The Columbia Effect: Howard County Then...and Now

Program Type:

Community Events, History & Genealogy, Race, Equity & Inclusion

Age Group:

Adults
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
  • Registration is required for this event.
  • Registration is no longer available for this event.

Event Details

Join us for The Columbia Effect: Howard County Then...and Now
A community activation event featuring special guest Beverly White-Seals

Designed to foster meaningful connections across the neighborhoods of Columbia and greater Howard County, this event invites participants to reflect on where we've been, where we are now, and where we’re going together.

We’ll begin with a presentation on Jim Rouse's visionary plan for Columbia as an inclusive, connected community. From there, we’ll transition into a panel discussion exploring contemporary Howard CountyHoward County—its assets, its challenges, and the evolving experiences of those who call it home.

The event culminates in small-group conversations, where community members will reflect on their own stories and share their hopes for the future of Howard County.

Whether you consider yourself rooted in Columbia or elsewhere in Howard County—whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime resident—this is a space to connect, bridge community experiences, and reflect on what it means to belong here, now.

Event Schedule:

  • 10:00 AM: Doors Open
  • 10:30 – 11:30 AM: Columbia Then – Presentation on Columbia’s founding and Jim Rouse’s vision
  • 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM: Break (Light lunch provided)
  • 11:50 AM – 12:30 PM: HoCo Now – Panel discussion and lunch
  • 12:30 – 1:30 PM: Columbia “Us” – Table discussions and community reflections

HoCo Now: A Community Conversation – Featured Panelists
We’re excited to welcome these local leaders, each bringing a unique perspective to our conversation about Howard County today:

  • Andy Masters – Discusses the ALICE population, housing affordability, and the return of residential segregation.
  • Gabe Moreno – Highlights the challenges and contributions of Howard County’s growing immigrant community.
  • Ian Kennedy – Reflects on growing up in Columbia and raising a family here, with a special focus on the local arts and culture scene.
  • A.J. Ali – Shares why he chose to return to Howard County and his vision for its future.

Important Details

This event is designed as a full experience—beginning with a presentation on Columbia’s founding, moving into a thought-provoking panel discussion, and concluding with small-group conversations.
We kindly ask all attendees to commit to staying for the full duration of the event (10:30 AM – 1:30 PM) to ensure meaningful engagement for all participants.
A light lunch will be provided.

Feel free to download the attached reports to prepare for the conversation!

Registration Required

Please register with an email address to receive event reminders and updates.

Help spread the word: https://bit.ly/thecolumbiaeffect

Invite family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to be part of this important community dialogue. 

This event is presented by the HCLS Racial Equity Alliance in partnership with Columbia Housing Center and made possible through the Civic Engagement for Racial Justice in Public Libraries, Exemplar Library Grant.

About the Speaker: Beverly White-Seals

Beverly White-Seals is the President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHoCo), where she has served for 13 years and recently announced her retirement later this year. Under her leadership, the Foundation has distributed more than $28 million in grants and spearheaded impactful community initiatives, including nearly $2.2 million in scholarships and grants in 2024 alone.

A former attorney and senior executive with The Rouse Company, Beverly has dedicated decades to advancing equity, diversity, and community well-being. She has served on more than a dozen nonprofit boards, including Chair of the Board at Howard County General Hospital and as a Trustee of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Her legacy includes a long list of awards and a scholarship fund created in her honor to support single parents pursuing careers in healthcare.

As she prepares to retire, Beverly's enduring impact on Howard County’s nonprofit and civic landscape continues to inspire. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a remarkable leader who has helped shape both Columbia’s history and its future.