Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs

06/25/2026

🌟Happy Birthday, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor! 🌟

The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs (HHOMA) wishes a very happy birthday to Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina and third woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court.

Born on June 25, 1954, in the Bronx, New York, Justice Sotomayor’s remarkable journey from public housing to the highest court in the land exemplifies perseverance and an unwavering commitment to justice. 

Throughout her career, Justice Sotomayor has been a voice for underrepresented communities, advocating for Latino students and faculty at Princeton and Yale and she has also worked with the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund.

At HHOMA, we honor trailblazers like Justice Sotomayor whose story reminds us of the importance of diverse backgrounds in public service, and the lasting impact one dedicated individual can make.

Wishing Justice Sotomayor a joyful birthday filled with celebration and continued good health as she serves our nation. 🇺🇸



Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

06/24/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas! 🎉

In May 2026, he became the second longest serving Supreme Court Justice in history!

Justice Thomas rose from being born into poverty in 1948, to the highest court in the land. His life story is the embodiment of the resilience of the human spirit.

The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs (HHOMA), wishes him continued wisdom and courage in the years ahead. 🇺🇸⚖️
Learn more here: https://justicethomas.com/

Photo: Book by Ann Byers, Clarence Thomas: Conservative Supreme Court Justice

06/23/2026

🌟 Honoring the Legacy of Herbert Henderson on His Birthday 🌟

Today we remember and celebrate the life of Herbert H. Henderson (June 23, 1929 – October 16, 2007), the pioneering civil rights attorney after whom our agency is named. A tireless advocate for justice, equality, and opportunity for all, he led the West Virginia NAACP for two decades, fought for school desegregation, and helped open doors for marginalized West Virginians.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mr. Henderson. Your legacy of justice and equality endures. 🕊️⚖️



(screen grabs from West Virginia Public Broadcasting)

06/19/2026

The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs (HHOMA) joins the nation in commemorating Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. 🌍✨

We are proud to share the proclamation from Governor Patrick Morrisey declaring June 19 as Juneteenth Day in the Great State of West Virginia. This significant date honors the resilience of the human spirit and recognizes the historic announcement in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, which marked the end of chattel slavery in our country. 📜🕊️ Many Americans have been observing this day for generations. 🎆

As we reflect on this vital chapter of our history, we honor the progress that has been made and remain committed to the ongoing work of forming “a more perfect Union.” 🤝🏾❤️

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06/03/2026

Check out this good news for West Virginia! 🎉 A recent article highlights that is ranked 2nd in the entire United States for racial equality in education! 🍎📚 This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication across our communities to ensure every student has access to educational opportunity.

The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs is proud of this progress as we continue to champion educational advancement for all underserved citizens in West Virginia.

Read the full story: https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia-ranked-2nd-in-united-states-for-racial-equality-in-education/amp/

WEST VIRGINIA (WTRF) – A new report from personal finance company WalletHub ranks West Virginia second in the nation for racial equality in education. The study compared all 50 states across …

05/25/2026

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05/04/2026

📣 West Virginia Department of Human Services Announces Launch of Summer EBT Program for West Virginia Students. 🌟

"The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA), has received federal approval to provide Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) for the 2026 summer period. This program assists eligible households in purchasing groceries during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.
The 2026 Summer EBT program will run from June 1, 2026, through August 20, 2026, and will provide a one-time grocery benefit. To receive benefits during the initial issuance, households should submit a completed application by May 15, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted through August 20, 2026, and will be processed within 15 business days after receipt.
Applications can be obtained at local DoHS county offices, through the Office of Constituent Services, or downloaded at bfa.wv.gov/summer-ebt. Applications will be available in paper format only and may be submitted in person, by mail, email, or fax.
Eligibility and Benefits:
Benefits will be issued as a one-time payment, either added to an existing SNAP or WV WORKS EBT card or provided on a new Mountain State EBT card.
Most eligible students will be automatically enrolled through the PATH system if they:
-Receive SNAP, WV WORKS, or qualifying Medicaid
-Are in foster care
-Are identified as homeless, migrant, or runaway
-Are enrolled in WV Head Start
These households do not need to apply and can expect to receive benefits beginning the week of May 25, 2026.
Households not automatically enrolled, including those with students attending Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools, must apply to determine eligibility.
Summer EBT Income Chart
Eligibility is based on household income:
(See Picture Below)
Families with questions or needing assistance with the application process may contact the DoHS Customer Service Center at 1-877-716-1212 or visit a local DoHS office for support."

➡️ Follow DoHS at: https://www.facebook.com/wv.dohs

05/03/2026

In May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It’s a time to uplift the vibrant cultures, rich histories, and powerful impact of AAPI communities shaping our world every day.

05/02/2026

Throughout May, we honor Jewish American Heritage Month. This is a time to recognize the traditions, resilience, and lasting contributions of Jewish Americans across generations.