Welcome to
the Black Community
Welcome to the Black Community
About TCOE
TCOE is an independent entity — responsible first to the Black community of Howard County, based on a change that we wanted to make in the criteria for acknowledging Black students.
In 1992, The Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County (TCOE) was established by Gloria Washington Wallace to serve as advisors to The Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS).
Our initial purpose was to provide a historical perspective on the education of Black youth in the County, provide substantial role models of moral standing and spiritual leadership for our children, and serve as regal representatives for BSAP ceremonies and programs, such as the Evening of Excellence celebration for Black graduates.
In 1997, TCOE became an independent entity — responsible first to the Black community of Howard County, based on a change that we wanted to make in the criteria for acknowledging Black students.The mission of the Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County is two-fold.
To develop, strengthen, guide and advance the educational and cultural well-being of the Black Community of Howard County.
To sustain and grow itself as a community of Elders that actively serves to advocate for the Black Community of Howard County in collaboration with parents, educators and other community leaders.
We envision a vibrant organization whose members have pride in our Ancestry and who work together to support the educational, cultural and social opportunities for the Howard County Black Community resulting in a confident, aware Community and optimum success in the Black family.
TCOE Team
Meet our leading members
Elder Annie Foster retired from the Anne Arundel County Public School System (AACPS) in July 2015 after having worked in several positions: 1) Work-Based Learning Coordinator, 2) Department Chair of Business Education, and (3) she completed her career as an Assistant Principal.
Prior to Elder Annie beginning her teaching career in AACPS, she was employed by Howard County Public Schools as a "Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Facilitator" under the supervision of BSAP founder, Ms. Gloria Washington Wallace. While serving in that position, Elder Annie established a male mentorship program in partnership with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Tau Pi Chapter, based out of Patuxent Valley Middle School.
Upon retirement, Elder Annie returned to the Howard County Public School System and formally joined the Council of Elders. She continued her work with students, parents and the community at large, bringing about positive and progressive change on behalf of African American students. Elder Annie is an assertive advocate for students of color in helping to close the achievement gap.
Recently, Elder Annie was elected to serve a three-year term from 2025-2028 on the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) Retired Advisory Council. While serving in that position, she will recruit retired teachers to become a part of the organization to advocate for academic and social growth for our students. Lastly, Elder Annie firmly believes in this African proverb: "It takes a village to raise a child."
Elder Annie Foster currently resides in Howard County, Maryland.
Elder Annie Phillips Foster
Queen Mother
Elder Ken Jennings was a founding member of TCOE and current Presiding Elder.
He developed the Alpha Achievers Program at Oakland Mills and Long Reach High Schools.
He initiated the development of the Ellington-Adderly Jazz Ensemble.
Elder is a source of knowledge on matters related to African and African American History for the total community and continues to advocate for social change regarding African Americans in Howard County, including incorporation of accurate history in Howard County Public School Systems (HCPSS) social studies curriculum. Elder Ken Jennings currently resides in Howard County, Maryland.
Elder Ken Jennings
Presiding Elder
Elder Ken Jennings was a founding member of TCOE and current Presiding Elder.
He developed the Alpha Achievers Program at Oakland Mills and Long Reach High Schools.
He initiated the development of the Ellington-Adderly Jazz Ensemble.
Elder is a source of knowledge on matters related to African and African American History for the total community and continues to advocate for social change regarding African Americans in Howard County, including incorporation of accurate history in Howard County Public School Systems (HCPSS) social studies curriculum. Elder Ken Jennings currently resides in Howard County, Maryland.
Elder Ken Jennings
Presiding Elder
Governance TCOE
Communication Committee
Committee Chair Elder Erica McGowan.
This committee supports the mechanisms used by TCOE for social connectedness including social media, website and other required communications.
Community Engagement
Committee Chair Elder Towanda Brown.
This committee focuses on different areas of engagement with the community and supporting the various needs of the community.
Advocacy
TCOE provides support to individuals and families for various support areas related to the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) and Howard County. Guidance and direction regarding interpretation of the policies and procedures is
provided.
BSAP Partnership and Support
TCOE works with the Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) in multiple areas, including celebrations for recognizing the achievements of Black students. This committee is focusing on providing supports to the BSAP and additional partnership opportunities.
Health and Wellness
This committee focuses on various topics that impact the health of the community.
TCOE Relationships and Partnerships
TCOE has various partnerships, sponsorships and relationships with various organizations in the community to provide collective support.
Community Academy
TCOE has always been involved in educating the community and has been in partnership with the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), HopeWorks of Howard County for discussions on healthy/unhealthy relationships and Making Change on financial management for students and families. See the Events tab for information about the upcoming and past Community Academy sessions.
Education committee
Committee Chair Elder Earl Owens, Vice-Chair Elder Danielle Hilliard .The celebrations of the achievements of Black student. Celebration of Achievement, which celebrates students achievements 3rd-8th grade. Celebration of Excellence, which supports seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above. TCOE identifies Sankofa and Gloria Washington Wallace award winners at this celebration.
Member Care
This committee focuses on the care of all existing members of TCOE.
History and Culture committee
This committee focuses on providing educational supports about the African experience and participating in events that support the African experience.
Finance
Committee Chair Elder Tequila McDuffie, Vice-Chair Milscent Muchuchuti.
This committee focuses on the financial health and management of TCOE.
Membership
Acting Committee Chair Elder Claudya Richardson, Acting Vice-Chair Elder Dwayne Thomas.This committee is responsible for recruiting new members across all membership categories and membership management within TCOE.
Get Involved
Collaborations and affiliations
Volunteer
Persons who wish to support the mission of TCOE, without being in one of the membership categories and without making regular contributions are
Volunteers.
Those who are in this category are adjunct resources on an as-needed basis based on the areas in which they would like to participate.
Member
The Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County, MD takes great pride in advocating for the positive growth and development of the Black Community through its activities, programs, and partnerships.
If you like what we do and want to become a part of our organization, we welcome you to join us by becoming a TCOE member so we can together empower and support our community.
Success Stories
For instance in 2016-2017 Celebrations of Achievement, The Council’s Education Committee, worked closely with school administrators and staff, set up 13 Celebrations in 6 schools for 3,920 students. Those who qualified were recognized, ranged from grades 4 through 9 distributed as follows:
High school 596 students; Middle school 2,073 students; a elementary school 1,251.
S. Power
PAST STUDENT
For instance in 2016-2017 Celebrations of Achievement, The Council’s Education Committee, worked closely with school administrators and staff, set up 13 Celebrations in 6 schools for 3,920 students. Those who qualified were recognized, ranged from grades 4 through 9 distributed as follows:
High school 596 students; Middle school 2,073 students; and elementary school 1,251.
S. Power
PAST STUDENT
For instance in 2016-2017 Celebrations of Achievement, The Council’s Education Committee, worked closely with school administrators and staff, set up 13 Celebrations in 6 schools for 3,920 students. Those who qualified were recognized, ranged from grades 4 through 9 distributed as follows:
High school 596 students; Middle school 2,073 students; and elementary school 1,251.
S. Power
PAST STUDENT
For instance in 2016-2017 Celebrations of Achievement, The Council’s Education Committee, worked closely with school administrators and staff, set up 13 Celebrations in 6 schools for 3,920 students. Those who qualified were recognized, ranged from grades 4 through 9 distributed as follows:
High school 596 students; Middle school 2,073 students; a elementary school 1,251.
S. Power
PAST STUDENT
Annual Reports
Planning for 2025.doc
1.32MB
Student results 2023.doc
1.32MB
Tables for each project 2023.xls
5.78MB
Annual results 2023.pdf
5.78MB
Financial indicators 2023.pdf
5.78 MB
Who trust
and cooperate with us
