On August 21, 2021, the Garrett County NAACP Branch held its inaugural picnic & member meeting. It was a wonderful event, filled with sunshine, celebration, and connection.
Taking place at Broadford Lake’s Pavilion #5, the picnic welcomed more than 50 individuals whom represented a blend of GCNAACP members and community guests.
We also were thrilled to welcome distinguished attendees, including Dr. Ryan Harrod (Dean of Academic Affairs & Chief Academic Officer at Garrett College).
CDC guidelines were followed, which involved proper mask wearing – we provided masks and hand sanitizer to picnic attendees – and social distancing via properly spaced picnic tables and event booths.
Through the help of several generous individuals – GCNAACP members Tiffany Rains of The Alley, Mountain Lake Park Mayor Don Sincell, Bob and Mary Helen Spear, and Harriet Douglas, among others – we were able to safely offer activities, complimentary food, music, welcome booth, and a table for attendees to donate, sign up for membership, order GCNAACP shirts, and more.
We’d like to thank all of our member volunteers for making this event a success. Together, we not only had a fun picnic but also ensured that we connected with our community.
Along with the picnic portion, GCNAACP held its first member meeting.
During the meeting, we discussed our current efforts and how we plan to move forward. Kate Smith, our Vice President, was presented with an engraved plaque commemorating her leadership. She also received a proclamation signed by all three commissioners recognizing her contribution to forming the GCNAACP branch and facilitating a discussion of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the county.
As you may already know, Garrett County NAACP represents the last county to form a chapter in Maryland.
This signifies, in our collective mind, a path of unity through equality in Garrett County.
What we envision is not to change what makes our rural mountain community special – lovely nature, slower pace of life, down-to-earth folks – but to help make Garrett County a welcoming & safe place for all visitors and residents.
And judging by the success of this event, our community members are ready to walk hand in hand towards a more inclusive future. We are excited to continue the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Western Maryland!
