Commission readies signature event after $3,000 earmark; seeks panelists, performers and promotion

Baltimore County commissioners spent a large portion of their April meeting planning the commission's annual signature cultural-heritage event, reviewing panel topics and volunteer roles, confirming a $3,000 budget earmark for event expenses and discussing promotion and registration.

The chair reported the commission's budget request had been approved and that "$3,000 has been earmarked" for the event; the chair said any expenses must be submitted to and approved by the executive director before funds can be spent. Commissioners were urged to submit vendor and expense paperwork "so that everything can be processed" in time for the event.

Commissioners and staff reviewed four panel tracks (housing, employment discrimination, public accommodations and identity inclusion), noted vacancies for several panel slots and said they were still seeking performers. Panel moderator assignments discussed included Commissioner Miles for public accommodations and Commissioners Davis and another commissioner for employment discrimination; staff said they would email panelists the waiver and liability forms and a set of prepared questions in advance.

Members raised concerns about registration numbers and outreach. The chair asked that the approved flyer and registration link be circulated widely, that commissioners register themselves so capacity could be assessed, and that some hard-copy flyers be printed for community distribution. Staff suggested contacting Carver High School Performance Arts for potential student performers able to appear at low or no cost.

Commissioners also discussed education and awareness materials, noting translations are available and asking staff to duplicate brochures for the event table and for distribution in county offices and neighborhood associations. The chair said staff would send a comprehensive follow-up email with event details and panel assignments.

Earlier in the meeting the commission approved the evening's agenda and previous minutes by voice vote and then moved into the signature-event planning discussion; the meeting adjourned at 07:05 PM.