Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

The idea that one race is superior to another race is antithetical to everything America stands for. That's why there are so many efforts from the political right and political left to fight racism. For decades, affirmative action elevated job and education applicants to the top based on their skin color. In many cases it’s been counterproductive. A better solution is merit-based racial equality, where applicants who are best qualified are hired.  Gov. Matt Bevin has done more for racial equality than any previous Kentucky governor by appointing highly accomplished people of color to top positions. Secretary Derrick Ramsey leads the Cabinet for Education and Workforce Development. Wayne Lewis is Kentucky's first black Commissioner of Education. Aaron Thompson is the president of the Council on Postsecondary Education. And of course, Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton is the first black person elected to statewide office.