse arts and culture landscape.

More photos coming soon!

[Image Description: Two women in blue "La Alianza Latina Commission" polos pose together and smile joyfully at the camera while stood on an outdoor stage.]

10/20/2026

This Native American Heritage Month, join Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, the Office of Human Rights & Equity, and Wopila Consulting, LLC on Saturday, November 7 from 12-3pm at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center as we honor the contributions, achievements, sacrifices, and cultural and historical legacy of the original inhabitants of what is now the United States and their descendants: the American Indian and Alaska Native people.

This celebration will highlight traditional and contemporary artistic, historical, and cultural contributions of native communities in Maryland and beyond, featuring performances from:

-Lance Fisher (singer/drummer), Shawn Ironmaker (singer/drummer), and Kayl Rainer (Men's Southern Straight Style Dancer)
-Huey Xolotl
-Native America's Protector's (NAP)

Additionally, join us for Beyond the Reservation: A Conversation on Native Identity, Community & Leadership, moderated by Lillian Sparks Robinson, Sicangu Lakota, with featured guests Ashley Minner, Lumbee and Sequoyah Simermeyer, Coharie.

Register at bit.ly/HCNAHM26

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10/15/2026

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) will be holding their monthly meeting tonight, Thursday, October 15, at 7:00p.m.

Visit our website at www.howardcountymd.gov/OHRE-hrc to view the meeting agenda, and access the virtual meeting link, or send an email to [email protected] by 5pm if you’d like to offer public testimony (public testimony is limited to two minutes per speaker) during the meeting.

The Commission will welcome guest speaker Dr. Seema Agarwal-Harding, Executive Director of Luminus. Dr. Agarwal-Harding has more than 30 years’ experience in leadership, organizational development, strategic planning, community initiatives, and more. She holds a PhD in International Education Development from University College, London, in the UK, and conducted post-doctorate studies at Oxford University with a focus on human diversity, equity, and family self-sufficiency. She has worked with UNICEF, USAID, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, as well as Catholic Relief Services, Save the Children, and the IRC.

[Description: a green, blue, and white infographic noting the details of the upcoming Commission meeting. Additional details in Alt Text.]

10/09/2026

As we look forward to our Hispanic Heritage Festival NEXT Saturday (October 17) from 12-4:30pm at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, we are thrilled to spotlight our headliner Pablo Antonio y La Firma!

Renowned across Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, this dynamic Latin orchestra delivers energy-packed live experiences featuring the best of merengue, salsa, cumbia, and more. Whether igniting weddings, quinceañeras, or community festivals, they bring unmatched passion to every stage.

"Merengue is one of the most demanding styles in tropical music, and its correct interpretation requires experience, authentic instrumentation, and mastery of live rhythm."

Don't miss the chance to experience their incredible artistry live! Join us in celebrating the rich musical traditions and vibrant cultures that enrich our community.

10/08/2026

Join us on Wednesday, October 28th at 6:00 p.m. the East Columbia 50+ Center for a FREE screening and post-screening discussion of the documentary El Equipo by filmmaker Bernardo Ruiz.

To reserve your spot to attend this FREE event, visit https://bit.ly/ElEquipo-Film

Presented as part of OHRE's “Reel Enlightenment Series,” El Equipo investigates high-profile cases of mass violence and mysterious disappearances linked to government officials across Central and South America. Despite severe threats and official obstruction, investigators risked everything to uncover the truth, drawing a powerful, direct line between past state-sponsored atrocities and present-day systemic corruption.

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10/07/2026

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission will be having their Commission Meeting, Wednesday, October 7, at 6:00p.m. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/OHRE-mlk to view the meeting agenda.

If you enjoyed this year’s MLK Holiday Celebration and Day of Service Activities and want to be a part of the team that makes it happen, join the MLK, Jr. Holiday Commission! County Executive Ball is looking for community members interested in continuing the important work of preserving Dr. King’s legacy of human rights and service. Apply at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/boards-commissions or email [email protected] for more information.

[Description: a green, blue, and white infographic noting the details of the upcoming Commission meeting. Additional details in Alt Text.]

10/06/2026

OHRE is a proud member of the Maryland Association of Human Rights Agencies (MAHRA). Today, our staff and Commissioners took part in our 2026 Civil Rights Conference hosted by the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights at Howard Community College. This continued investment in the education and training of our staff is essential as we stay on the cutting edge of best practices in the human and civil rights field, equipping us to better fulfill our mission to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity, and protect and promote human rights in Howard County.

[Description: a large group of staff and Commissioners in business casual dress pose at an indoor conference.]

Address

9820 Patuxent Woods Drive , Suite 224
Columbia, MD
21046

Website

http://www.howardcountymd.gov/OHRE

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