HoCo Executive Marches In Columbia Protest, Calls For Change

COLUMBIA, MD — When thousands gathered in a peaceful protest against racism, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball was among them. He said that he shared the frustration that protesters around the country have felt following the Memorial Day death of George Floyd, a black man who died as a police officer, who has since been charged, knelt on top of him.

"I joined Howard County residents for a peaceful demonstration to demand justice for the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and the many others whose names we'll never know," Ball said in a statement about Tuesday's protest in downtown Columbia.

"As a County Executive, and as a father, I am frustrated with the clear inequity that continues to exist in our society," Ball said. "It is easy to identify the problems and causes, but the part that eternally eludes us is the solution."

He called upon the community to continue the dialogue about race.

"As a county that prides itself on inclusion and civility, it remains our responsibility to collaborate, encourage and create an open dialogue to improve race-relations and institute changes that improve the quality of life for not only current, but future generations," Ball said.

He commended Hoco For Justice, the youth group that led the march, which began outside The Mall in Columbia and continued to Lake Kittamaqundi.

"Now, it is more important than ever that residents have the opportunity for their voices to be heard, the freedom to peacefully protest and organize, and the ability to demand we do better as a community," Ball said. "Change will only come locally if we work to encourage our friends and neighbors to do the same."

He continued: "I stand firm with our community and every person working to build a better future in Howard County, the State of Maryland, and in our country."

See Also:

• Columbia Protests: Demonstrators Rally Against George Floyd Death
• George Floyd's Death Condemned By HoCo Police, Executive Ball
• Howard Community College President's Message On The Death Of George Floyd