1. United States
2. W.V.
3. Letter

​I am writing to express my strong opposition to Senate Bill 879, which proposes the elimination of the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs (HHOMA). ​While the bill suggests renaming Building 3 of the State Capitol Complex in honor of Mr. Henderson, a physical monument cannot replace the vital, living work that this office performs for West Virginians today. ​The HHOMA serves as a critical bridge between state government and underrepresented communities. Its dissolution would create several significant gaps: ​Loss of Advocacy: The office provides a dedicated voice for minority populations, ensuring that policy decisions consider the unique challenges faced by these constituents. ​Economic Impact: By transferring the Minority Affairs Fund, the state risks losing specialized focus on minority-owned business development and community-specific innovation. ​Representation: Removing the Director from the Hope Scholarship Board and the Semiquincentennial Commission eliminates essential perspectives that ensure state programs are equitable and inclusive. ​Naming a building after a civil rights icon while simultaneously dismantling the very office designed to carry out his legacy is contradictory. True honor for Herbert H. Henderson lies in continuing the work of equity and advocacy to which he dedicated his life. ​I urge you to vote NO on SB 879 and instead look for ways to strengthen the HHOMA’s ability to serve all citizens of West Virginia.