Per the State of Maryland:
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced a new partnership between the Office of Immigrant Affairs and 211 Maryland to expand multilingual access to services and support, including reporting hate crimes and finding resources for victims. “This new partnership with 211 Maryland is an important collaboration to overcome language barriers in serving everyone who calls Maryland home and who works to make great contributions to our state,” said Governor Hogan. “It will further expand our outreach and resources to make it easier to report hate crimes and connect victims with services. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to help provide additional support for those who are affected by these heinous crimes.”
Under the theme of “Stop Hate,” 211 Maryland now serves as an alternative channel and one-stop resource for hate crimes reporting and incident reporting, one of the actions that Governor Hogan initiated to build on the efforts of his Asian American Hate Crimes Workgroup. Reports are shared with local law enforcement in each jurisdiction. 211 Maryland also connects callers to other incident report-related services, depending on their needs.
In addition to calling 2-1-1, Marylanders can also text MDStopHate to 898211, or visit a new webpage powered by 211 Maryland, 211md.org/stophate, to file a report in multiple languages. A basic guideline on how hate crimes and incidents are different from each other is also available through the Office of Immigrant Affairs.
“Our partnership with the Office of Immigrant Affairs is a great example of collaboration to support our community members,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of 211 Maryland Quinton Askew. “We are grateful to our call center network partners who provide access to these critical resources on a daily basis.”
211 Maryland’s multilingual capacity supports more than 150 languages and is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week across the state. Resources may also be found at 211md.org, with translations available for the top 10 languages spoken in Maryland.
As a result of this new partnership, non-English speakers may dial 2-1-1 and choose Spanish by pressing 5. For all other languages, callers simply wait for their phones to be picked up and say their preferred language in English. All callers are then connected to translators who team with 211 specialists trained in cultural competency to identify the callers’ needs and help connect them to the appropriate services.
Download 211 Maryland’s marketing toolkit to support this initiative at: https://goci.maryland.gov/immigrant/211-multilingual-support-media-toolkit/
For more information about 211 Maryland, visit 211md.org.
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
