Mr. Devon Brown |
Mr. Devon Brown is a correctional executive, attorney, and psychologist from Turner Station, Maryland. He is passionate about social justice issues and deeply moved by the Henrietta Lacks story. He supports the United Negro College Fund and the American Correctional Fund, among other organizations. He believes that the most important thing God created is family. Through family one finds strength to meet adversity and face the challenges of life. Mr. Devon Brown, in addition to his impressive professional experience, also has a strong interest in communicating with students and educational organizations. Not only is he active in the fields of law and psychology, but he also collaborates with ethics paper writing service https://place-4-papers.com/ethics-paper-writing-service/
and explores the relationship between race, incarceration, and mental health. This practice is a testament to his commitment to promoting ethical practices in the criminal justice system and addressing systemic issues facing marginalized communities.
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Mr. Alfred Carter, Jr. |
Mr. Alfred Carter, Jr. is the son of Deborah Lacks and grandson of Henrietta Lacks. Among other activities, he is the founding member and President of the Board of Directors of the Henrietta Lacks House of Healing, Inc.—a nonprofit organization that addresses issues of homelessness, substance abuse, and prior incarceration with the goal of disrupting the cycle of poverty faced by such individuals. Mr. Carter has a deep commitment to social justice advocacy. His philosophy of life is best captured by Elizabeth Gilbert’s idea that “There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under the jurisdiction. I can decide how I spend my time, with whom I interact, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with. I can select what I can read and eat and study. I can choose how I'm going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life-whether I will see them as curses or opportunities.” He serves as historian of HLLG.
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Ms. Chelsey Cox |
Ms. Chelsey Cox is the creator for the petition for a national day of recognition for Henrietta Lacks. She is also an educator, having taught as an adjunct Instructor of Sociology for seven years. Additionally, Ms. Cox is a Senior Associate withr ICF Consulting, a premier international consulting firm based in Northern Virginia. She believes that Mrs. Lacks is due recognition for her amazing contributions to modern medicine and would like her to become as well recognized as Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Shirley Chisholm. Here philosophy in life is if one method doesn’t garner the results then search for another until you get traction.
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Ms. Alice B. DeShazo |
Ms. Alice B. DeShazo is an educator and served as Assistant Principal of Perry Hall High School. She belongs to a number of nonprofit organizations and is an adult volunteer for the Turner Station Girl Scouts. She is committed to the success of all young people and believes that it does indeed take a village to raise children. She belongs to Twenty Women, an organization that focuses on charitable activities in the community. She believes that people should “work hard and give back to others.”
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Mrs. Muriel LaVere Rock Christian Gray |
Mrs. Muriel LaVere Rock Christian Gray is a longtime resident of Turner Station. Her outreach activities with St. Matthew United Methodist Church include, among other things, assisting seniors in home activities such as serving food, cleaning, and organizing outings. She is extremely active with the International Church Usher Association of American, Inc., having served as president for 3 terms, vice president for 2 terms, and on the state level as vice president and chaplain. Finally, she is extraordinary in that she helps all whenever she is called and she knows how to get things Mrs. Gray received the honor of the HLLG Woman of the Year 2016.
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Dr. Kathleen Jordan |
Dr. Kathleen Jordan is a medical sociologist by training. She owns a public relations firm in Massachusetts and volunteers for a number of organizations. She was deeply moved by the Henrietta Lacks story and works to support her legacy. She believes that if you can do something positive for others, then you must do so. If you have abilities that are of value to others, you must share them.
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Mrs. Carlisa Jones |
Mrs. Carlisa Jones is a long time resident of Turner Station. In 2011, she became an active member of Christian Life Church in Baltimore County and is the Director of the Christian Life Welcome Center. For 15 years, she has encouraged Johns Hopkins' participation in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk for a Cure, signing up fundraising team captains and walkers who have raised tens of thousands of dollars in donations. She has personally raised nearly $14,500 the past two years. As Johns Hopkins' lead campaign organizer, she encourages colleagues to increase their financial support, solicits donations for snacks from supermarket chains and organizes an awards luncheon for the department captains.
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Dr. Adele Newson-Horst
Vice-President/HLLG |
Dr. Adele Newson-Horst is a professor of English at Morgan State University. In addition to teaching and writing about female writers of color, she volunteers extensively in the greater Baltimore communities. She is chair of the Board of Directors of the Henrietta Lacks House of Healing, Inc., president of the Board of Directors of the East Baltimore Historical Library Inc., and chair of the Executive Committee of the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group. She believes in the power of education to transform individuals. Her philosophy of life is best summed up by Luke 12:48: “to whom much is given, much will be required.” She serves as vice president of HLLG.
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Mrs. Raheemah
Raheem-Muhammad |
Mrs. Raheemah Raheem-Muhammad is a former resident of Turner Station and an educator by training. She is also a community organizer. She is also a director and fine arts aficionado. She has written plays and poetry about Mrs. Lacks. She believes in the power of the arts to transform society.
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Ms. Carolyn Samuels
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Ms. Carolyn Samuels is the membership chair of the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group. Hers is a long and distinguished career of service.
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Servant Courtney Leigh Speed
President/HLLG |
Servant Courtney Leigh Speed is a biblical business woman and long time resident of Turner Station, Maryland where she has been a community advocate for almost 56 years. She founded the Turner Station Heritage Foundation, the Kingdom Economic System, and the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group. She revived the Turner Station Girl Scouts and contributes to the Turner Station Boy Scouts. Her struggle to ensure that the legacy of Henrietta Lacks’ Legacy is known world-wide was first recognized by the BBC who came to her to research the story in the late 1970s. She believes in what she terms the 5 Fs: faith, family, finance, food, and fun. She serves as president of HLLG.
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Ms. Elmira Thornton
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Ms. Elmira Thornton is the former Director of the Fleming Senior Center in Turner Station, MD. She volunteers for the Negro Baseball League and serves on the Turner Station Heritage Committee, among other activities. She believes that people are basically happy and don’t know it.
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Ms. Arkia Wade
Secretary/HLLG |
Ms. Arkia Wade is the daughter of Dr. William C. Wade, Jr. and granddaughter of Dr. Will C. Wade, Sr.—Henrietta Lacks’ primary care physician. She works for a major health insurance company where she sees the mechanisms that drive the health care industry up close. She is the co-troop leader of the Turner Station Girl Scouts and sits on a number of community entities. She believes whole heartedly in the spirit of volunteerism. Like Elizabeth Andrews she acknowledges that “Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” She serves as secretary of HLLG.
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BY-LAWS
HLLG
Mission Statement
The Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group exists to protect, preserve and promote the legacy of Henrietta Lacks and her singular contributions to modern medicine. It also exists to serve as a clearing house for activities that extend Lacks’ legacy and the history of Turner Station, Maryland, where Lacks resided at the time of her death.
Fundraising Plan
Each year, contributions will be solicited for the following projects:
Bylaws of Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group
Established February 23, 2013
Article I. Name
The name of the Association shall be The Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group and shall also be known as HLLG. The Association shall be non-profit and shall issue no stock.
Article II. Purpose
The Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group exists to protect, preserve, and promote the legacy of Henrietta Lacks and her singular contributions to modern medicine. It also exists to serve as a clearing house for activities that extend Lacks’ legacy and the history of Turner Station, Maryland, where Lacks resided at the time of her death. It further exists to combat community deterioration in Turner Station, advance education and science, erect or maintain monuments or works of Henrietta Lacks, and relieve the poor, distressed, and the underprivileged in Turner Station, Maryland.
Article III. Boundaries
The organization shall serve the residents that live within these boundaries:
The Greater Baltimore Area, Maryland and people in the United States and abroad who have interest in the legacy of Henrietta Lacks and the history of Turner Station, Maryland.
Article IV. Membership
Section 1: Who Can Join: Membership shall be open to any and all persons (corporations, firms, or individuals) who have interests in the legacy of Henrietta Lacks and the history of Turner Station, Maryland. Membership shall be open to all persons regardless of race, sex, creed, national origin, or physical or mental disabilities. (In considering applicants for membership, the qualifications, interest and capability of the applicant with reference to the purposes of the association shall be deemed material factors)
Section 2: Voting Membership: Only persons (if the person is a corporation or firm, its representative) who have paid the annual dues in full shall have the right to vote on Association business and to hold an office. In some instances (based on financial need), the Executive Committee may waive dues.
Section 3: Member in Good Standing: All persons who have requested to join HLLG, adhered to the Association’s regulations and have paid their dues in full will be considered members in good standing.
Article V. Dues
The Executive Committee shall adopt a comprehensive plan or schedule of membership dues that will produce revenues for the Association in a fair and equitable manner from each of the members. Such plan or schedule may be changed from time to time pursuant to a resolution of the Executive Committee to reflect the needs of the Association. Members who fail to pay their dues within 60 days after receipt of the initial dues bill shall receive a written notice of delinquency from the Treasurer of the Association. If after 90 days such members still remain delinquent, their membership shall be forfeited. A member shall be liable for the payment of dues accrued up to the date of such forfeiture. Payment of dues may be waived upon showing of good cause or in unusual circumstances upon a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Section 1: Why Collect Dues: All members will be asked to pay dues annually. Dues are voluntary; however, only members in good standing may vote on Association business. Dues are collected for the sole purpose of carrying out the mission of HLLG.
Section 2: Amount of Dues: Dues will be kept low so as to encourage as many members as possible. The amount of the dues will be determined annually and announced at the annual meeting to be held in on the first Saturday in the month of August—designated by the State of Maryland as Henrietta Lacks Day. The Executive Committee will make a recommendation to the membership at the annual meeting as to the amount of the yearly dues, followed by a vote of the membership.
Section 3: Payment of Dues: Annual dues are to be paid within 60 days of the annual meeting. New members will be asked to pay for the full year in which they join, regardless of when they join. If this causes a hardship on the member, dues may be prorated.
Section 4: Other Monetary Donations to the Association: Periodically, members may be asked to donate to other projects proposed and voted on by the HLLG. These are voluntary payments and are not considered dues.
Section 5: Who Pays Dues: Dues are collected from all members who are 18 years of age or older.
Article VI. Meetings
Section 1: Time and Place of Meetings: The general membership meets 3 times a year—on the third Saturday of March and June at 12:00 at the CCBC Dundalk, Communications Building Board Room. It also meets on the first Saturday of August during the Turner Station Heritage and Praise Day Program, Honoring Henrietta Lacks at the Union Baptist Church, 501 Main Street, Turner Station, MD.
Section 2: Special Meetings: Special Meetings of the Membership may be called by the President, the Executive Committee, or by 25% of the members having voting rights, at a date, place, and time designated by the President or the Executive Committee.
Section 3: Committee Meetings: The Executive Committee and/or other committees of the HLLG may meet at other times to conduct the business of the Association.
Section 4: Annual Meeting: The HLLG will hold an annual meeting on the first Saturday of August of each year. The officers will be elected at that meeting. The amount of annual dues will be voted on at that meeting. Anyone is allowed to attend this meeting, but only members in good standing (see Article IV) are allowed to vote at this meeting. The annual budget will be voted on at the annual meeting and the Audit Committee (see Article X, Section 4) will make their report.
Section 5: Nominations: Nominations will be accepted from the floor at the annual meeting.
Article VII. Officers
Section 1: Officers: The Association shall have a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and any other officers agreed upon and voted on by the membership who shall be the executive officers of the Association. The Executive Committee may designate who shall serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), having general supervision of the business and affairs of the Association, or as Chief Operating Officer (COO), having supervision of the operations of the Association; in the absence of the designation the President shall serve as CEO and COO. It may also have one or more Vice Presidents, assistant officers, and subordinate officers as may be established by the Executive Committee. A person may hold more than one office in the Association but may not serve concurrently as both President and Vice President of the Association.
Section 2: Elections: These offices shall be elected by a majority vote at the annual meeting. A roll call, voice, or secret ballot election may be used. If the officers are not elected at the annual meeting the current officers hold office until an election can be held. All officers must be members in good standing and are expected to remain current on their dues throughout their term.
Section 3: Terms: The terms for all offices shall be from the first Saturday of August to the end of that election year.
Section 4: Terms Limits: Officers can be elected to their office for 3 consecutive terms. After that, they must sit out for 1 term before running for the same office again.
Section 5: Vacancies: A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, or otherwise is to be filled by a person suggested by the Executive Committee and voted on by the membership body at an emergency meeting or a special meeting called by the Executive Committee.
Articles VIII: Officers Duties
Section 1: President: The President shall be the principal executive officer of the HLLG and shall generally supervise the business and affairs of the organization. The President may sign and execute, in the name of the Association, all authorized deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments, except in cases in which the signing and execution thereof have been expressly delegated to some other officer or agent of the Association. The President shall preside over all Executive Committee meetings and shall be considered a non-voting, voluntary member of all other standing and ad-hoc committees. The President presides over the annual and regularly scheduled meetings of the Association. The President may represent the HLLG at other meetings in the community as needed.
Section 2: Vice President: The Vice President shall assist the President when necessary, by attending committee meetings or other community meetings on behalf of the Association. The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in the event the President is unable to fulfill his/her responsibilities. The Vice President presides over meetings if the President is unable to attend. The Vice President is responsible for always having a copy of the most up-to-date bylaws and any other organizational policies and procedures at all meetings and to clarify questions about these documents if they arise. The Vice President may also be called upon to assist the other officers in their duties, such as assuring Association records are filed and organized.
Section 3: Secretary: The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all regularly scheduled meetings as well as all Executive Committee meetings. The Secretary shall also be responsible for keeping accurate records of all business, including but not limited to, all minutes, meeting notices, correspondence, copies of financial reports, copies of up-to-date bylaws, articles of incorporation paperwork, copies of all newsletters, copies of all requests for funds generated by the Association and any other historical documents that pertain to the ongoing business of the organization. The Secretary shall be the custodian of records of the Association. The Secretary will pass this information on to the next Secretary at the end of his/her term.
Section 4: Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for all funds of the HLLG. The Treasurer shall receive and issue receipts for monies due and payable to the Association from any source and deposit all monies in the name of the Association in the financial institution selected by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer will prepare accurate and timely financial reports to be presented to all members at every regularly scheduled membership meeting and Executive Committee meetings. The Treasurer is responsible for assuring all bank statements and other Association records are kept neatly filed and safe. The Treasurer is responsible for assuring all residents are aware of the amount of the annual dues. The Treasurer is accountable for all expenditures of the Association and must keep accurate records, including receipts, to back up every transaction. Each check of the Association shall be signed by two signatures. Treasurer shall prepare the checks for signatures, and two other officers will sign the checks. The Treasurer shall sign checks as a last resort.
Article IX. Executive Committee
Section 1: Executive Committee Membership: The President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer make up the Executive Committee.
Section 2: Executive Committee Responsibilities: The Executive committee shall manage the day-to-day operations of the HLLG. The Executive Committee is responsible for setting the agenda of the regularly scheduled meetings, arranging the annual meeting, establishing committees and appointing committee chairs. They also make a recommendation to the membership at the annual meeting as to the amount of yearly dues.
Section 3: Executive Committee Meetings: Executive Committee members may meet outside of regular association meeting times. The Executive Committee should hold regularly scheduled meetings.
Section 4: Executive Committee Quorum: There must be at least 3 of the 4 Executive Committee members present in order for the Executive Committee to conduct any business.
Article X. Committees
Section 1: Committee Chairs: The President shall assign the Committee Chairs as needed.
Section 2: Committee Members: Committee Chairs are responsible for assigning members to their respective committees.
Section 3: Standing Committee and Ad Hoc (as needed) Committees: Both Standing and Ad Hoc Committees may be utilized to address neighborhood business.
Section 4: Audit Committee: One of the Ad Hoc Committees will be an Audit Committee.
a.) This committee will be made up of 3 members at large. These committee members will be selected by the President and voted on by the members at a regularly scheduled meeting.
b.) Audit Committee will review all the checks, bank statements, check signatures, receipts, deposits, etc. for the entire fiscal year. The Audit Committee’s review will occur annually.
c.) Audit Committee will make a report of their findings at the annual meeting.
Article XI. Voting
Section I: Majority Vote Rules: All HLLG business is transacted using a voting system called Majority Vote, which means the winning candidate or resolution that received at least one more vote than the next candidate or resolution on the ballot.
Section 2: Must be Paid Member: In order to vote on HLLG business you must be a dues-paying member in good standing.
Article XII: Quorum
Section 1: Definition of Quorum: A quorum is the minimum number of persons required to be present before Association business can be voted on.
Section 2: Quorum at Membership Meetings. The HLLG requires that at least 10 members who are in good standing with the Association be present at any regularly scheduled or annual meeting in order for votes to take place or business to transact.
Section 3: Quorum at Executive Committee Meetings: The HLLG requires that at least 3 of the 4 Executive Committee members be present at an Executive Committee meeting in order to transact committee business.
Section 4: Quorum for Other Committees: There is no quorum responsibility for other HLLG committees.
Article XIII: Sundry Provisions
Section 1. Maintenance of Tax exempt Status. The Association shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Sections 170(c)(2), 2055(a)(2) and 2522(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
Section 2. Book and Records. The Association shall keep correct and complete books and record of its accounts and transactions and minutes of the proceedings of its members, its Executive Committee, and of any executive or other committee when exercising any of the powers of the Executive Committee. The books and records of a Corporation may be in written form or in any other form which can be converted within a reasonable time into written form for visual inspection. Minutes shall be recorded in written form but may be maintained in the form of a reproduction. The original or a certified copy of the bylaws shall be kept at the principal office of the Corporation.
Section 3. Corporate Seal. The Executive Committee shall provide a suitable seal, bearing the name of the Corporation, which shall be in the charge of the Secretary. The Executive Committee may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof. If the Corporation is required to place its corporate seal to a document, it is sufficient to meet the requirement of any law, rule, or regulation relating to a corporate seal to place the word “Seal” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to sign the document on behalf of the Corporation.
Section 4. Bonds. The Executive Committee may require any officer, agent, or employee of the Corporation to give a bond to the Corporation, conditioned upon the faithful discharge of his duties, with one or more sureties and in such amount as may be satisfactory to the Executive Committee.
Section 5. Mail. Any notice or other document which is required by these Bylaws to be mailed shall be deposited in the United States mails, postage prepaid.
Section 6. Execution of Documents. A person who holds more than one office in the Corporation may not act in more than one capacity to execute, acknowledge, or verify an instrument required by law to be executed, acknowledged, or verified by more than one officer.
Section 7. Conflict of Interest. In the event any trustee or officer of the Corporation is or may be an officer, director, stockholder, employee, or have a financial interest in a corporation or other organization with which this Association shall enter into a contract or other transaction; or shall directly or indirectly be a party to or have an interest in any contract or transaction of the Corporation, shall fully disclose such interest to the Executive Committee. After revealing any such interest, such director shall abstain from voting on any question in reference to said contract or transaction. Subject to compliance with these requirements of disclosure, no contract or other transaction between this Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, or individual, shall be affected by the fact that the trustee or officer of this Association is interested in or is a director or officer of such other corporations, provided that such contract is negotiated on an arm’s length basis and is fair and reasonable to the Corporation.
Section 8. Dissolution Clause. In the event of the dissolution of the corporation the remaining assets shall be distributed to charitable organizations with similar missions in the Turner Station and/or surrounding area.
Article XIV. Bylaw Amendments/Alterations and Rules of Assembly
These Bylaws may be altered or amended by an affirmative vote of 75% of the membership present at any regular or special membership meeting provided that notice to amend was given at least 10 days prior to the meeting and the intent to vote on bylaws is placed on the notice. Outside of these Bylaws, Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised is the standard by which this association transacts business.
The Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group exists to protect, preserve and promote the legacy of Henrietta Lacks and her singular contributions to modern medicine. It also exists to serve as a clearing house for activities that extend Lacks’ legacy and the history of Turner Station, Maryland, where Lacks resided at the time of her death.
Fundraising Plan
Each year, contributions will be solicited for the following projects:
- Annual Turner Station Heritage and Praise Day Celebration Honoring Henrietta Lacks
- Black History Month Essay and Video Contest
- STEM Scholarship at CCBC Dundalk
- Annual African American Steel Workers Program
- Annual Mother’s and Father’s Day Brunch Honoring Community Trail Blazers
- The Turner Station Girl Scouts
- The Turner Station Boy Scouts
- The Turner Station Tour Program
Bylaws of Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group
Established February 23, 2013
Article I. Name
The name of the Association shall be The Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group and shall also be known as HLLG. The Association shall be non-profit and shall issue no stock.
Article II. Purpose
The Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group exists to protect, preserve, and promote the legacy of Henrietta Lacks and her singular contributions to modern medicine. It also exists to serve as a clearing house for activities that extend Lacks’ legacy and the history of Turner Station, Maryland, where Lacks resided at the time of her death. It further exists to combat community deterioration in Turner Station, advance education and science, erect or maintain monuments or works of Henrietta Lacks, and relieve the poor, distressed, and the underprivileged in Turner Station, Maryland.
Article III. Boundaries
The organization shall serve the residents that live within these boundaries:
The Greater Baltimore Area, Maryland and people in the United States and abroad who have interest in the legacy of Henrietta Lacks and the history of Turner Station, Maryland.
Article IV. Membership
Section 1: Who Can Join: Membership shall be open to any and all persons (corporations, firms, or individuals) who have interests in the legacy of Henrietta Lacks and the history of Turner Station, Maryland. Membership shall be open to all persons regardless of race, sex, creed, national origin, or physical or mental disabilities. (In considering applicants for membership, the qualifications, interest and capability of the applicant with reference to the purposes of the association shall be deemed material factors)
Section 2: Voting Membership: Only persons (if the person is a corporation or firm, its representative) who have paid the annual dues in full shall have the right to vote on Association business and to hold an office. In some instances (based on financial need), the Executive Committee may waive dues.
Section 3: Member in Good Standing: All persons who have requested to join HLLG, adhered to the Association’s regulations and have paid their dues in full will be considered members in good standing.
Article V. Dues
The Executive Committee shall adopt a comprehensive plan or schedule of membership dues that will produce revenues for the Association in a fair and equitable manner from each of the members. Such plan or schedule may be changed from time to time pursuant to a resolution of the Executive Committee to reflect the needs of the Association. Members who fail to pay their dues within 60 days after receipt of the initial dues bill shall receive a written notice of delinquency from the Treasurer of the Association. If after 90 days such members still remain delinquent, their membership shall be forfeited. A member shall be liable for the payment of dues accrued up to the date of such forfeiture. Payment of dues may be waived upon showing of good cause or in unusual circumstances upon a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Section 1: Why Collect Dues: All members will be asked to pay dues annually. Dues are voluntary; however, only members in good standing may vote on Association business. Dues are collected for the sole purpose of carrying out the mission of HLLG.
Section 2: Amount of Dues: Dues will be kept low so as to encourage as many members as possible. The amount of the dues will be determined annually and announced at the annual meeting to be held in on the first Saturday in the month of August—designated by the State of Maryland as Henrietta Lacks Day. The Executive Committee will make a recommendation to the membership at the annual meeting as to the amount of the yearly dues, followed by a vote of the membership.
Section 3: Payment of Dues: Annual dues are to be paid within 60 days of the annual meeting. New members will be asked to pay for the full year in which they join, regardless of when they join. If this causes a hardship on the member, dues may be prorated.
Section 4: Other Monetary Donations to the Association: Periodically, members may be asked to donate to other projects proposed and voted on by the HLLG. These are voluntary payments and are not considered dues.
Section 5: Who Pays Dues: Dues are collected from all members who are 18 years of age or older.
Article VI. Meetings
Section 1: Time and Place of Meetings: The general membership meets 3 times a year—on the third Saturday of March and June at 12:00 at the CCBC Dundalk, Communications Building Board Room. It also meets on the first Saturday of August during the Turner Station Heritage and Praise Day Program, Honoring Henrietta Lacks at the Union Baptist Church, 501 Main Street, Turner Station, MD.
Section 2: Special Meetings: Special Meetings of the Membership may be called by the President, the Executive Committee, or by 25% of the members having voting rights, at a date, place, and time designated by the President or the Executive Committee.
Section 3: Committee Meetings: The Executive Committee and/or other committees of the HLLG may meet at other times to conduct the business of the Association.
Section 4: Annual Meeting: The HLLG will hold an annual meeting on the first Saturday of August of each year. The officers will be elected at that meeting. The amount of annual dues will be voted on at that meeting. Anyone is allowed to attend this meeting, but only members in good standing (see Article IV) are allowed to vote at this meeting. The annual budget will be voted on at the annual meeting and the Audit Committee (see Article X, Section 4) will make their report.
Section 5: Nominations: Nominations will be accepted from the floor at the annual meeting.
Article VII. Officers
Section 1: Officers: The Association shall have a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and any other officers agreed upon and voted on by the membership who shall be the executive officers of the Association. The Executive Committee may designate who shall serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), having general supervision of the business and affairs of the Association, or as Chief Operating Officer (COO), having supervision of the operations of the Association; in the absence of the designation the President shall serve as CEO and COO. It may also have one or more Vice Presidents, assistant officers, and subordinate officers as may be established by the Executive Committee. A person may hold more than one office in the Association but may not serve concurrently as both President and Vice President of the Association.
Section 2: Elections: These offices shall be elected by a majority vote at the annual meeting. A roll call, voice, or secret ballot election may be used. If the officers are not elected at the annual meeting the current officers hold office until an election can be held. All officers must be members in good standing and are expected to remain current on their dues throughout their term.
Section 3: Terms: The terms for all offices shall be from the first Saturday of August to the end of that election year.
Section 4: Terms Limits: Officers can be elected to their office for 3 consecutive terms. After that, they must sit out for 1 term before running for the same office again.
Section 5: Vacancies: A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, or otherwise is to be filled by a person suggested by the Executive Committee and voted on by the membership body at an emergency meeting or a special meeting called by the Executive Committee.
Articles VIII: Officers Duties
Section 1: President: The President shall be the principal executive officer of the HLLG and shall generally supervise the business and affairs of the organization. The President may sign and execute, in the name of the Association, all authorized deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments, except in cases in which the signing and execution thereof have been expressly delegated to some other officer or agent of the Association. The President shall preside over all Executive Committee meetings and shall be considered a non-voting, voluntary member of all other standing and ad-hoc committees. The President presides over the annual and regularly scheduled meetings of the Association. The President may represent the HLLG at other meetings in the community as needed.
Section 2: Vice President: The Vice President shall assist the President when necessary, by attending committee meetings or other community meetings on behalf of the Association. The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in the event the President is unable to fulfill his/her responsibilities. The Vice President presides over meetings if the President is unable to attend. The Vice President is responsible for always having a copy of the most up-to-date bylaws and any other organizational policies and procedures at all meetings and to clarify questions about these documents if they arise. The Vice President may also be called upon to assist the other officers in their duties, such as assuring Association records are filed and organized.
Section 3: Secretary: The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all regularly scheduled meetings as well as all Executive Committee meetings. The Secretary shall also be responsible for keeping accurate records of all business, including but not limited to, all minutes, meeting notices, correspondence, copies of financial reports, copies of up-to-date bylaws, articles of incorporation paperwork, copies of all newsletters, copies of all requests for funds generated by the Association and any other historical documents that pertain to the ongoing business of the organization. The Secretary shall be the custodian of records of the Association. The Secretary will pass this information on to the next Secretary at the end of his/her term.
Section 4: Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for all funds of the HLLG. The Treasurer shall receive and issue receipts for monies due and payable to the Association from any source and deposit all monies in the name of the Association in the financial institution selected by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer will prepare accurate and timely financial reports to be presented to all members at every regularly scheduled membership meeting and Executive Committee meetings. The Treasurer is responsible for assuring all bank statements and other Association records are kept neatly filed and safe. The Treasurer is responsible for assuring all residents are aware of the amount of the annual dues. The Treasurer is accountable for all expenditures of the Association and must keep accurate records, including receipts, to back up every transaction. Each check of the Association shall be signed by two signatures. Treasurer shall prepare the checks for signatures, and two other officers will sign the checks. The Treasurer shall sign checks as a last resort.
Article IX. Executive Committee
Section 1: Executive Committee Membership: The President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer make up the Executive Committee.
Section 2: Executive Committee Responsibilities: The Executive committee shall manage the day-to-day operations of the HLLG. The Executive Committee is responsible for setting the agenda of the regularly scheduled meetings, arranging the annual meeting, establishing committees and appointing committee chairs. They also make a recommendation to the membership at the annual meeting as to the amount of yearly dues.
Section 3: Executive Committee Meetings: Executive Committee members may meet outside of regular association meeting times. The Executive Committee should hold regularly scheduled meetings.
Section 4: Executive Committee Quorum: There must be at least 3 of the 4 Executive Committee members present in order for the Executive Committee to conduct any business.
Article X. Committees
Section 1: Committee Chairs: The President shall assign the Committee Chairs as needed.
Section 2: Committee Members: Committee Chairs are responsible for assigning members to their respective committees.
Section 3: Standing Committee and Ad Hoc (as needed) Committees: Both Standing and Ad Hoc Committees may be utilized to address neighborhood business.
Section 4: Audit Committee: One of the Ad Hoc Committees will be an Audit Committee.
a.) This committee will be made up of 3 members at large. These committee members will be selected by the President and voted on by the members at a regularly scheduled meeting.
b.) Audit Committee will review all the checks, bank statements, check signatures, receipts, deposits, etc. for the entire fiscal year. The Audit Committee’s review will occur annually.
c.) Audit Committee will make a report of their findings at the annual meeting.
Article XI. Voting
Section I: Majority Vote Rules: All HLLG business is transacted using a voting system called Majority Vote, which means the winning candidate or resolution that received at least one more vote than the next candidate or resolution on the ballot.
Section 2: Must be Paid Member: In order to vote on HLLG business you must be a dues-paying member in good standing.
Article XII: Quorum
Section 1: Definition of Quorum: A quorum is the minimum number of persons required to be present before Association business can be voted on.
Section 2: Quorum at Membership Meetings. The HLLG requires that at least 10 members who are in good standing with the Association be present at any regularly scheduled or annual meeting in order for votes to take place or business to transact.
Section 3: Quorum at Executive Committee Meetings: The HLLG requires that at least 3 of the 4 Executive Committee members be present at an Executive Committee meeting in order to transact committee business.
Section 4: Quorum for Other Committees: There is no quorum responsibility for other HLLG committees.
Article XIII: Sundry Provisions
Section 1. Maintenance of Tax exempt Status. The Association shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Sections 170(c)(2), 2055(a)(2) and 2522(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
Section 2. Book and Records. The Association shall keep correct and complete books and record of its accounts and transactions and minutes of the proceedings of its members, its Executive Committee, and of any executive or other committee when exercising any of the powers of the Executive Committee. The books and records of a Corporation may be in written form or in any other form which can be converted within a reasonable time into written form for visual inspection. Minutes shall be recorded in written form but may be maintained in the form of a reproduction. The original or a certified copy of the bylaws shall be kept at the principal office of the Corporation.
Section 3. Corporate Seal. The Executive Committee shall provide a suitable seal, bearing the name of the Corporation, which shall be in the charge of the Secretary. The Executive Committee may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof. If the Corporation is required to place its corporate seal to a document, it is sufficient to meet the requirement of any law, rule, or regulation relating to a corporate seal to place the word “Seal” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to sign the document on behalf of the Corporation.
Section 4. Bonds. The Executive Committee may require any officer, agent, or employee of the Corporation to give a bond to the Corporation, conditioned upon the faithful discharge of his duties, with one or more sureties and in such amount as may be satisfactory to the Executive Committee.
Section 5. Mail. Any notice or other document which is required by these Bylaws to be mailed shall be deposited in the United States mails, postage prepaid.
Section 6. Execution of Documents. A person who holds more than one office in the Corporation may not act in more than one capacity to execute, acknowledge, or verify an instrument required by law to be executed, acknowledged, or verified by more than one officer.
Section 7. Conflict of Interest. In the event any trustee or officer of the Corporation is or may be an officer, director, stockholder, employee, or have a financial interest in a corporation or other organization with which this Association shall enter into a contract or other transaction; or shall directly or indirectly be a party to or have an interest in any contract or transaction of the Corporation, shall fully disclose such interest to the Executive Committee. After revealing any such interest, such director shall abstain from voting on any question in reference to said contract or transaction. Subject to compliance with these requirements of disclosure, no contract or other transaction between this Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, or individual, shall be affected by the fact that the trustee or officer of this Association is interested in or is a director or officer of such other corporations, provided that such contract is negotiated on an arm’s length basis and is fair and reasonable to the Corporation.
Section 8. Dissolution Clause. In the event of the dissolution of the corporation the remaining assets shall be distributed to charitable organizations with similar missions in the Turner Station and/or surrounding area.
Article XIV. Bylaw Amendments/Alterations and Rules of Assembly
These Bylaws may be altered or amended by an affirmative vote of 75% of the membership present at any regular or special membership meeting provided that notice to amend was given at least 10 days prior to the meeting and the intent to vote on bylaws is placed on the notice. Outside of these Bylaws, Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised is the standard by which this association transacts business.
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