Our organization is called the Clark County Equity Coalition. Believe it or not, we started 2025 by discussing whether to change our organization’s name. At a Board meeting, we brainstormed alternatives because the word equity has become so divisive.
In the end, the Board decided not to change the name, at least not now. We weighed several reasons: we are becoming known as an organization; rebranding would mean starting over; and a name change might even require re-incorporation. But the main reason was this: we refuse to water down or lessen our vision, desired impact, or organizational goals. All of those are tied to proactively providing equitable resources for our children. Equity is in our DNA.
A Gala, Publicity, and Closed Doors
As we prepared for our Old Hollywood-themed Gala on August 31, we reached out to local television stations for coverage. Several never responded. One station called back. They told us they loved what we were doing, had reviewed our website, and thought we were doing great work. However, they then added that the word ‘equity’ makes them nervous. Because of that, they declined to advertise our Gala.
We are grateful to Channel 36 and to Ronda Simmons, a Winchester resident and news producer, who helped us appear on Good Day Kentucky. Thank you, Ronda! Still, I cannot ignore how disheartening it was to be turned away simply because of a word that, to us, represents fairness and opportunity for children.
The Weaponization of Equity
Considering this, I had to pause, seek understanding, and reflect. It saddens me to see that words like equity and inclusion, and even the desire for students to access resources and opportunities that will propel them to success, have been weaponized to the point that a news station, which should be impartial, is fearful of supporting programming that they themselves feel is “great work”.
We are here for all children. We are currently developing additional programs to support our students from diverse backgrounds. We want to meet them where they are and help bridge the gaps that hold them back.
Winchester-Clark County is home to many great, kind, and loving people. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we must be willing to help one another. That is how communities thrive.
Equity is not a threat. According to Merriam-Webster, equity means “fairness or justice in the way people are treated.” In Winchester-Clark County, we already embrace equity every day. We have programs to support the homeless, veterans, those in recovery, and families experiencing poverty. These programs exist to ensure that people who have struggled, or simply had “life” happen, can access the resources they need to thrive, take care of their families, and experience fair treatment. We have to be careful, because any one of us could be one major medical incident or devastating financial circumstance away from needing some of the same resources.
A Call Back to Biblical Principles
When I hear divisive rhetoric in the media, from political leaders, and even sometimes from neighbors, I find myself asking: When did we turn away from true Biblical principles?
Mark 12:29–31 reminds us:
“Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” — New King James.
I am your neighbor. Children of all races, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, abilities, and even immigration statuses are our neighbors. Jesus did not say, “Love your neighbor if you agree with them” or “if they look like you.” He said, Love your neighbor. That was his second greatest commandment. Whether you are a Christian or not, this is guidance we could all use right now.
My Struggle as Your Neighbor
I do not condone violence. I do not believe people should be shot, fired, or intimidated for what they say or believe. But I also know that words can incite violence, fear, and danger for others. That is why we must remember Mark 12. When we stray from it, then it becomes all too easy to think that your life and your comfort are worth more than mine.
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I am disheartened when I see individuals I know, people I have worshiped and prayed with, idolizing a man who thinks that, as a Black woman, I am less than, and that my family and I would be better off enslaved.
I will be honest: I struggled with writing this. I feared what people would think of me or how I would be viewed. But I cannot stay silent in a community with so much potential, in a country that desperately needs healing, and not share my point of view, which I hope will prompt healthy and courageous conversations.
Moving Forward Together
Winchester-Clark County is home to many great, kind, and loving people. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we must be willing to help one another. That is how communities thrive.
I am open to healthy and constructive conversations and debates. That is how we grow. But we need to return to civil discourse. Disagreement does not mean we cannot find common ground. Having the word ‘equity’ in our name does not make us unpatriotic or dangerous. It means we are doing our part to help students become better citizens, friends, and neighbors.
Will we eventually change our name? Perhaps. However, if we do, it will not be because ‘equity’ is a bad word. It will be because we remain focused on doing the work, centering our children, and loving our neighbors.
