March 14, 2025 Story by: Editor
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hundreds of West Virginians came together once again to promote civic engagement and raise awareness about policies affecting Black and marginalized communities.
Monday marked the fourth annual Black Policy Day at the state Capitol, bringing together community leaders, advocates, and students from across the state to engage with legislators on critical issues. Attendees traveled from the Southern Coalfields to the northern and eastern panhandles to discuss policies impacting their communities.
A key focus of the discussions was the 2025 Black Policy Agenda, which includes legislative efforts on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies as well as the CROWN Act, aimed at workplace and school protections.
Speaking on MetroNews’ Talkline, Black Policy Day co-founder Dr. Shanequa Smith emphasized the importance of protecting children through these legislative efforts.
“I am very much focused on making sure that we have the resources for our childcare and in schools, because, if our children are strong then our community can grow strong,” Smith stated.
The Black Policy Agenda encompasses various issues affecting marginalized communities, including healthcare, education, and criminal justice reform.
Among the legislative priorities is the CROWN Act—“Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”—which seeks to eliminate race-based hair discrimination in workplaces and schools.
Smith explained that these measures are simply about allowing Black individuals to embrace their natural hair without fear of discrimination.
“I know a lot of times when individuals are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with something they tend to resist it, but we just want space to be able to wear our hair, we don’t want people to be intimidated by our hair, it doesn’t mean we would violate any laws as far if, you know, you would have wear a hard hat or if you had to follow anything for your job,” she said.
Another significant topic of discussion was DEI policies, which have faced opposition since the Trump administration began dismantling DEI initiatives through executive orders.
Smith pointed out that DEI policies are often misunderstood and benefit a broader range of people than commonly perceived.
“We know from DEI that DEI does not only benefit colored people, it benefits veterans, and disabled people, and other people in other classes,” she noted.
She further questioned the motives behind efforts to eliminate long standing programs that support various communities.
“When you look at this current administration that is ready to remove something long been in place that benefits so many people, it’s hard not to question the morals and the heart of the system,” Smith added.
The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs has played a role in DEI discussions, particularly regarding its funding and future.
Smith stressed the importance of fully funding the office, which amplifies the voices of historically oppressed communities.
“I think it’s important that when we talk about having a healthy state that we include all individuals and we support all individuals, so the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs is just specifically focusing on all of those people and all of those things that traditionally, kind of had a way of falling through the cracks,” she explained.
She added that the office provides marginalized groups with direct access to legislators and government agencies.
While Black Policy Day centers on issues affecting the Black community, Smith emphasized its inclusive nature and broader mission of equity for all.
“It’s not exclusive only to black people, this is a very inclusive space, but it is a bold statement to say a lot of times we don’t have space, so we just want some space to add to the wisdom and the strength of our state,” she said.
The event featured activities throughout the day, concluding with a rally in support of the CROWN Act.
Source: Metro News
