The Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) is a coalition of churches and houses of faith in the Hagerstown area of Washington County.
Racial Justice
2021 Juneteenth Unity Walk (event led by Troy Gandy of Asbury United Methodist Church and Pastor Les McIntosh with support from HARC)
We believe that all people are made in the image of God and loved by God
We believe our society is broken and that people of color, especially African Americans, are not treated equally or given the same opportunities
We believe it is the imperative, the call of the faith community to seek JUSTICE, love all people, and walk humbly with God
News
Juneteenth Celebrations 2024
The Friends of the Doleman Black Heritage Museum (FoDBHM) Masquerade Ball with a Cotton Club Twist will occur Friday, June 14, 2024, from 8:00 to 11:30 pm. The ticket price is $70 per person and $650 for a table of ten. Immerse yourself in the glamour of the historic Cotton Club era at Cortland Mansion (19411 Cortland Dr, Hagerstown, MD 21742).
The Masquerade ball serves as a fundraiser for the Doleman Black Heritage Museum. Throughout the evening, you’ll experience:
Celebration of Progress: Learn about the museum’s recent achievements and exciting plans.
Website Launch and New Marketing Materials for Sale: Be among the first to explore and purchase the museum’s brand-new marketing materials.
Live Entertainment: Immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere with live music and performances.
Raffles and Prizes: Try your luck and win exciting prizes throughout the night.
Delectable Food: Savor a delicious catered meal.
Unforgettable Fun: Dance the night away and create lasting memories!
Don your finest black-tie attire and a touch of masquerade mystery! However, masks are optional. The “…Ball”… is a black-tie event with a “Cotton Club Twist.” You can add a flair to your masquerade mask or outfit inspired by the Harlem nightclub era.
Become a Sponsor Or Purchas Tickets:
The FoDBHM Masquerade Ball is seeking sponsors to further the museum’s mission. For sponsorship opportunities, please email us directly at saunders@dbhm.org or parson@dbhm.org, purchase tickets from a board member, or through https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/c4c71bb0-f4b9-4f31-9c5f-d8315a6316d0.
Saturday, June 15, 2024, 11 am – 9:30 pm, Wheaton Park (114 Charles Street, Hagerstown, MD): This event is FREE. Join us for a fun-filled day honoring Juneteenth at the 2024 Celebration – Hagerstown! You are invited to join our celebration of this momentous occasion with a day filled with activities for the whole family:
Health and Wellness:
2.5-Mile Walk-A-Thon: Support the Doleman Black Heritage Museum with this fundraising walk.
Yoga and Meditation (all ages): Find your center and relax with these sessions throughout the day.
Free Health Screenings:
Kids Corner:
Lively Entertainment:
DJ spinning tunes
Dance challenges and line dancing
Live music performances
Community Connection:
Non-profit outreach tables
Food and beverage vendors
Artisan vendors
Celebrate freedom, community, and the rich history of African Americans in Hagerstown, Washington County, and the four-state region!
Sponsors: Hagerstown WashCo Convention Visitors Bureau, Younger Toyota, Washington County: HRT, The City of Hagerstown, Steve Swayne, State Farm Insurance, First United Bank and Trust, Doleman Black Heritage Museum, and Alesia Parson.
Take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate African American heritage, support a vital cultural institution, and have a day into the evening to remember!
Washington County Black Professionals Network
The Washington County Black Professionals Network page has information about events and links to businesses and activities. Learn more.
Check out listings added to our Black Owned Business Directory. Check it out here.
Background and Goals
HARC formed a Racial Justice Team in May 2021 to seek equity, opportunities, and uplift the myriad of gifts of our Black brothers and sisters in Washington County, Maryland. This very active team developed goals and has been working toward them with great energy and enthusiasm.
The HARC board and this team are committed to long-term, challenging work, knowing it is what God has called us to do in this place and time. We believe it will not only serve African Americans, but will bless our entire community as we learn to embrace the gifts of all people and cultures in love and unity.
Goals include:
◆ Start a Washington County Black Professionals Network for the purpose of connection, support, safety, belonging, and economic prosperity.
◆ Advocate for an increase of educators in Washington County who are from underrepresented ethnic groups and support retention efforts.
◆ Help recruit/refer teachers of color to apply to Washington County Public Schools (WCPS)
◆ Provide resources and connections to better support BIPOC teachers.
◆ Partner with the WCPS Education Foundation to set up a scholarship fund for teaching degrees based on equity.
◆ Advocate for transportation for students in WCPS to special school programs.
◆ Educate People of faith and the community at large on systemic racial injustice.
Be The Bridge – book, training, discussion guides, podcasts and more to guide Christians to move toward relationship and deeper understanding in the midst of a divisive culture.
Beyond Diversity videos and resources from The Barna Group (contact HARC to participate in a modified and expanded study and discussion with these resources)
Other books we haven’t read, but Sojourners recommends found here.
Recommended Shows or Series
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America – Netflix: Black food is American food. Chef and writer Stephen Satterfield traces the delicious, moving through lines from Africa to Texas in this 4-episode docuseries
Recommended Movies
13th – Filmmaker Ava DuVernay explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation’s prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans.
Just Mercy – A powerful and thought-provoking true story, “Just Mercy” follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) and his history-making battle for justice. (also a book)
American Skin – A war veteran seeks justice when police kill his unarmed son during a routine traffic stop.
Members of HARC’s Racial Justice Team include:
Team Leader: Tania Anderson, HARC Board Member
Co-Leaders: Cindy Brown, Kathy Powderly
Rev. Les McIntosh, HARC Board Member
Richard Willson, HARC Board Member
Samuel Key
Sommer Gilliam
Jessica Scott
Ladetra Robinson
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Please join us for this unique service with participation and traditions across different faiths.
This service will feature a community choir. If you’d like to participate, please arrive by 2:45 pm.
Free and open to the public.
