September 11, 2020
Media Contacts:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
Yolanda F. Sonnier, Administrator, Human Rights Office, 410-313-6430
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – County Executive Calvin Ball is seeking five additional adult applicants and one student applicant interested in serving on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission. Adult voting members serve five-year terms, whereas student non-voting members serve one-year terms from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Applications are due by Monday, September 28, 2020
"Dr. Martin Luther King inspired each generation that followed his historic leadership and fight for justice," said County Executive Calvin Ball. "This is an incredible opportunity for our residents to honor his legacy and learn from his actions as we still reckon with the deep-rooted injustices in our country. I encourage Howard County residents to apply to the commission and be an active voice in planning the annual activities honoring Dr. King."
Comprised of 18 members, 17 adults and at least one student, the Commission was established in 1985 to encourage and coordinate appropriate activities and ceremonies throughout Howard County to honor the birthday, ideals, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In addition, the Commission aids local government and private organizations with respect to the observance of the holiday honoring the birthday of the late Dr. King.
To be eligible for consideration, student candidates must attend high school in Howard County and adult candidates must be a Howard County resident and18 years or older. All candidates must be able to attend meetings on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. virtually (via WebEx) or at the Community Resources Campus, 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, when/if County Offices reopen to the public.
Applicants should send a resume and a brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the Commission by Monday, September 28th to Kimberly Pruim either by email to kpruim@howardcountymd.gov or by mail to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: Kimberly Pruim, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for approval and then to the County Council for confirmation.
For more information on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, click here or contact Heidi Tilkens with the County’s Office of Human Rights at 410-313-6461 or email mlk@howardcountymd.gov.