About
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) was established in 1969. It is comprised of 11 members and a non-voting student member, 18 years old or under. Commissioners must live in Howard County and represent the diversity of county residents. The duties and responsibilities of the Commission are prescribed by law and include recommending a civil rights policy to the County Executive and the County Council. This includes having the authority to conduct surveys and studies concerning civil liberties in order to promote equality in the community. In addition to hosting the annual HRC awards, they support OHRE outreach activities.Â
The Commission will hold its annual retreat on Saturday, January 7th at 9:30 AM at 9820 Patuxent Woods Dr, Room #211 Columbia, MD 21046 as well as online. To review their retreat agenda click HERE.
- Scott B. Markow, Chair - term expires: 3/1/2023Â
- Jonah Hornum, Vice Chair - term expires: 3/1/2024
- Bob Ford - term expires: 3/1/2023
- Gabriel Terrasa - term expires: 5/4/2025
- Peter Hwang - term expires: 3/21/2024
- Joan Hash - term expires: 6/1/2024
- Kui Zhao - term expires: 3/1/2025
- Lynda Earle - term expires: 3/1/2024
- Nina Basu - term expires: 4/4/2025
- Tiffany Releford - term expires: 9/8/2024
- Bianca Chang - term expires: 3/1/2025
- Bethany Cho (Student Member)Â - term expires: 6/30/2023
- Cynthia Peltzman, HRC Legal Counsel, Howard County Office of Law
- Yolanda F. Sonnier, Executive Secretary
- Claudia M. Allen, Interim Recording Secretary
The Human Rights Commission meets every third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM, except in August. HRC meetings are open to the public.
For more information on our meetings, please send us an email at: [email protected] Â
Upcoming Meeting Dates:
Thursday, December 15, 2022
Saturday, January 7, 2023 - 2023 HRC RetreatÂ
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Thursday, February 16, 2023Â
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Thursday, April 20, 2023Â
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Thursday, December 21, 2023
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December 21st
- AgendaÂ
- MinutesÂ
November 16thÂ
- Agenda
- MinutesÂ
October 19thÂ
- AgendaÂ
- MinutesÂ
September 21st Â
- Agenda
- MinutesÂ
July 20th
- Agenda
- Minutes
June 15thÂ
- Agenda
- MinutesÂ
May 18th
- Agenda
- MinutesÂ
April 20th
- Agenda
- Minutes
March 16th
- Agenda
- Minutes
February 16th
January 19th
January 7th
December 15thÂ
November 17thÂ
October 20thÂ
September 15thÂ
July 21st
June 16thÂ
May 19th
April 21st
March 17th
February 17th
January 20th
January 8th
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December 17th
November 19, 2020
October 15th
September 17th
July 16th
June 18th
May 21st
April 16th
March 19th
February 21st
January 16th
December 20th
November 15th (Meeting Canceled)
October 25th
September 20th
July 19th
June 21st
May 15th
April 19th
March 15th
February 22nd
January 18th
2022 Human Rights Commission Awards
The 2022 Human Rights Commission Award Ceremony took place on Wednesday, October 19th at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center. Thank you to everyone that attended this year's ceremony. This year's winners are:Â
2022 James E. Henson, Sr. & Jean W. Toomer Award Recipient: Kazandra Anderson and Dr. Yvette Oquendo
2022 Colette Roberts Organization Award Recipient: Bridgeway Community Church
2022 Dr. Murray Simon Student Award Recipient: Corinne Chau
Please take a look at this year's program book. Nominations for next year's awards will occur in August 2023.Â
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