LEXINGTON, Ky. — A first-time member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, Lamin Swann’s life is being remembered by city leaders in the wake of his unexpected death.
Swann was a newcomer to the Kentucky House of Representatives, but a long-time advocate for his community. His colleagues said his kindness was like no other.
“Lamin was one of the first people I met. He was active in the Democratic party, he was active in the community, he held lots of positions, he had run for office before and so Lamin was such a good person and such a kind gentle soul,” said Democratic State Rep. Chad Aull.
“Maybe the kindest person I have ever met in my entire life, a humble person. He was a fierce advocate for Lexingtonians and people he loved living with disabilities,” said State Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson, who is a member of the leadership for the House Democratic Caucus.
Born in Lexington, he was a creator and designer, as well as a board chair for the Creative Morning — a national nonprofit that focuses on digital design, illustration and other creative efforts in the community.
A native of the Tates Creek area, Swann continued his work as the representative for the 93rd District in Lexington.
He strongly supported affordable housing, social and civil justice, and, as someone in a wheelchair himself, better resources for those with disabilities.
Those causes are something that Aull said they will continue to fight for. “Beginning to talk as a caucus is about those bills who will carry those next time because we must continue advocating for the positions, and the things that Lamin cared about and carry some of those things into the next session and hopefully move and get some of those things passed,” Aull said.
Stevenson said state lawmakers are saddened by his death. She said he truly showed the community and constituents what it meant to help lead Kentucky.
“I want people to realize what a good and humble servant he was. He was the epitome of being a public servant and we are all better for knowing him,” Stevenson said. “I think that we are going to be better legislators because of the example he set.”
Now, with empathetic shoes to fill, Aull said moving forward will be tough without the change-maker.
“Anytime you have someone that significant in the community passes, the community doesn’t recover. It evolves,” Aull explained.
Stevenson says the 93rd District will be truly affected. “No one will be able to come in and serve the community and serve their constituents, nobody’s gonna have that special touch that Lamin had and he was very, very special and I hope that the 93rd District realizes what a jewel that they had,” Stevenson said.
Just days before his passing, Swann celebrated his first time at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby.