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| The Bay Net photos by Sean Rice |
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The residents of Hunter’s Brook subdivision near Indian Head gathered Aug. 26 for the first-ever “Unity in Our Community” block party to mark the neighborhood’s perseverance after being the target of a racially-charged arson in 2004 that destroyed 10 brand new homes and damaged at least 15 others in the predominantly African-American community.
The case was never pursued as a hate crime, but five white men in their 20s were recently convicted of what may be the worst arson case in the state’s history, and each is serving or facing 10 to 20 years in prison.
Residents met at the Hunter’s Brook community pool last Saturday afternoon with music, food, games and clowns for kids. Congressman Steny Hoyer and several local and state politicians offered frank discussion about ending racism and building community ties.
In addition to Hoyer’s discussion, residents heard from Maryland Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton, Delegates Daniel Mayer and Sally Jameson and Charles County Commissioners Wayne Cooper, Candice Quinn Kelly and Edith Patterson.
The neighborhood association was presented with plaques and resolutions from the politicians and a U.S. flag from Hoyer that was flown over the Capitol in honor of Hunter’s Brooke residents.
After the speeches and presentations, the DJ turned up “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge and Patterson, Kelley and Hoyer joined in on the dance party.
See videos and slideshow below for more.
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