The Harriet Elizabeth Brown Commemoration Task Force invites community
members to provide input and recommendations for how best to honor a remarkable Calvert
County woman. In 1937, Harriet Elizabeth
Brown, then 30 years old, successfully challenged Calvert County Public Schools
for paying African-American teachers about half of what equally qualified white
teachers received.
Hearings will be held
on September 14, October 5, and October 20.
According to Task Force
Chair, Margaret Dunkle: “We welcome
recommendations and personal stories about Harriet Elizabeth Brown and salary
equity for African-American teachers in 1937.
This will help the Task Force make the best recommendations to the
County Commissioners, the Governor, and the General Assembly.”
Dates and Times of the Hearings
Two short – half-hour – public
hearings will be held at Calvert Library in Prince Frederick (850 Costley Way), immediately before regular Task
Force meetings:
Monday, September 14 – 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, October 5 – 12 noon to 12:30 p.m.
In addition, a third – and longer – hearing will be held the evening of Tuesday, October 20 –
from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the College of Southern
Maryland in Prince Frederick (115 J.W. Williams Road, just off Route 231). From 6:00 to 6:30 p.m., there with be sign-in
and networking, with the formal hearings beginning at 6:30 p.m. The College will also
videotape hearings for the historical record.
The Task Force Wants Your Ideas and Participation!
Each hearing speaker will
have three minutes to provide input and make recommendations – with up to five
minutes for organizations. There will be
some time flexibility: for example, for presenters
who personally knew Ms. Brown. The Task
Force also encourages electronic submission of information and recommendations.
To make a request to speak
at a hearing, send an email to HEBTaskForce@aol.com at least five days before
the event. Please include: (1) your name, (2) organization, if any, (3) phone
number, (4) email address, and (5) the date you wish to speak (September 14, October
5, or October 20). Anyone who does not
sign up in advance will be allowed to speak if time permits, or invited to participate
in a future hearing or to submit recommendations in writing.