Members of the public are invited to a community meeting on Saturday, December 14, 2019 from 1:00p to 3:00p to discuss the importance of acknowledging the history of racial terror lynchings in Howard County, Maryland, pay respect to the victims and their families and explore ideas for community remembrance projects as a way to begin the process of racial healing.

Between the end of the Civil War and the beginning of World War II, more than 4,000 black Americans were victims of racial terror lynchings in the United States. No fewer than 40 of these crimes were committed in Maryland, including at least two in Howard County:

• Rev. Hesekiah Brown on December 12, 1884 in Clarksville

• Jacob Henson on March 28, 1895 in Ellicott City

Working with local coalitions, the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project seeks to advance the cause of reconciliation in our state by documenting racial terror lynchings, advocating for public acknowledgment of these murders, and working to honor and dignify the lives of Maryland’s lynching victims.

Consistent with these goals, we are creating the Howard County Lynching Memorial Committee and hope to engage representatives from business and industry, community leaders, parents, and students in this effort. We believe that for community remembrance projects to be successful and meaningful, they must offer all community members the opportunity to provide input and service on this committee.

Admission is free but space is limited. If you wish to attend, please register by clicking here: