KENTUCKY — On this week’s episode, we’re sharing how some of our elected leaders in state government are reflecting on and celebrating Black History Month in the Commonwealth.

Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month, is celebrated each February. It is a federally recognized time to reflect on the significant roles that Black Americans played in shaping United States history.

State Sen. Donald Douglas, R-Ky., of Nicholasville joins this In Focus program. He is a physician by trade and represents voters in part of Fayette, Garrard and Jessamine counties in the state legislature.

In 2021, Douglas became the first Black member of the Kentucky Senate Republican caucus when he won in a special election.

During this segment, Douglas reflects on his time in elected office and legislative goals for this year’s 2024 legislative session.

“I often start out by talking about my role here in the General Assembly. Many people don’t know, I’m actually the first Black, conservative Republican in the history of the General Assembly. And I think that’s historic. And I think that is important. I think what I bring to the General Assembly is just a different view. And I think that I brought that to me and my colleagues here in the General Assembly, I think it has been very important,” explained Douglas.

You can watch the full In Focus Kentucky segment in the player above.