Simmons College of Kentucky has a long tradition of leadership in social justice initiatives for Black Americans. Simmons will continue to be a center of excellence in social justice thought. It will continue to bring outstanding scholars and thinkers together to comment on the status quo and set standards for a just and ethical democracy. This social justice imperative pervades all of Simmons’ degree programs and is unique in higher education because it brings the history and perspective of Black Americans into focus throughout all areas of the curriculum.

Simmons is an economic engine for the city of Louisville., creating employment, generating revenue, taxes, and renovation projects. Simmons College of Kentucky is geographically situated within Louisville's Black community, thus making it accessible to talented, yet overlooked citizens with great-untapped potential.

For low-income Black youth, Louisville’s only HBCU provides a unique environment in which they can grow and flourish. The college’s Black-centric curriculum, is undergirded by faith-based ethics, and values: Black role models who build strong relationships with students, all work together to instill in its graduates the discipline, and perseverance needed to create a new path for their lives and communities. Being in a community of Black learners and inspiring Black scholars provides a context for learning for students who have suffered the reality of racism and deprivation and enlivens them with a vision what they can achieve with their good work and dedication.