Annual Civil Rights Breakfast

We're so grateful to everyone that helped to make our event a success.

Special thanks to:

Our sponsors: 

Bank of America, The Baltimore City Foundation, Johns Hopkins University, EZ Storage Corporation, SMART Local 100, Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters Local 197, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 486, The Great Blacks in Wax Museum 

Our speakers and performers:

Lady Brion, Candace Potts, Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III, Ava-joye Burnett, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

Our Honorees:

Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III, Cynthia Gooding, City Councilwoman Shannon Sneed, Kondwani Fidel, 

Our Scholarship and Award Recipients:

Keondre Rich, Anissa Williams, Denise Dobson

OCR Public Information Officer John Milton Wesley and Notre Dame Prep Intern Morgan Brooks

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and scholarship winner Anissa Williams.

Bishop Murphy, Office of Civil Rights Staff, and Intern/Scholarship Winner Anissa Williams

OCR Investigator Troy Pumphrey poses for a photo with Bishop Murphy

Our special guests, the students of Walter P. Carter Elementary

Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III, Senator Jill P. Carter, Bishop John R. Bryant, Rev. Dr. Cecilia Bryant, Judy Carter

Shavey Blackwell, Senator Jill P. Carter, Danielle Crawley

Walter Lomax and Senator Jill P. Carter

Great Blacks in Wax Figure Vashti Turley Murphy

Troy Pumphrey and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

Staff Members Troy Pumphrey, Michele Masters, and Larry Ennels

Senator Jill P. Carter and her sister, Judy Carter with Bishop John Bryant

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie with members of the Baltimore AME community. 

More photos to come, stay tuned! If you have photos of the breakfast you'd like us to share, email them to US.

C.A.S.T. Forum- August 13, 2018

Swearing in Ceremony- August 6, 2018

Reverend Dr. Todd Yeary, Sheryl Wood Esq., Dr. Nadine Finigan-Carr, Senator Jill P. Carter, John Barber, Mayor Catherine Pugh, Caryn York, Ally Amerson, Robin Drummond, Jill Muth, Leslie Parker Blyther. All members of the Wage Commission were sworn in, as well as Dr. Nadine Finigan-Carr from the Community Relations Commission, and Leslie Parker Blyther from the Civilian Review Board. 

Sheryl Wood Esq., John Barber, Caryn York, and Ally Amerson of the Wage Commission is sworn in. 

Civil Rights Day- July 28, 2018

CRC Commissioners with Office of Civil Rights Staff Members

Community Relations  Commission- June 15, 2018

National Federation of the Blind Event February 13, 2018

Martin Luther King Day Parade 2018

Members of the Office and Commissions participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade 2018. 

East Baltimore Community Resource Fair

The Office of Civil Rights was proud to be part of the East Baltimore Community Resource Fair on December 9, 2017, providing information to residents on their services. 

Harlem Park Town Hall

On November 30, 2017 members of the Civilian Review Board met with residents in Harlem Park, following concerns about police activity in the area.

CRB Swearing-In

The members of the Civilian Review Board were officially sworn in by Mayor Pugh on November 20, 2017.

Disabilities Luncheon

The Mayor's Commission on Disabilities, headed by Dwight Daughton and newly under the umbrella of the Office of Civil Rights, hosted their annual luncheon with Mayor Pugh on October 16, 2017. 

Presentation on Baltimore Washington Building Trades

Deputy Director Sharita Thomas and Compliance Officer III gave an excellent presentation for Baltimore workers on Baltimore Washington Building Trades on October 10, 2017.

2017 Annual Civil Rights Breakfast

Director Carter and Fox 45's Kai Jackson. 

Director Carter with Deputy Director Sharita Thomas and Office Manager Michele Masters.

The Office of Civil Rights Staff worked hard to make the breakfast a success! Pictured from left to right, Samantha Jeffrey, Andrea Williams, Robin Drummond, Evangula Brown, Director Jill P. Carter, Ginnea Morton, Khadriah Ward, Jill Muth, Michele Masters, and Sharita Thomas. Also in attendance from the CRB staff and contributing their hard work were John Wesley, Gregory  Logan, Larry Ennels, and Jesmond Riggins. 

Director Carter and Award Recipient and Founder of Black Classic Press, Paul Coates. 

Father and son, Fred Jackson (Civilian Review Board member) and Adam Jackson (Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle) pause for a photo with Director Carter.

We were so grateful to all of our sponsors, including the McGuire Woods Law Firm, who made this event possible.

Mayor Pugh officially swore in members of the Community Relations Commission. 

Director Carter gave her remarks, renewing the Office of Civil Rights' commitment to the people of Baltimore City. 

We were also happy to be joined by members of the Baltimore Fire Department. 

OCR Public Information Officer John Milton Wesley speaks to  Kai Jackson on the podium. 

CRC Commissioner Stephanie Maddin Smith

CRC Commissioner Sarah Heaton

Baltimore poet Lady Brion gave a stirring performance. 

Rev. Dr. Heber Brown gave the opening prayer. 

CRC Commissioner Adote Akwei

Rev. Dr. Todd Yeary presented an award to former Civilian Review Board Chair Charlene Bourne.  

Civilian Review Board Chair Dr. Bridal Pearson awards the Civil Rights Honorees. 

FOX45's Kai Jackson and Award Recipient Paul Coates.

Mayor Catherine Pugh sat alongside Keynote Speaker Dr. Karsonya Whitehead. 

OCR staff Jill Muth, Michele Masters, and Ginnea Morton were ready to welcome attendees to the breakfast. 

The Great Blacks in Wax Museum donated several wax sculptures to the event, including this figure of Congressman Parren Mitchell. 

Community Relations Commissioner Syeetah Hampton-El. 

Community Relations Commissioner A. Adar Ayira.

Fox 45's Kai Jackson was proud to serve as Master of Ceremonies. 

Director Carter awards Black Classic Press founder Paul Coates with the Outstanding Community Service Award. 

Director Carter and Civil Rights Award recipient Dr. Lenwood Ivey, Executive Director of the Baltimore City Foundation. 

Director Carter and Wendell Phillips Jr., son of famous Goon Squad member Reverend Wendell Phillips.

We were so happy that State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby could join us. 

Baltimore City Foundation Executive Director Dr. Lenwood Ivey sat with former Office of Civil Rights Director John Ferron and family members of Baltimore's famous Goon Squad. 

State Senate Speaker Pro Tem Adrian Jones joins Senator Cardin's Faith Community Liaison Jerome Stevens for a photo.

Community Relations Commissioners Sarah Heaton, Stephanie Maddin-Smith, Adar Ayira, and Adote Akwei were seated on the dais, facing the crowd.

We were so happy to have with us our community partners Adam Jackson, DeJuan Patterson, and Lawrence Grandpre from Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, as well as our Wage Commissioner and Executive Director of the Job Opportunities Task Force, Caryn York.  

Director Jill P. Carter's family were there to support the Office of Civil Rights. 

2017 National Night Out

OCR Director, Jill P. Carter took part in two “National Night Out Events” at which she presented citations to the Community Organizers from Mayor Catherine Pugh, one at the Arlington Elementary School’s  Judy Center, and the other at the Northwest Community Association.

2017 NAACP National Convention: Criminal Justice Workshop

Capacity crowd turns out to hear lively discussion on..."Strengthening Police Oversight" during the NAACP National Convention.

OCR Director, Jill P. Carter was a featured presenter during this workshop which included one of the largest workshop audiences of the 2017 Convention thus far.

Backpack Giveaway at NAACP Convention

OCR Director, Jill P. Carter, joined HYUNDAI Director of Corporate Responsibility, Zefar Brooks, BCPD Deputy Chief, Melvin Russell, and Sincere Soul Recording Artist, Kenny Lattimore in giving out back Packs to BCPS students on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at the 108th NAACP National Convention in Baltimore.

NAACP Panel Discussion at the Reginald F. Lewis

OCR Director Jill P. Carter joins Media Analyst Catalina Byrd, Atty. Dwight Petit, Esq. and WEAA-FM Radio Producer/Host Martha Reeves-Jews for a panel discussion on..." "A Path Forward: Remedies for Repairing our Broken System of Justice" was sponsored by the local chapter of the NAACP at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum on Saturday, July 15th, 2017.

Caribbean Festival

Office of Civil Rights and Wage Enforcement staff shared information about our services during last weekend's successful Caribbean Festival in Baltimore.

Shown here are Andrea Williams (Wage Commission staff ), Evangula Brown (Civilian Review Board staff), and Peyton Murrill, (Volunteer and Andrea's daughter).

Director Carter on "On Time" with Tracey Leong

OCR Director, Jill P Carter, is on the set at WJZ-TV 13 on ..."On Time", with host Tracey Leong taping segment to be aired on July 16th, 2017, at 6:30 a.m., and also rebroadcast on CBS radio. See WJZ-TV.com for more details.

Baltimore Uprising and African Diaspora Connection

Office of Civil Rights Director, Jill P. Carter, and was a featured luncheon presenter at Baltimore's World Trade Center on Monday for..." Baltimore Uprising & African Diaspora Connection". In attendance was a delegation of visitors from around the world (Africa, England, the Caribbean, etc.) to Baltimore.

They were exploring among other issues, how the impact of the death of the Freddie Gray two years ago in Police custody is impacting issues of race, immigration, and policy in the city. The group included two Baltimore Community Relations Commissioners, Adar Ayira, and Adote' Akwei.

Latino Festival 

Office of Civil Rights staffers, Ginnea Morton, Gregory Logan, Veronica Thomas, Anthony Jemison (Community Relations Commission), and Andrea Williams (Wage Commission) shared information, 'treats" and fellowship with visitors to the annual Latino Festival in Patterson Park over the weekend of June 24th, 2017. Thanks to all the folks who stopped our by table for information, treats, premiums, and just plain old conversation. The festival was a huge success.

Baltimore City Young Democrats Meeting

Office of Civil Rights Director, Jill P. Carter shares a conversation on the Baltimore "Consent Decree" with other panel members during the monthly meeting of the Baltimore City Young Democrats, 6/22/17.

Know Your Rights Presentation

OCRWE staff member (Jill Muth/Civilian Review Board) gives..."Know Your Rights" workshop at..."Living Classrooms" facility in Patterson Park, 6/19/17, sponsored by Americorps Public Allies and in conjunction with the Baltimore City Health Department. This presentation was developed to inform civilians of their rights during interactions with law enforcement. 

Pride 2017

OCRWE staffer Jill Muth (Civilian Review Board) walked with other City employees in the 2017 Pride parade and distributed information on the office to local businesses and residents. 

Mayor's Call to Action Workshops

OCR Director, Jill P. Carter, and staff participated in the "Mayor's Call to Action" workshops on Saturday, June 10th, at Baltimore City Community College, and provided information on... "How to File a Complaint" with the Civilian Review Board including brochures, and Complaint Forms.

Director Carter, spoke about the work of the Civilian Review Board, and the role of the new..."Community Oversight Task Force", mandated by the recently signed Consent Decree entered into by the U. S. Department of Justice, the Baltimore City Government, and the Baltimore City Police Department.

2017 Baccalaureate Service at New Unity Baptist Church

Office of Civil Rights Director, Jill P. Carter, was the keynote speaker at the 2017 Baccalaureate Service for New Unity Baptist Church in Baltimore on Sunday, June 11th, as the congregation celebrated its 2017 class of graduates, K through college. She was accompanied by Deputy Director, Sharita Thomas who joined her on the receiving line and also participated in the service.

The host minister is Rev. Johnny Golden. The church, (a historic building) is located on the corner of Franklin and Cathedral Streets in Baltimore. The theme of the service was.."A Celebration of Excellence".

Portrait Unveiling of Judge Kaplan

Office of Civil Rights Director, Jill P. Carter attended a special portrait unveiling for retired Chief Judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Joseph H. H. Kaplan at the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse last evening (6/8/17).

Others in attendance included Maryland Court of Appeals Judge Shirley M. Watts.

Artist Mark Adams is shown beside his rendering and the special (profile) sketch of Judge Kaplan which Adams presented to the judge and his family.

Baltimore City Council President, Jack Young, and Councilman Robert Stokes (not shown) were also in attendance.

Outstanding Community Service Awards at the Universoul Circus

Office of Civil Rights Director, Jill P. Carter is shown presenting awards for "Outstanding Community Service" to hosts of the "Frank M. Conaway Radio Show" (1010-AM), given by the " UniverSoul Circus".

Director Carter joined Mayor Catherine Pugh who served as "Ring Master" for this year's event, founded twenty-four years ago by Baltimore's own Edmondson Village resident Cedric Walker.

The recipients are: Nzinga Shakir, Atty. Dwight Petit, Esq., and Carlton Douglass.

Thomas Jefferson Elementary /Middle School Graduation Ceremony

Office of Civil Rights & Wage Enforcement Director, Jill P. Carter is shown with students and Instructor, Portia Stokes Williams following her graduation speech for the Thomas Jefferson Elementary/ Middle School ceremonies on 6/6/17 at the Gala Center in Windsor Mills, MD. 

Maryland Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Seminar 2017

OCRWE staffers, Shaun Clark (Civilian Review Board, Investigator) Anthony Jemison, Esq. (Community Relations Commission, Investigator) Jesmond Riggins, Esq. (Civilian Review Board, Supervisor), and (not shown) Evangula Brown, (Civilian Review Board, Investigator) attended the 
Maryland Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Seminar 2017 on May 25th, 2017 in Laurel, MD.

The training covered: The State of 'Hate' across the country, Maryland Reporting Requirements, Law Enforcement Response to Hate Crimes and Incidents/Best Practices among other topics.

Ban the Box Meetings 2017

Office of Civil Rights & Wage Enforcement (OCRWE) staff person Ginnea Morton who is an Investigator for the Community Relations Commission held the first of several planned meetings today with Monica Cooper, Executive Director of the Maryland Justice Project, (MJP) and Emma Simpson, MJP Account Executive to discuss ways for both offices to work closer together in the future on issues related to..."Ban the Box".

The law makes it illegal for employers to conduct a criminal record check, or ask you if you have a criminal history before they give you a conditional offer of employment.

Combatting Hate Crimes in 2017 with Attorney General Brian Frosh

OCRWE Staff John Wesley (Public Information Officer), Shaun Clark (Civilian Review Board Investigator), and Jill Muth (Special Assistant to the Civilian Review Board) were pleased to join community members, elected officials, and stakeholders at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore on May 18, 2017, for a discussion on combatting hate crimes in 2017. Guest speakers included MD Attorney General Brian Frosh, Delegates Carlos Sanchez, Shelly Hettleman and Sandy Rosenberg, Lydia Walther-Rodriguez from CASA de Maryland, Raees Khan from the Greater Baltimore Muslim Council and Doron Ezickson of the Anti-Defamation League.

  

Delegate Shelly Hettleman spoke about the constituents she serves and how hate crimes have effected them in 2017. OCRWE staff was inspired to meet local leaders such as Delegate Sandy Rosenberg, Delegate Carlos Sanchez,  Delegate Angela Gibson, and Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne A. Jones. 

Community Event for Seniors at Pleasantview Gardens

On Wednesday, May 10, 2017, Public Information Officer John Wesley and Community Relations Representative Anthony Jemison attended a community event at Pleasantview Gardens to provide resources and information to seniors on the services that the Office of Civil Rights provides. 

Director Carter's Visit to Guilford Elementary School

On April 21, 2017 Director Jill P. Carter visited students at Guilford Elementary school to talk to them about Civil Rights and the legacy of Walter P. Carter. The school is destined to merge with Walter P. Carter Elementary, which in named in honor of her father.

The one-hour session involved a discussion about Ms. Carter's father's work during the Civil Rights Movement to bring about equality for all, as well as Ms. Carter's career as an MD. State legislator, and her current role as Director of the Office of Civil Rights & Wage Enforcement.

Students completed a motivational life-mapping activity, and colored photos of civil rights leaders.

Community Panel Discussion 

On April 18, 2017 Civilian Review Board Investigator Shaun Clark  and OCRWE Public Information Officer John Milton Wesley joined other panelists at the New Genesis Total Praise Center, Inc.  for a community discussion on how to be more proactive in improving the quality of life in their community, and how the OCRWE can help.

Brochures about OCRWE services were distributed, including complaint forms and contact information.

Baltimore Police Department's Spring 2017 Citizen's Academy

Staff of the Civilian Review Board participated in the Baltimore Police Citizen's Academy to learn more about police policies and procedures. Topics covered include use of force and de-escalation, crime scene investigation, constitutional law, crisis response, technology, and more. 

Deputy Director Sharita Thomas and Special Assistant Jill Muth participate in a crime scene investigation scenario. 

"Swimming in Baltimore" Film Screening and Panel Discussion

Director Carter participated in a panel discussion with Megan Sherman, Jayne Miller, and Taya Graham, following a screening of the film "Swimming in Baltimore: How Poverty Works" at the University of Baltimore. 

2017 Fashion Umbrella Gala 

Director Carter was proud to represent Mayor Pugh as a presenter of Mayoral Citations to the 2017 Fashion Umbrella Awards Recipients. This year's recipients were Baltimore City Council President Bernard "Jack" Young, Tiffany Tate, Jearlean Taylor, Matthew Biegel, and Sally DiMarco.

Annual Breakfast for Mothers of Murdered Sons and Daughters

On Sunday, March 19th, Director Carter attended the annual fundraising breakfast for Mothers of Murdered Sons and Daughters. M.O.M.S.D. is an organization created to provide support to Baltimore families impacted by homicide.

Director Carter at the M.O.M.S.D. Breakfast with SA Marilyn Mosby, Dr. Karsonya Whitehead, Mr. Norman Johnson, Mrs. Judy Cox, Judge Sylvester Cox, Ms. Sharita Thomas.  

Civil Rights History at Thomas Jefferson Elementary Middle School

Director Carter came to Thomas Jefferson Elementary Middle and gave a presentation on the history of the Civil  Rights Movement to the 5th-grade class.  We are always happy to bring civil rights education to learners of all ages! 

National Human Rights Day In Annapolis        

Director Carter was proud to speak at Human Rights Day 2017 in Annapolis. Thanks to the Maryland Association of Human Rights/Relations Agency for the invitation to this important event!             

Present at the event were Executive Director of the Maryland Commission on Human Rights, MAHRA President and former Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Wage Enforcement, Mr. Alvin Gillard, and Ms. Syeetah Hampton-El Esq., Community Relations Commissioner and family advocacy attorney. 

Black History Month Healthy Cooking Demo from The Land of Kush

On Tuesday, February 14th, at the invitation of Mayor Pugh and Director Carter and Deputy Director Thomas attended an event at City Hall to celebrate Black History Month and healthy cooking. Chef Gregory Brown and Chef Naijha Wright-Brown, co-owners of the Land of Kush, along with Mayor Catherine Pugh worked together to prepare healthy vegan soul food recipes as part of Baltimore Black History Month and an effort from the Baltimore Food Policy Initiative and the Baltimore City Health Department to create conversations about healthy eating and exercise. Director Carter thanks Mayor Pugh for the invitation, and Chef Gregory and Chef Naijha for the informative demo and the delicious food! African American cultural heritage preservation and access to healthy food are two vital civil rights issues, and we were so happy to be there to support this wonderful event.

    
Director Carter and Chef Naijha Wright-Brown 

  

Chef Naijha Wright-Brown, Mayor Catherine Pugh, and Chef Gregory Brown cooking together.           

Hispanic Community Resource Events

The Office of Civil Rights wishes to thank Internal Affairs Division, Baltimore Police Department, Lakeland Elementary/Middle School, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and Salem United Methodist Church for allowing us to be a part of your community resource presentations and help community members learn more about the Civilian Review Board! 

La Oficina de Derechos Civiles quiere agradecer a La División de Asuntos Internos, Departamento de Policía de Baltimore, Lakeland Elementary/Middle School, y La Iglesia Metodista Unida Salem Baltimore Hispana para brindarnos la oportunidad de ser parte de sus presentaciones de recursos en la comunidad, y ayudar a los miembros aprender más sobre la Junta de Revista Civil!

• Baltimore City Schools
• Archdiocese of Baltimore
• Salem Baltimore