My name is LaWunda Jackson.   I’m a lifelong resident of Rock Hill SC, a mother, a grandmother, and a business owner. I’ve raised children here and now watch my grandchildren grow up here too. But I’ve also carried the weight of being called a “minority” all my life.

That word has made me feel boxed in, mislabeled, and overlooked. And I’ve seen what it does to the next generation, how it shapes the way our children see themselves. This petition isn’t just about changing a word. It’s about changing what we teach our children to believe about their worth.

Who is impacted?

Black and brown communities in Rock Hill, especially our youth, are directly impacted every time the word “minority” is used in city policy, school materials, or public programs. This word tells our children they are “less than” before they even know who they are. It reinforces a sense of inferiority that affects how they see themselves in classrooms, job opportunities, and even in their dreams.

What is at stake?

If we don’t change this language, we continue allowing a word to define generations of young people as less deserving of power, respect, and possibility. Our youth internalize these labels, and that belief system contributes to disengagement, increased behavior challenges, and rising crime rates. But if we shift our language, we shift our legacy. We begin to uplift our children and affirm who they really are: strong, brilliant, and foundational.

Why is now the time to act?

We have the power right now, as a city and school district, to say enough is enough. Change begins with how we speak. By replacing the word “minority” with accurate, empowering alternatives like “underrepresented,” “historically marginalized,” or “global majority,” Rock Hill can lead by example and become a city that speaks truth into our youth instead of limitation. The time to act is now, not just for language, but for legacy.