Unity in OUR Community Diversity Forum – A Brief History

On December 6, 2004, Charles County was the site of the largest residential arson incident in Maryland's history. A five-alarm fire engulfed a section of the first phase of the new Hunters Brooke subdivision in Indian Head. The fire destroyed 10 homes and damaged 16 others, resulting in more than $10 million worth of damage. Attempted arsons failed at 11 other houses. Five men were later arrested and charged with participating in the arsons. A number of motives were suggested for the crime, including racism. The arson suspects were White; many of the families moving to Hunters Brooke were Black. Racist fliers were distributed throughout Indian Head shortly after the fires.

From August to November 2006, the Charles County Sheriff's Office reported 13 hate crimes in the County. The incidents began August 19 in the Townes at South Hampton neighborhood in Bryans Road. Acts of racial graffiti and vandalism were found in Waldorf, Hughesville, Port Tobacco, Nanjemoy, Welcome, and La Plata.

News headlines described Charles County as a community where differences in race and cultures are not respected. In an effort to change this misconception and in response to the spate of hate crimes and incidents of racial graffiti, the Charles County Board of Commissioners hosted the first Unity in OUR Community Diversity Forum on January 20, 2007, to explore opportunities for civic and religious groups to work together in ways that are productive and beneficial for Charles County.

The County's brisk growth in the past decade has resulted in a more diverse population and more racial tension. As we experience the positive aspects of growth, we struggle with the negative consequences of intolerance, bigotry, and racism. More than 300 Charles County residents attended the first forum to share their perspectives and ideas on how Charles County can build a healthier, more tolerant and diverse community.

The first Diversity Forum was a historic moment for Charles County. In May 2007, the Commissioners established the Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Inter-Group Relations as a result of issues and ideas that were raised at the forum. The forum was a starting point of a dialogue in response to hate crimes plaguing the County. We hope you will join us in January 2010 for the third annual Unity in OUR Community Diversity Forum as we take the next step in embracing diversity in Charles County.

*In the event of inclement weather, the forum will be canceled.
If you have special needs in order to attend,
please call the Maryland Relay Service at TTY/TDD: 711 (in Maryland) or 1-800-735-2258.