MCCR: Let's Talk Civilly

In this episode of Let's Talk Civilly, hosts Cleveland Horton II, Gabi Cortez, and Markyta Sirett celebrate National Black Business Month with special guest Chrissy M. Thornton, President & CEO of Associated Black Charities (ABC). Together, they dive deep into the real-world impact of systemic economic barriers, the power of community disinvestment, and how ABC’s REACT initiative and Ladder Economic Mobility Framework are driving sustainable equity across Maryland. The panel also discusses the role of Black-owned businesses in stabilizing local communities, navigating federal pushbacks, and the critical shift from basic business ownership to building generational wealth.In this episode, we cover:00:00 - Host intros & National Black Business Month icebreaker: Favorite Black-owned restaurants 08:11 - Associated Black Charities (ABC) mission & history in Baltimore10:07 - ABC's REACT Initiative & Ladder Economic Mobility Framework 17:40 - 5-Year Strategy & measuring tangible economic progress 28:28 - Navigating corporate defunding & executive orders 38:00 - Mid-Show Break: MCCR Gala Ticket Raffle Details!40:25 - How local Black businesses stabilize neglected neighborhoods 48:30 - Cooperative economics, capacity building, and scaling Black businesses 56:25 - The 1985 Society & how to support Associated Black Charities 58:03 - MCCR resources, civil rights complaint filing, and sign-off Resources & Links Mentioned:Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR): www.mccr.maryland.gov Associated Black Charities (ABC): www.associatedblackcharities.org Follow MCCR on Instagram & LinkedIn: @MDCivilRights Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment to enter our Gala Ticket Raffle!

Welcome to our fiscal year review! In this episode of Let's Talk Civilly, we are diving deep into our core theme: "Agency Wins in a Year."Behind every policy shift and data point is a real community impact. We share our biggest annual highlights, from closing mediation cases to signing a historic new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Maryland Real Estate Commission.To top off our annual recap, Assistant General Counsel Towanda Chambers steps into the studio to walk us through the resolution of one of our most significant legal battles—the 6-year-long Taylor Gibson v. Swann case.🌟 Enjoying the podcast? Don't forget to follow the show, turn on notifications, and leave us a 5-star review!

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 direct parallels to how civil rights policy is enacted versus how it is practiced today.Later, they tackle the macro and micro threats facing voters, from the national gutting of the Voting Rights Act to immediate public accommodation barriers at local polling places—including ID discrimination against transgender voters and physical hurdles for disabled voters. Finally, find out why skipping local school board and judicial elections directly impacts your neighborhood's daily life.Connect with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights:• Website: mccr.maryland.gov• Have your rights been violated? Reach out to us online or call our local office to file a report.• Don't forget to rate and follow Let's Talk Civilly on all platforms so you never miss an episode!

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 policymaker to the frontlines of social justice.Tune in as we address critical challenges facing our diverse communities, including voter disinformation, STEM industry representation, protections for displaced immigrant workers, and the push for gender-neutral terminology in the Maryland Constitution.

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, Sara shares her front-line experience dismantling institutional barriers. Whether you are a housing advocate, a legal professional, or just someone who believes in equitable neighborhoods, this episode offers an essential guide to the past, present, and future of the Fair Housing Act.

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, the practical impact of new wage transparency laws, and the hurdles remaining in Maryland’s care economy. Join us for a deep dive into how we move beyond annual celebrations toward actionable, intersectional policy change that protects and empowers every woman in the Old Line State.Correction & Editor’s Note: During this episode, it was stated that Verda Welcome was the first Black woman to serve as a State Senator in the United States. While Senator Welcome was a legendary Maryland trailblazer and the first Black woman elected to the Maryland State Senate (in 1962), the first Black woman to serve in a State Senate in U.S. history was actually Cora Brown, who was elected to the Michigan State Senate in 1952. We appreciate the opportunity to clarify this historical milestone as we celebrate the legacy of all women in public service.

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 March!

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. Join us as we discuss the history of the MCCR, our vital functions in the community, and our bold vision for a more equitable future in Maryland.