MCCR: Let's Talk Civilly

Why does a law on paper mean nothing without active enforcement? In this episode of Let’s Talk Civilly , MCCR hosts Markyta, Cleveland, and Gabi honor June's dual milestones—Pride Month and Juneteenth—by exploring their shared DNA of resistance and protest. The hosts transition from the revolutionary roots of the Stonewall Riots to the 2.5-year delay of emancipation news in Texas, drawing dire...

What does true representation look like in state government? In Episode 5 of Let’s Talk Civilly , host Cleveland L. Horton sits down with Maryland’s Lt. Governor Aruna Miller to discuss leadership, equity, and civil rights. From her childhood journey arriving in the U.S. at age seven to her historic election, Lt. Governor Miller brings a unique dual perspective as both a civil engineer and policym...

Cleveland Horton (Executive Director of MCCR) and Candice Crenshaw (Director of Education and Outreach at MCCR) both sit down with  Sara Pratt , Retiree Counsel at Relman Colfax and former HUD leader, to pull back the curtain on how housing discrimination works today. From the nuances of "direct threats" and reasonable accommodation to the fight against redlining and exclusionary zoning,...

In honor of Women’s History Month, Markyta and Gabi sit down with Ariana Kelly, Executive Director of the Maryland Commission for Women, to discuss the "bold new vision" for the Commission’s 60th year. From her 14-year legacy in the Maryland General Assembly to her current work modernizing state equity policies, Ariana breaks down the "next frontier" of reproductive freedom, th...

We dive deep into the systemic hurdles facing Marylanders today. We recap the highlights from the Protecting Civil Rights During Challenging Times 2026 Symposium at Bowie State University, discuss the historical impact of redlining, and explain why legislative wins like the CROWN Act is vital for workplace equity. Plus, we share a all that MCCR had going on during February! Don't miss us for M...

In this debut episode, we explore the enduring vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how his principles guide our work today. We celebrate the  Maryland Commission on Civil Rights  (MCCR) and its mission to eliminate discrimination. We also reflect on a major milestone: our Executive Director,  Cleveland L. Horton II , receiving the  Dream Keeper Award  at the  38th Annual MLK Awards Dinner . J...