Our Story

Formed from tension.
Driven by change.

We are the Lightkeepers of Henry County—neighbors, advocates, and storytellers fighting for the people this system was never built to protect.

Two women, a Black woman and a white woman holding hands in an embrace during a vigil for George Floyd in 2020

Our Mission

We gather stories, speak truth, and turn care into action—so everyone in Henry County feels seen, valued, and empowered to shape what’s next.

Our Pillars

Where the work lives.

Equity

The work that started everything—and never stops.

On June 6, 2020, a vigil for George Floyd became a movement. We still march, organize, and testify—for racial equity, civil rights, and every neighbor this system has failed.

Education

Knowledge is how we protect what’s ours.

From Juneteenth programming to Know Your Rights workshops, we share the histories, truths, and tools that show where we’ve been—and what we’re still owed.

Empathy

We’re not alone—and we never have to be.

From Pride Prom to community walks, this is where showing up as yourself is enough. We listen, we celebrate, and we hold space for each other—together, out loud.

Our Team

The people behind our mission

The voices that challenge norms in our community so everyone is heard.

Denotes board member
Headshot of board member Ashli Leasher, smiling warmly.
Ashli Leasher
Board Member
Headshot of board member Erin Mahin, long teal and blue hair, colorful patterned headband, nose ring, smiling warmly.
Erin Mahin
Board Member
Headshot of Lightkeeper Liaison Jaimee Stockton, long wavy blonde hair, blue eyes, nose ring, dark gray hoodie, warm smile.
Jaimee Stockton
Lightkeeper Liaison
Headshot of board member and Performance Arts Director Jemara Tait, smiling warmly.
Jemara Tait
Performance Arts Director
Headshot of Treasurer John Lamb, bald, glasses, gray beard, wearing a Green Bay Packers shirt, smiling gently.
John Lamb
Treasurer
Headshot of board member Keegan Thomas, tousled light brown hair, trimmed beard, black stud earring, relaxed expression.
Keegan Thomas
Board Member
Headshot of Outreach & Belonging Coordinator Kenny ‘Sinister Kenster’ Johnson, smiling.
Kenny Johnson
Outreach & Belonging Coordinator
Headshot of Lightkeeper Liaison Kris Massengale, spiky brown hair, goatee, maroon hoodie, smiling.
Kris Massengale
Lightkeeper Liaison
Headshot of longtime board member Martha Hamrick, warm smile, chic glasses.
Martha Hamrick
Board Member
Headshot of Director Mary Nicholson Tait, voluminous curly brown hair, sparkly glasses, red lipstick, wearing a tan hoodie.
Mary Nicholson Tait
President
Headshot of Secretary Melanie Wright, short purple hair, large hoop earrings, green polka-dot top, chunky chain necklace, big smile.
Melanie Wright
Secretary
Headshot of Lightkeeper Liaison Michael Tait, curly black hair, mustache, black shirt, smiling.
Michael Tait
Lightkeeper Liaison
Headshot of board member Nicha Coatie, full smile, wearing a Black Lives Matter hoodie.
Nicha Coatie
Board Member
Headshot of board member Rebecca King, composed expression with a soft smile.
Rebecca King
Board Member
Headshot of Lightkeeper Liaison Stephanie Wilkerson, short blonde hair, gold necklace, cream sweatshirt, smiling warmly.
Stephanie Wilkerson
Lightkeeper Liaison
Headshot of board member Trish Nicholson Crowe, curly black hair, wide-brimmed hat, big smile, dark blazer.
Trish Nicholson Crowe
Board Member
Headshot of Lightkeeper Liaison Valerie Lamb, brown hair in a ponytail, green eyes, black sunglasses perched on her head, smiling sweetly.
Valerie Lamb
Lightkeeper Liaison
Headshot of Lightkeeper Liaison Zach Jessee, full brown beard, camo baseball cap, aviator sunglasses perched on top, smiling brightly.
Zach Jessee
Lightkeeper Liaison

We are the only organization in Henry County advocating for marginalized communities—and one of fewer than ten in Indiana doing JEDI and Pride work. New Castle deserves the same support larger cities take for granted. We’re building it, one resource, one partnership, one person at a time.

This didn’t happen overnight.

See how we got hereOur Journey