Community Building in Howard County has two parting messages for the county: Fight hate bias and get a staff member or commission to promote diversity.
Jean Toomer, the nonprofit?s vice president, announced that the group is disbanding because the county government has the resources and authority to better meet the organization?s goals of combating bias and improving community relations.
“We could work ourselves to death, and nothing could happen,” she said. “We?ve passed the torch.”
At Monday?s County Council meeting, Toomer urged the council members to exercise their leadership by speaking out against hate bias incidents.
“The haves can really begin to understand what it is to live in this community as a have-not,” she said.
Toomer said she has asked the staff of County Executive James Robey for a senior staff member or a permanent commission to take up the group?s cause of promoting unity.
Robey could not be reached for comment.
County Council Member Kenneth Ulman, who is running for county executive, said he would support a commission or staff member.
“Nothing but positive results for everyone can come out of that. This would be an excellent way to keep these issues alive,” he said.
“I think Community Building has done some really wonderful work. I?m hopeful that we can implement a number of the suggestions in their report.”
At a glance
TheCommunity Building in Howard County was created in 1989. The nonprofit?s accomplishments include:
» Creating the Mediation and Conflict Resolution Center
» Sponsoring a cultural diversity art series
» Offering parenting courses incorporating conflict resolution
» Holding dialogues on issues of peace and justice
