Civil Rights Week 2024

Since the 1800s, policing in Baltimore City has evolved tremendously due to active engagement from residents of Baltimore City. From Baltimore Police Department under state control to local control to the introduction of the Civilian Review Board in 1999, residents of Baltimore City have always been on the frontlines advocating for change and community oversight of their police. Now in 2024, with HB 670 and City Council Bill 22-0234, the final say of police discipline and misconduct is in the hands of the people. But how did we get here? The Demystifying Civilian Oversight in Baltimore City: From the 1800s to 2024 Panel aims to provide an overview of where we came from to where we are now. The panel will provide context to our current civilian oversight structures in Baltimore City, namely the Police Accountability Board, Administrative Charging Committee and Civilian Review Board. These three board work separately and in conjunction to provide oversight of police misconduct against members of the public. Since the inception of the Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee in Baltimore City in 2022, the boards have reviewed and adjudicated well over 700 complaints submitted by Baltimore City residents. However, there is a gap in the public awareness of these boards, their authority, limitations and how the public can engage with their work. The Demystifying Civilian Oversight in Baltimore City: From the 1800s to 2024 panel will detail the accountability process from beginning to end and provide insight on the future of civilian oversight of law enforcement. The panel will include the chairs of all three civilian oversight boards in Baltimore City as well as national leaders in civilian oversight of law enforcement agencies. The panel will also include a question-and-answer portion from the audience, as well as questions submitted by the public prior to the panel. We hope you join us in demystifying civilian oversight in Baltimore City!

Join us for an interactive plenary which focuses on the historic significance of the Slave Song (Negro Spiritual) and its impact on the nation and world, which also influence the music of the Civil Rights Movement, and the inextricable link to the iconic Baltimore Civil Rights leaders, many of whom were pastors and community leaders in Landmark churches.

The Baltimore Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) warmly invites you to join Rev. Dr. Todd Yeary, Esq., Chairman of our Community Relations Commission (CRC), for "Prayers for the City" on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, in the City Hall Rotunda. This event, part of Civil Rights Week 2024, will take place from noon to 1:00 PM and marks the third day of our weeklong celebration. *THIS IS A VIRTUAL EVENT* You will receive the video link access after you RSVP.

Join the Office of Equity and Civil Rights, and our Impact Award recipients for our annual marquis event.

Join the Office of Equity and Civil Rights, and our Impact Award recipients for our annual marquis event. (Full Table seats ten (10) people).

The Future Paths Expo: Beyond College Doors is designed for high school students interested in career paths that don’t require a college degree. This event highlights diverse opportunities outside the traditional college route, with presentations from labor unions, police and fire departments, technical schools, and more. It's ideal for students eager to explore alternative careers that match their skills, interests, and aspirations. *THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT*

Join us for an inspiring event celebrating the remarkable contributions of women trailblazers in Baltimore's Civil Rights Movement. This panel discussion will spotlight the impactful lives of Billie Holiday, Lillie Mae Carroll Jackson, and Irene Morgan Kirkaldy, exploring their enduring legacies and the challenges they overcame. Following the discussion, strategic breakout sessions will provide a platform for attendees to learn how women can actively engage in today's civil rights movement, drawing inspiration from the past to drive meaningful change in the present and future. Don't miss this opportunity to honor these iconic women and explore ways to make a difference in our communities. *This event will include dinner*

Join us for a lively cocktail hour, where staff, partners and community members can come together to unwind, network, and celebrate our collective dedication to serving the City of Baltimore. The evening will also include a curated display of items from the Enoch Pratt Library Systems Civil Rights archive and collection! Raise a glass to another successful Civil Rights Week!

Join us for an insightful and educational community walk though historic Upton. Take a journey into Baltimore's past as we dive into the theme of "From Protest to Progress." Walk with us as we explore the new additions to the community including the fantastic opening of the Penn Avenue Main Street Welcome Center and the renovation and grand opening of the new Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center. See how this community's history has helped shape its future and the futures of communities around Baltimore. *DHCD will be providing fair housing information sessions and resources.*

Únase a nosotros y a la Oficina de Asuntos de Inmigrantes de Myor para una presentación de panel y un taller perspicaces para resaltar la historia de lucha por la inclusión, así como el progreso logrado, por y para los inmigrantes en la ciudad de Baltimore en varios sectores de la sociedad, incluida la vivienda, el desarrollo económico y la atención médica. El panel se llevará a cabo completamente en español, para brindar a los hablantes y oyentes de inglés la oportunidad de ponerse en los zapatos de vecinos con dominio limitado del inglés por un día. El panel incluirá representantes invitados de organizaciones locales de defensa y de servicio a los inmigrantes, quienes presentarán la historia de la lucha, incluido el trabajo de sus organizaciones, para lograr el acceso y los derechos en estos sectores de la sociedad, así como reflexionarán sobre el progreso realizado hasta ahora, que ha llevado al estado actual de los asuntos de los inmigrantes y el acceso en 2024. MIMA proporcionará un intérprete y equipo de escucha para los miembros de la audiencia que no hablen español. Al concluir el panel, MIMA facilitará una sesión de taller, durante la cual los miembros de la audiencia tendrán la oportunidad de reflexionar sobre su experiencia usando herramientas de asistencia para poder participar a través de la barrera del idioma, lo que significa el acceso al idioma como un derecho civil y una puerta de entrada a la oportunidad, así como sobre la lucha y el progreso realizado en las áreas de servicio y oportunidad para las comunidades inmigrantes de la ciudad de Baltimore. Join us and the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs for an insightful panel presentation and workshop to highlight the history of struggle for inclusion, as well as progress achieved, by and for immigrants in the City of Baltimore in various sectors of society, including housing, economic development, and healthcare. The panel will be conducted entirely in Spanish, to provide English only speakers and listeners the opportunity to walk in the shoes of limited English proficient neighbors for a day. The panel will include invited representatives from local advocacy and immigrant-serving organizations, who will present on the history of the struggle, including their organizations’ work, to achieve access and rights in these sectors of society, as well reflect on the progress made thus far, which have all led to the current state of immigrant affairs and access in 2024. MIMA will provide an interpreter and listening equipment for audience members who do not speak Spanish. Upon conclusion of the panel, MIMA will facilitate a workshop session, during which audience members will have the chance to reflect on their experience using assistive tools to be able to participate across a language barrier, what language access means as a civil right and a gateway to opportunity, as well as on the struggle and progress made in the areas of service and opportunity for Baltimore City’s immigrant communities.

Join OECR and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland for an insightful presentation that will shine a light on the unique relationship between Prince Hall Freemasonry and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, particularly Morgan State University. In so doing, the following areas will be discussed: (1) the early struggles of Masons to assist in the education of Blacks in conjunction with the A.M.E. church, (2) the engagement of Masonry and Morgan in the liberation and civil rights movement in Baltimore, and (3) the ongoing cultural, economic support of Masonry to Morgan State and the self-determination of the African-American community, highlighting the theme “From Protest to Progress.” This presentation will not only inform the observer of the rich historical relationship between the MWPHGL of MD and Morgan State University but serve as a reminder of the much-needed work to hew from a historical mountain of despair a stone of hope, to build a future of achievement.

This is an opportunity to Baltimore City residents, particularly those who are themselves living with disabilities, to make their concerns known. The event features a Q&A with City officials and alternative ways to submit questions/concerns for response from the City.

Baltimore City children with disabilities and their families/caregivers gather for a day of enriching programming co-hosted by the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) and Mayor's Office of Children and Family Success (MOCFS).

Join OECR and the Baltimore City Law Department for an engaging panel discussion and presentation on the history of redlining in Baltimore and the attempts by the City to reverse the effects in the community. We are happy to welcome experts in the field to discuss everything from the case of City of Baltimore v. Wells Fargo, NA to the vacant homes in our communities.