The Henderson Chamber of Commerce’s celebration of Black History Month, which thus far has included posted articles about notable Hendersonians, is a continuing effort to diversify the local organization.
Dr. Michelle Chappell, who is the vice-chair for the education, workforce and diversity, equity and inclusion committee, said that when she joined the chamber board in 2021, she was asked to help attract more minority-owned businesses to join the chamber.
Chappell said that goal aligns with the state Chamber of Commerce’s goals. She and others attended the state chamber’s inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit in 2022. Much of what was gleaned there has seen a continuation at the local chamber, Chappell said.
According to its website, the chamber “recognizes that sustained economic growth and a prosperous and vibrant community is inextricably linked to diversity, equity and inclusion in our educational systems, our business community, and our county at large.”
The articles posted on the chamber’s page this month are the latest effort to spread information. The first article was about Bobbie Jarrett, the executive director of the Housing Authority of Henderson. The most recent posting was of Darlene Marshall-Ware, a longtime social worker in Henderson who has been involved in many other organizations.
Next up, according to Chappell, will be posts about the Rev. Charles Johnson, the pastor at Greater Norris Chapel Baptist Church, and the Rev. Anthony Brooks, a longtime local pastor and civil rights leader for whom Anthony Brooks Park is named.
The chamber will also celebrate local women in March for Women’s History Month.
The chamber also maintains a list of minority-owned businesses on the site. For more information and to view the page, go to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Henderson, Kentucky – Henderson Ky Chamber of Commerce
