As Howard County becomes increasingly diverse, the county?s Human Rights Office aims to be the voice for minority businesses.
“The work we do is essential to promoting good practices here in the county,” said Rufus Clanzy, outgoing office administrator.
Next month, Clanzy will pass the torch to longtime former County Council member and political science professor C. Vernon Gray. In his announcement of the change, County Executive Ken Ulman said Gray will focus on encouraging the development of minority- and women-owned businesses in the county.
“We should continue to be a major player in anything involving business and economic diversity and be an outlet or a place that persons can come and air their grievances,” Clanzy said. “We have a good climate in Howard County at present, and I think we still have to stay involved to maintain that.”
In his time in the county, Gray said he has heard complaints from women- and minority-owned businesses that it?s tough to get county contracts. While on the council, he pushed for changes in legislation that would make it easier for some small businesses to make bids for county work, but those efforts fell short.
“I think it?s improving,” he said. “I think there are still some things we can do.”
The Human Rights Office enforces the county?s human rights laws and investigates discrimination in employment, housing, finance or public accommodations. The office also serves as a liaison between groups to settle issues over discrimination.
In the past decade, there has been a “dramatic change” in the number of minority- and women-owned businesses, said Cynetta Cardwell, manager at the Center for Business and Technology Development at the county?s Economic Development Authority.
Of the 63 clients who visited the center in December, 51 percent were women, 41 percent were black and 8 percent were Asian, Cardwell said.
