While Howard County is acclaimed for its diversity, Black residents increasingly have the worst outcomes across most self-sufficiency indicators. As the county’s most trusted institution, HCLS is uniquely positioned to educate the community about equity issues and co-create solutions. Brave Voices, Brave Choices is a public promise to learn, grow and act on our collective commitment to move past statements, engage residents and local systems, advance equity and create the reality we want for all people.

HCLS’ Brave Voices, Brave Choices is the only process to feature parallel tracks of internal and external racial equity work — staff alongside community — that includes leadership development, racial equity training, thought design led by subject matter experts, a racial equity alliance, story collection on local experiences with racism, sensemaking of stories shared, and events for taking action on local equity issues. HCLS flipped the power dynamic through amplifying underheard voices and community created solutions.

HCLS seeks to create greater understanding as participants learn, examine stories, build empathy, and take action. More than 500 people have completed racial equity training, and 600+ stories of racism and discrimination have been submitted. Participants include elected and appointed leaders, library staff, community members and leadership affiliated with the county’s major systems and organizations. Demand continues to exceed capacity with more than 98% of participants noting new knowledge for informed action.