On the Diversity Beat in Montgomery County

Covering the multicultural community in Montgomery County has truly been an enlightening experience.

Here is the latest from the field:

• Upcoming stories this week: The Nighttime Economy Task Force subcommittees meet on July 23. I’ll also be looking into a new program today (July 22) called the Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES). It’s a collaboration between Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Montgomery College and the Universities at Shady Grove. I will be tweeting on location at both of these events. Follow me at TamikaNews.

• I recently met with members from the Office of Community Partnerships and discovered that Montgomery County is really making a concerted effort to reach various communities. The office has an interfaith, African American, Asian, African, Caribbean Community Liaisons. Look forward to learning more about this office in stories I have coming up.

• There are six multicultural advisory groups that helps to advise the county executive on issues pertaining to these communities. The advisory groups include: African American, Asian American, African, Caribbean, Latino, and Middle Eastern. The African community recently had a meeting at which I was invited to speak about my role however majority of these meetings don’t get started until the after August. The events will be listed on the MyMCMedia’s calendar. 

• Ramadan is in full swing among Muslims in Montgomery County. I covered an Iftar that welcomed non-Muslin residents to observe the holiday. It’s a time to fast from food, physical needs during daylight hours and the Iftar—breaking the fast—can be shared with family and friends after sunset.

About Tamika Smith

Tamika Smith is passionate and curious about the world. She often wonders what motivates people to walk in their particular journeys in life. A native of Miami, Florida Smith graduated from Howard University in 2007 and continues to give back through mentorship.

View all posts by Tamika Smith