(This article first appeared in the April print edition of the Hendersonian.)
As a community, and as individuals, the well-being of our neighbors should be at the center of every decision we make. Whether it’s a policy, an investment or a simple everyday action, how we care for one another shapes who we are and who we will become.
Henderson is at a crossroads.
The choices we make today—how we show up for each other, how we invest in one another, and how we listen to every voice—will define the Henderson we pass on to future generations. I believe Henderson is a place where kindness and faith run deep, and where neighbors take care of neighbors.
I know this firsthand. I grew up here. These values were instilled in me at a young age and reaffirmed every time I saw them in action— whether it was a warm hello at the grocery store or the way our community came together to help nearby counties after disasters.
As a 20-year-old who has lived in Henderson my whole life, I’ve seen how special this place is. Our sense of belonging is part of what makes Henderson thrive, from our parks and sunsets to our downtown revitalization and (of course) our famous BBQ.
But loving this community also means acknowledging where we can grow. Starting the conversation about progress can be tough, but we’ve done it before. Henderson has always found a way to hold onto its identity while embracing change. We take pride in our hospitality and community spirit.
But what if we expanded that spirit beyond casual kindness? What if our deep empathy showed up in the choices we make about housing, jobs and infrastructure? What if we built a Henderson where every person—no matter their zip code, beliefs, or background—feels like they belong and can build a meaningful life here?
We’ve already seen what’s possible. The Inner City Improvement Plan is just one example of how local investment and shared vision can uplift an entire neighborhood. The same goes for our downtown, which is once again a vibrant place where families, businesses and visitors gather.
But our work isn’t finished. What would it look like if we applied that same attention and care to every neighborhood in Henderson?
Progress is about more than attracting businesses: it’s about investing in people. Programs like the Manufacturing Academy, which connects students to local industries, and The Port, which provides youth and young adults with job training and life skills, are helping build a stronger, more resilient Henderson. The question is, how do we ensure every young person sees a future here, instead of feeling they have to leave to find opportunity?
It’s a challenge for all of us, not just city officials. Business owners, mentors, faith leaders, neighbors— we each have a role to play. The same values that guide how we greet one another should also guide how we shape the future of Henderson. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Henderson Christian Community Outreach remind us that when we care for our most vulnerable neighbors, our whole community thrives.
So how do we carry that spirit forward? The answer starts with each of us showing up, extending a hand, and making sure no one is left behind—regardless of what they look like, who they love or where they live. At the end of the day, Henderson’s identity is what should fuel our progress. Building a Henderson for everyone means building a town where young people want to stay, where families can thrive, where businesses succeed, and where every neighborhood has the resources it needs to flourish. It means making decisions with people at the center, not just dollars and cents.
Our values—kindness, faith, and neighborly love—must be more than just words. They must be actions. The future of Henderson isn’t something that happens to us. It’s something we create together. Whether that means mentoring a young person, volunteering, shopping local or inviting new voices to the table, we each have a part to play.
So, I’ll leave you with this: Can you love your neighbor radically? Can you advocate for them? Can you want more for them, just as you do for yourself? Let’s stop asking, “Can it be done?” and start asking, “What if it could?” Let’s build the table, and make sure there’s a seat for everyone along the way.
Cooper Beck is the founder and executive director of Henderson KY Pride Inc.
