The Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) is a coalition of churches and houses of faith in the Hagerstown area of Washington County.
Racial Justice
2021 Juneteenth Unity Walk (event led by Troy Gandy of Asbury United Methodist Church and Pastor Les McIntosh with support from HARC)
We believe that all people are made in the image of God and loved by God
We believe our society is broken and that people of color, especially African Americans, are not treated equally or given the same opportunities
We believe it is the imperative, the call of the faith community to seek JUSTICE, love all people, and walk humbly with God
News
2026 Doleman Black Heritage Museum Juneteenth Events
Thursday, June 18 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Memorial Brunch at Hub City Brewery
In honor of the life and legacy of Mrs. Deborah Parsons and Mr. Herman “Skip” Davis, Jr. Includes special music and entertainment. Free to the public, advanced registration required. Click on flyer for more details. To register, contact Miss Marcia Saunders or Miss Barbara Williams at 301-797-5019.
Saturday, June 19 at 9:15 AM
Community Unity Walk, starting in Wheaton Park
Join us as we walk in unity, honor our ancestors, and build stronger communities for generations to come.
Click on flyer or more info or contact Minister Troy Gandy at 301-800-1790
Saturday, June 19, 9:30 am tip-off
Coach Cathy Parson’s Three On Three Basketball Tournament, Wheaton Park
Play hard. Respect all. Have fun!
Click on flyer for more info.
Washington County Black Professionals Network
The Washington County Black Professionals Network page has information about events and links to businesses and activities. Learn more.
Check out listings added to our Black Owned Business Directory. Check it out here.
Background and Goals
HARC formed a Racial Justice Team in May 2021 to seek equity, opportunities, and uplift the myriad of gifts of our Black brothers and sisters in Washington County, Maryland. This very active team developed goals and has been working toward them with great energy and enthusiasm.
The HARC board and this team are committed to long-term, challenging work, knowing it is what God has called us to do in this place and time. We believe it will not only serve African Americans, but will bless our entire community as we learn to embrace the gifts of all people and cultures in love and unity.
Goals include:
◆ Start a Washington County Black Professionals Network for the purpose of connection, support, safety, belonging, and economic prosperity.
◆ Advocate for an increase of educators in Washington County who are from underrepresented ethnic groups and support retention efforts.
◆ Help recruit/refer teachers of color to apply to Washington County Public Schools (WCPS)
◆ Provide resources and connections to better support BIPOC teachers.
◆ Partner with the WCPS Education Foundation to set up a scholarship fund for teaching degrees based on equity.
◆ Advocate for transportation for students in WCPS to special school programs.
◆ Educate People of faith and the community at large on systemic racial injustice.
Be The Bridge – book, training, discussion guides, podcasts and more to guide Christians to move toward relationship and deeper understanding in the midst of a divisive culture.
Beyond Diversity videos and resources from The Barna Group (contact HARC to participate in a modified and expanded study and discussion with these resources)
Other books we haven’t read, but Sojourners recommends found here.
Recommended Shows or Series
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America – Netflix: Black food is American food. Chef and writer Stephen Satterfield traces the delicious, moving through lines from Africa to Texas in this 4-episode docuseries
Recommended Movies
13th – Filmmaker Ava DuVernay explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation’s prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans.
Just Mercy – A powerful and thought-provoking true story, “Just Mercy” follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) and his history-making battle for justice. (also a book)
American Skin – A war veteran seeks justice when police kill his unarmed son during a routine traffic stop.
Save the Date!
November 22 at 4:00 pm.
Join us for this uplifting service featuring Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Baha’i, and Buddhist traditions.
Thursday, June 18 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday, June 19 at 9:15 AM
Saturday, June 19, 9:30 am tip-off