Silver Linings in Trea Turner Tweet Tempest

A local favorite, Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner, became the third MLB player since the MLB All-Star game to have had racist, homophobic and/or misogynous tweets that were posted 6 or 7 years ago unearthed.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Josh Hader’s offensive tweets surfaced after that game. Atlanta Braves pitcher Sean Newcomb, who was one strike away from a no-hitter on July 29, was forced to deal with his written artistry immediately following the game.  Then Trea Turner’s tweets appeared hours later.  All three players are either 24 or 25 and all wrote their controversial social media insults while they were 17 or 18, prior to being in the major leagues.

There’s no excuse.  At that age they should know that homophobic and racist slurs are wrong because undoubtedly they heard or read them while in high school if not before.  For those who think anti-LGBT bullying or bullying of any kind by adolescents are on the wane, think again.

The Washington Post summarized Turner’s tweets as follows:

“Two of Turner’s resurfaced tweets were replies in which acquaintances were called homophobic slurs. In another, the tweet reads “unless ur gay” in a reply to a former North Carolina State teammate. A fourth tweet suggests that if a woman working at a drive-through were to ask who the [faggot] in the back of a car was, it would be Turner. A fifth tweet reads, “Once u go black, u gonna need a wheelchair,” a line from the movie “White Chicks.”

(Photo: Patrick McDermott, USA TODAY Sports)

Hader was very contrite in his apology.  Newcomb’s was not as potent an apology though the Braves organization condemned the tweets.  

Turner, with his boyish countenance who still looks like he's at N.C. State during the time when the tweets were posted, issued a statement through the Nationals: 

“There are no excuses for my insensitive and offensive language on Twitter,” Turner said in a statement released by the Nationals. 

“I am sincerely sorry for those tweets and apologize wholeheartedly. I believe people who know me understand those regrettable actions do not reflect my values or who I am. But I understand the hurtful nature of such language and am sorry to have brought any negative light to the Nationals organization, myself or the game I love.”

Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo said in a statement,  “I have spoken with Trea regarding the tweets that surfaced earlier tonight. He understands that his comments — regardless of when they were posted — are inexcusable and is taking full responsibility for his actions. The Nationals organization does not condone discrimination in any form, and his comments do not in any way reflect the values of our club. Trea has been a good teammate and model citizen in our clubhouse, and these comments are not indicative of how he has conducted himself while part of our team. He has apologized to me and to the organization for his comments.”

Hader, who has already met with MLB executive in charge of diversity and former ballplayer Billy Bean who is openly gay, will be required to attend sensitivity training and that will likely be the same for Newcomb and Turner.  Apparently, no other discipline is in order since the offenses occurred prior to their service in MLB.

Turner emotionally apologized to the communities affected in a gathering of the media at National Park on July 31 before a game against the New York Mets. "It's not when I said those things I said, it's that I said them at all," Turner explained. 

Getting the matter off his chest must have been cathartic as he had two singles and two stolen bases in the first inning following his introduction to lukewarm applause from the hometown fans.

There are silver linings to these episodes.  For one thing, the players involved were quick to accept responsibility and apologized and the teams they played for denounced the tweets.  And MLB took action in short order.

Second, public shaming in the form of loud booing was experienced by Hader in his first road appearance in San Francisco (after he received a standing ovation in his hometown stadium, Miller Park.)  The expectation is that the majority of fans will not tolerate such public comments and will let their feelings known.  It sends a strong message to players who covet endorsement deals.

Third, one would think (hope) the players have evolved from their adolescent behavior.  All three made that point. In Turner’s case, he has ironically been part of MLB’s anti-bullying initiative Shred Hate where he appears in a video. 

He can now point to his own mistakes as a credible message to youngsters.

There He Goes Again

Fresh off the most embarrassing performance by an American president on the world stage in my lifetime and his legal woes becoming increasingly dicey, President Donald Trump—the master of distraction and disinformation—found a new shiny object to change the news cycle.

It’s back to a tried and true argument to keep hold of his base: the kneeling NFL players who protest police injustices heaped on African Americans. With the NFL and its players association reviewing the current policy regarding taking a knee during the anthem Trump saw the opportunity to discredit the players and suspend them for not adhering to his view of patriotism. He tweeted:

The NFL National Anthem Debate is alive and well again - can’t believe it! Isn’t it in contract that players must stand at attention, hand on heart? The $40,000,000 Commissioner must now make a stand. First time kneeling, out for game. Second time kneeling, out for season/no pay!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2018

We can all scratch our heads in disbelief over how Trump can characterize the Nazis and KKK members brandishing torches and swastikas  in Charlottesville as “very fine people’ but those who are exercising their First Amendment right by peacefully demonstrating against a real and at times deadly problem in our society as “son of a bitches.” What is more outlandish and troublesome, however, is Trump’s faux embrace of patriotism. Examples:

► Trump condemns a pillar of our democracy, the free press, as the enemy of the people.

► Our commander-in-chief did all he could to avoid military service—5 times in fact.

► Our commander-in-chief is clueless as to the meaning of the Purple Heart.

► He has never once visited the American troops overseas but has played golf 131 times.

► As president he has undermined the FBI, CIA, our intel services and the rule of law.

► He invites Russian diplomats into the Oval office with no other Americans present and gives away classified information from a trusted ally.

► He ordered the detainment of people and the separation of their children as they legally entered the U.S. seeking asylum.

► Trump allows the flag of North Korea, under a brutal and murderous regime, to be side-by-side to the American flag in Singapore.

► Trump cowered to Putin in Helsinki and essentially surrendered to Russia.

► He refuses to do anything to prevent another cyber attack on our democracy.

► Trump invites the same man who helped elect him as president to visit the White House in the fall.

► More than half the country view Trump as a traitor following the Helsinki debacle.

So, please Mr. Trump, stop lecturing us and African American football players about patriotism. You’re not at all patriotic. In fact, you’re a traitor.

Andrew Howard Named LGBTQ+ Liaison in Howard

Andrew Howard

Andrew Howard has been designated by County Executive Allan H. Kittleman as the first LGBTQ+ Liaison in the county. The purpose of this position is to ensure the county government is accessible to the LGBTQ+ community by having a direct person to call.

 “Andrew brings a great depth of empathy and understanding to his work with my friends in the LGBTQ+ community,” Kittleman said.  “As I have seen with his leadership in coordinating the County Executive’s LGBTQ+ Roundtable, he helps put into practice my goals of making certain that every individual in Howard County is treated with respect and appreciation.” 

Kittleman adds, “I am proud of the progress we are making, and I’m fortunate to have Andrew working with all of us as we move forward together.”

Howard grew up in the Valley Mede neighborhood of Ellicott City and began his involvement in helping the community through the Boy Scouts.  He studied Politics and Spanish at New York University, where he developed a passion for helping others succeed by working with America Reads and the Boys Club of New York. 

Howard was a high school Spanish teacher before joining County Executive Allan Kittleman’s team working in the Constituent Service and Community Outreach area of the Howard County Executive staff.

“I am proud to be the first LGBTQ+ Liaison for Howard County,” says Howard. “I’m excited to combine my work for the community on the County Executive’s LGBTQ+ Roundtable, the HoCo Pride Committee and the #OneHoward initiative.”

Andrew Howard can be reached by calling 410-313-2042 or by email at ahoward@howardcountymd.gov.

Give Three Cheers and One Cheer More to Olney’s Bright and Zany ‘Pinafore'

Photo: Teresa Castracane Photography

Patrons entering the Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab at Olney Theatre Center expecting to see a traditional set specifically designed for Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore will be quite stunned.  

There’s no facsimile of a saucy ship’s a beauty, no ostensible scenery depicting the ocean blue, and the sober men and true sailors are not attired in stylish 19^th century British Navy uniforms.   #hocoarts

Instead, you will walk into the lab that is part playground, part carnival, part slumber party.  In this set, imaginatively designed by Tom Burch, the 10 performers are already strolling about in bright, colorful pajamas and some crazy slippers, all creatively designed by Alison Siple, playing an assortment of stringed instruments and serenading the folks with seemingly random songs as the crowd files in.

Small stuffed animals are tossed by the actors to the unsuspecting and eventually suspecting patrons during the hubbub.  Some are encouraged to sit in a large decagon-shaped box in the center of the stage that resembles an above ground swimming pool. But rather than water, the contents feature a whole bunch of pillows.  Kids jump into this box, and unprompted, begin having pillow fights with what appears to be their parents, siblings and other occupants.

On an elevated platform, which has what appears to be the painting of two portholes—among the very few direct references to a ship on this set—there is a slide for audience members as well as some of the actors to utilize as it empties into the pillow-laden box. 

Continuing the peculiarities there is a refrigerator with a sign saying “No Swear Words,” several more beds, a bar (yes, they’re selling libations during the show) and other goodies in a canopied concession stand in a corner of the stage.

Rules are announced and audience members are invited to sit in the “promenade” area that includes the floor, benches and the aforementioned set pieces. The actors alert the audience seated or standing in these areas by hand signals or gentle touches on the shoulders for them to move to another location as the performers will be occupying that given space.  All this transpires throughout the 70-minute show adding to the desired commotion.

As if you couldn’t tell by now, this is clearly a satirical rendering of the popular H.M.S. Pinafore. The jaunty music was composed by Arthur Sullivan and the book by W. S. Gilbert. It is one of their Savoy operas that also include The Mikado and The Pirates of Penzance—the latter being performed in repertory at Olney in association with The Hypocrites and The House Theatre of Chicago.

Directed and adapted by Sean Graney and co-adapted by Andra Velis Simon and Matt Kahler, the production is chock full of talent, high energy and playfulness that offer the audience, even for just these 70 minutes, a welcome respite from the world’s events. 

Though the aesthetics are non-traditional to this 19^th century work, the production stays true to the storyline as well as the sparkling musical numbers including the familiar ones: “We Sail The Ocean Blue,” “I’m Called Little Buttercup,”  “I Am The Captain Of The Pinafore,” “Kind Captain, I’ve Important Information” and “Now Give Three Cheers.”

The performers, who are members of the Chicago-based The Hippocrites, have taken their repertories around the country. They play the stringed instruments while they sing, act and bandy about the stage.  Those instruments include a good dose of guitars, as well as a ukulele, mandolin, fiddle, accordion, and brief appearances by a flute and a toy piano.

Photo: Teresa Castracane Photography

Aside from the unconventional set and prelude to the show, one immediately recognizes where this was heading as the rather burly bearded actor Matt Kahler ironically sings the show’s second number, “I’m Called Little Buttercup.”

What was a male role in the original work is now a female role for this production and vice versa.  It’s not cross-gender acting in which males are playing female roles but the genders of the characters are reversed. For example, the character Josephine, the daughter of Captain Corcoran in the original version, is now Joseph and is played superbly by the charismatic and talented Mario Aivazian. Captain Cat, a female character in this show, is played commandingly by Tina Muñoz Pandya.

In keeping with the original, the comical tale depicts the power of love against the backdrop of class snobbery. Joseph, Captain Cat’s son, falls for lowly sailor Ralphina Rackstraw (Dana Salem Omar) but he is duty bound to marry the snooty Admiral Dame Jo-Ann instead (Lauren Vogel). A twist at the end puts an exclamation point on this mayhem. 

The entire cast sings exceptionally well with an abundance of movement around the stage while playing their instruments. Ms. Omar’s and Mr. Aivazian’s vocals are particularly outstanding in their solos.

Rounding out The Hypocrites are Shawn Pfautsch as Heebies, Eduardo Xavier Curley Carrillo as Kev’n, Leslie Ann Sheppard as Tiffini and Aja Wiltshire as the “stinky” Dot Deadeye.

Heather Gilbert’s splendid lighting design and Kevin O’Donnell’s solid sound design as well as the musical direction by Andra Velis Simon enhance the quality of the production.

There are heaps of laughs, lots of high jinks, and tons of talent on display is this spoof of a Gilbert and Sullivan classic.

It’s impossible to speculate if those men would be turning in their graves if they were to see this parody of their work. But I can say with a degree of certainty they would be laughing and having a good time.  So will you.

Running time. Seventy minutes with a one minute intermission.

H.M.S. Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance run through August 19 at the Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab, Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832. Tickets may be purchased by calling 301-924-3400 or by visiting online.

Take a Chance on Mamma Mia! at Toby’s

Cast of Mamma Mia! playing at Toby's Dinner Theatre
Photo: Jeri Tidwell Photography

Twenty year-old Sophie is planning a big white wedding with a picturesque Greek island as the perfect setting. Her fiancée, Sky, is a handsome young man who is madly in love with her. All that’s needed is for her father to proudly walk her down the aisle. #hocoarts

But who’s her daddy? That question is the central plot line in the vivid spectacle Mamma Mia! now gracing the in-the-round stage at Toby’s, the Dinner Theatre of Columbia. #hocoarts

Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical based on the songs from the seventies pop rock group ABBA that were composed by former band members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. British playwright Catherine Johnson managed to craft a sweet story line around rather disparate songs, and it works. The plot features strong women protagonists and a high dose of feminism throughout.

Directed and choreographed by Helen Hayes Award winner Mark Minnick, the polished, colorfully costumed, well-staged production at Toby’s is flawless with a high-spirited, talented cast performing their hearts out. Top-notch vocal performances, solid acting and energetic dancing with the able support of Conductor Ross Scott Rawlings and his six-piece orchestra bring to life the nostalgia of ABBA’s popular catalog of hits while Johnson’s story brings smiles and a tear or two as the show progresses.

Sophie Sheridan, played brilliantly by Toby’s newcomer Maggie Dransfield, never knew who her father was as she was raised only by her single mother and owner of the taverna, Donna Sheridan, played by Heather Marie Beck, also magnificent in her role.  

Donna, back in the day, was the lead singer of a pop trio Donna and the Dynamos along with Tanya (Coby Kay Callahan) and Rosie (Tess Rohan).  And now she toils tirelessly in running the taverna and raising Sophie by herself having gotten used to the fact there is no longer a man in her life.

Coby Kay Callahan, Heather Marie Beck and Tess Rohan
singing "Super Trouper' Photo: Jeri Tidwell Photography

Sophie sneakily inspects her mother’s diary entries and determines the possibilities based on steamy episodes that took place just prior to her birth: Sam Carmichael (Jeffrey Shankle), an architect; Bill Austen (Russell Sunday), a travel writer; and Harry Bright, a British banker (Darren McDonnell). 

Unbeknownst to her mother, she secretly invites all to her wedding feeling she will know who that man is.

Much of the story revolves around how the three men interact with Sophie and how they explain their presence to Donna as well as the touching but sometimes tense mother-daughter relationship that evolves over this two-day period.  But how that transpires up until the actual wedding and its surprising twist at the end (surprising only if you haven’t seen Mamma Mia! before) becomes the plot that is prodded along by the music.

And oh that music! While not all of ABBA’s songs are performed, most of the toe-tapping, hummable ones are. “Dancing Queen,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Lay All Your Love On Me,” “The Winner Takes It All” and “Take a Chance On Me” (my personal favorite) help make the production soar.

Mr. Minnick’s choreography, so ably suited for the unique contours of Toby’s stage, is meticulous and energetic. The athletic dancers execute their moves with precision and enthusiasm. “Money, Money, Money,” “Lay All Your Love On Me,” and “Voulez-Vous” are good examples of that.  Then there is “Dancing Queen,” a show-stopper for sure.

In a spectacular production number, “Lay All Your Love On Me” the stellar choreography is evident. It starts off with Sophie and Sky singing the emotional and up-tempo song and is joined by the male ensemble donning blue tight wetsuits and flippers. Special shout-outs go to Andrew Prowant for his acrobatic flips and Shiloh Orr for his amazing hand walk across the width of the stage.

Another highlight is the hilarious duet with Tess Rohan as Rosie, an unmarried free-wheeling soul and a member of the one-time Donna and the Dynamos, and Russell Sunday as Bill in “Take A Chance On Me.”  Ms. Rohan’s antics during the number elicit much laughter.

Coby Kay Callahan plays the thrice-married Tanya, also a member of the Donna and the Dynamos trio . She, too, demonstrates her comedic skills and lovely singing voice and is on full display in “Money, Money, Money,” “Chiquitta,” “Super Trouper” as well as “Dancing Queen.”

Darren McDonnell & cast in 'Waterloo' Photo:Jeri Tidwell Photography

As Sophie, Maggie Dransfield turns in a marvelous performance in demonstrating a fine soprano voice as well as strong acting prowess.  “The Name of the Game,” “Under Attack’ and “I Have a Dream” are all well-performed.  Her dramatic interactions with Ms. Beck as her mother Donna and Paul Roeckell, making his Toby’s debut as the fiancée Sky, are superbly played by all the actors, especially in scenes where there are tense confrontations.

Heather Marie Beck is first-rate as Donna.  She is a commanding force onstage with her acting skills and gorgeous soprano voice.  The range of emotions she exhibits with Ms. Dransfield’s Sophie are competently executed providing many of the dramatic sequences.

As part of the trio in “Dancing Queen” Ms. Beck excels.  She also delivers exceptional solo performances in “One Of Us” and “The Winner Takes It All” and performs well in “SOS,” a duet with Mr. Shankle and “Our Last Summer,” a duet with Mr. McDonnell.

Mr. McDonell as Harry, Mr. Shankle as Sam and Mr. Sunday as Bill act and sing very effectively. They each present plausible explanations on how they could be Sophie’s real dad, and combined with Donna’s uncertainty, muddies the waters keeping the audience in suspense. 

I am so happy that Jeffrey Shankle has the opportunity to demonstrate his outstanding tenor voice.  He kills it in “Knowing Me, Knowing You”—another highlight.

Rounding out the talented cast are Jamie Pasquinelli as Ali, Cassie Saunders as Lisa, Joey Ellinghaus as Pepper, Shiloh Orr as Eddie, and David James as Father Alexandrios.

Other members of the energetic ensemble are Brandon Bedore, Justin Calhoun, Rachel Kemp, Ariel Messeca, Andrew Prowant, Nina Savoy, Louisa Tringali and Brigid Wallace.

David A. Hopkins set design is spot-on with wooden aqua and cream-colored doors on the walls above and around the stage depicting the entrances to hotel-like rooms above the Greek island taverna, which is the scene for much of the action.  Mr. Minnick effectively utilizes all the available levels and corners of the theater rendering the production to play big in the in-the-round space.

Cast singing 'Waterloo' at show's end
Photo: Jeri Tidwell Photgraphy

The wide variety of spectacular pastel costumes are provided by AT Jones & Sons INC.  Mark Smedley’s sound design is on the money as the performers are well mic’d and able to soar above the orchestration. And David A. Hopkins lighting design nimbly suits the myriad changes in mood in dialogue and song.

The ninth longest running show on Broadway and the eighth longest in London’s West End, Mamma Mia! has been played virtually everywhere.  If that weren’t enough, there is the popular film version with the same name. And just in time for this run, the sequel to the movie, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, is set to open on July 20.  

Oddly, the musical never captured a Tony Award though it received five nominations in 2002.   That tidbit is shrugged off by the tens of millions who have enjoyed the show worldwide.

You should definitely take a chance and see this well directed, expertly performed Mamma Mia! at Toby’s Dinner Theatre.  The famous buffet is as good as ever adding to a wonderful evening of joy and a well-earned few hours of escaping the tumult in the world.

Running time. Two hours and 35 minutes with an intermission.

Mamma Mia! runs through September 9, 2018 at Toby’s the Dinner Theatre of Columbia, 4900 Symphony Woods Rd., Columbia, MD 21044.  Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 410-730-8311or visiting online.

Pride is Needed More Than Ever

Image: The Daily Beast

With most of the larger Pride celebrations in the rear view mirror (and others still to come), it is clear that despite progress in the recent past, Pride is needed more than ever.  

We continue to see rants on social media decrying the need for Pride and others clamoring for “straight pride” celebrations to counter the rainbow-hued parades and festivals that take place in much of the free world.

Let’s remind our heterosexual friends that they don’t need a straight Pride celebration. Consider:

• No straight person has been fired from their job or not hired for being straight.

• No straight person has been kicked out of an apartment or disapproved of a lease because he or she is straight.

• No straight person has been assaulted or killed for being straight.

• No straight person has to hide their sexuality to family members, classmates, clergy, co-workers, bosses, friends and neighbors.

• No straight athlete has been harassed in the locker room or denied an endorsement deal because he or she is straight.

I can go on.

To be clear, this opposition and anger directed towards the LGBTQ+ communities has manifested itself long before the era of Donald Trump.  He cannot and should not be blamed for the vitriol that occurred prior to November 2016.  Afterwards—that’s another matter with his transgender ban in the military, his clear intention to erase LGBT citizens and history, and his persistent refusal to recognize June as LGBTQ Pride Month.  As with everything else he does, he is only president of his base.

Trump can also be charged with the racism and bigotry he has displayed for many years, even before the inauguration.  This has given cover to his racist and homophobic base and liberated them to employ social media and right wing outlets to vent what they have truly believed for a long time: that LGBTQ+ individuals are “less than,” “perverted,” and “inferior” to the straight elements of society.

Many have said the issue is a generational matter in that young people will eventually take over the world, and homophobia and transphobia will ultimately disappear.  This is wishful thinking. 

Evidence is mounting that much of the vitriol expressed by the homophobes are from millennials, and that is not encouraging.  We’re finding no indication that anti-LGBTQ+ bullying in schools and online have dissipated.  There is a disappointing report by GLAAD that discloses a reversal in the trend for acceptance.

Moreover, despite the political gains achieved and increased visibility, findings  by the Human Rights Campaign state that half of LGBT employees remain closeted at work.

Baltimore Pride Photo: Baltimore OUTloud

When you combine these developments with the recent baker decision from the Supreme Court, the “bathroom bills” popping up in jurisdictions around the U.S., and the very genuine prospect of the Supreme Court becoming a solid anti-LGBTQ majority that could roll back hard-fought gains, there is substantial cause for alarm. 

I used to laugh at my husband for saying the right wing zealots “will put us gays in camps.”  How outrageous is that?  Well, if Trump can put babies in cages, anything now seems possible.  It’s not a joke anymore.

We need Pride now more than ever to unify and stick together and join with other groups who have been targets of Trump’s venom and actions.  Oppression is real—right here and right now, and we need to fight back at the ballot box, in the streets demonstrating, and holding massive protests at congressional offices to dominate the news cycles.

Show our Pride. Our lives are on the line now.

HoCo Pride 2019 Officially Launched

A diverse crowd of nearly 300 members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies and elected officials packed Carroll Baldwin Hall and its outside grounds in Savage, Md. on June 28 to officially kick off HoCo Pride. 

That launch date was selected to bring attention to Howard County’s first ever LGBTQ+ Pride celebration scheduled for Saturday, June 29, 2019, which will coincide with the 50^th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in the West Village of New York City.  Stonewall is considered by most historians as a seminal episode in the struggle for LGBT rights.

Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman
addressing the crowd. Photo: Andrew Howard

The kid-friendly event featured food, music, beverages, games, raffle prizes, an outside taco truck, a play area on the grounds, a silent auction, resource table from the GLCCB—the sponsor of Baltimore Pride, and a library for children. Several drag artists including the popular Shawnna Alexander were on hand selling raffles and entertaining the children.

Several Howard County’s elected officials appeared to briefly address to the crowd.  

County Executive Allan H. Kittleman explained how Howard County government is supporting the LGBTQ+ community and the planned HoCo Pride event for next year. He also discussed the county executive’s LGBT roundtable, which consists of quarterly meetings focusing on issues important to the LGBTQ+ community and identifying areas of improvement.

County Council Chair and Democratic candidate for County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball said, “We need to stand up and speak out because if any of us are facing inequality and injustice, it harms all of us.”

Councilwoman Jen Terrasa, HoCo Pride Planning Committee
Chair Jumel Howard and Council Chair Dr. Calvin Ball
holding proclamation from the County Council. Photo: Andrew Howard

Dr. Ball read a proclamation from the County Council that supports the LGBTQ+ community and the planned HoCo Pride celebration. 

“The Council congratulates the Pride Committee for promoting diversity and inclusion and thanks all of the dedicated advocates for their valuable time for making history in Howard County.”

Howard County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano reiterated his commitment to diversity and recounted the recent derogatory graffiti at Glenelg High School and how that is something he will not accept. He also challenged the community to rise above hate and continue to be an example for others.

HoCo Pride will not include a parade but instead there will be a large festival, which will most likely take place on the Columbia lakefront though that hasn’t been finalized. The slogan is “Remember. Resist. Rejoice.”

On the grounds outside Carroll Baldwin Hall
in Savage, Md. Photo: Andrew Howard

To continue the planning process, a series of community input meetings have been scheduled.  At these gatherings, members will be afforded the opportunity to make suggestions, volunteer, and to discuss what they would like or not like to see at HoCo Pride.

The first meeting is set for July 10 in the Patapsco Room of the Charles E. Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City, MD 21042 from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

The second meeting will take place on July 11 in the Glenwood Pindell Room of the Glenwood Branch Library, 2350 MD-97, Glenwood, MD 21723 from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

The third meeting is scheduled for July 12 in the Warfield Room at the Howard County Central Library, 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044 from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

The well-attended kick-off party was a good beginning as the planning process for the festival will now begin in earnest.

“It was a great honor working with so many members of the community to make this event a success,” said Jumel Howard, Chair of the HoCo Pride Planning Committee. “The positive reaction from the community is a true sign that we are taking on something that the people are seriously behind. We raised over $2,000 and had nearly 300 people join us and we could not be prouder!”

For more information and to follow developments, like the HoCo Pride Facebook Page .