“Kim Rodgers’ journey to becoming a racial justice advocate began in 2012, after George Zimmerman was acquitted for the murder of Trayvon Martin. She was 22 years old and just beginning to realize how interconnected and complex the issue of racism was in America. Kimberly gradually began to sharpen her socio-political analysis by reading more, watching the news to see how issues of race were discussed, and engaging in conversations with people in her personal networks. In the years that followed, she witnessed countless other Black people die at the hands of the state, but saw few repercussions for those who committed the violence. She attended protests and joined discussion groups, but her most purposeful work for racial equity has come through professional opportunities.
In her previous job at the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), she was an active member and co-lead of a staff affinity group focused on taking action for inclusion, equity, and diversity. She facilitated NACCHO’s Roots of Health Inequity course and provided technical assistance on communicating for health equity to local health departments and other external partners. In her current job, she provides capacity-building that prepares cross-sector professionals to foster racial equity in their work. She delivers trainings; has been invited to present at conferences on narrative, identity, and power; and co-wrote two modules of the Fostering Equity Guide. And she currently manages a Truth & Reconciliation initiative in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she led the standing up of a leadership development program for people interested in championing racial justice.
“
