LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After decades in the U.S. Air Force and working in her community, Pamela Stevenson took on a new role this year as a Kentucky lawmaker.

Stevenson, a Democrat, serves Louisville and is one of only two Black women in the legislature. 

Last week, Stevenson met with actors from the musical The Color Purple at the Russell Theatre in Louisville's West End. 

Rep. Pamela Stevenson, D-Louisville, meets with actors from The Color Purple, playing this month at the Russell Theatre. (Spectrum News 1/Erin Kelly)

The theatre is currently in its fourth season with sold-out performances of the musical and Stevenson wants everyone to know about the venue, she said.

“I love this theatre because there are people in West Louisville that would love to be actors, actresses, musicians, singers and just want the opportunity to be on stage," Stevenson told Spectrum News 1. "This is that opportunity.” 

The building that now houses the theatre also has a connection to her family.   

“This used to be the only junior high school where Black children could go," said Stevenson. "My parents went to Russell.”

Stevenson's parents taught her to give back to her community, which led her to join the U.S. Air Force, she said. 

Over 27 years, she served in many roles, including as a commander, prosecutor and JAG Corps technology chief. 

“If we all live for something bigger than self, then this whole country would realize the promise of America, and so that’s what I learned in my military service," she said. "You can’t call back to the commander and say, ‘we can’t get the job done and America’s unprotected.’ You have to find a way to make sure that there's, as much as possible, a win-win.” 

Stevenson helped bring a veterans memorial to the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. (Spectrum News 1/Erin Kelly)

Stevenson's first bill to reorganize Kentucky’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs passed with unanimous support. 

So far, Stevenson has pre-filed a bill for the 2022 legislative session to designate a Women Veterans’ Appreciation Day in Kentucky. But there is a lot more work to do, she said. 

“We can lead the states in getting rid of homelessness, feeding every child, families thriving," she said. "We have all the pieces . . . Everybody believes that they want a Kentucky, a commonwealth that thrives, where families are thriving, and so we just have to work together to make that happen.” 

Stevenson and her husband have been married 39 years and they have two adult children.