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 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 Rep. George Brown Jr., D-Lexington, has been a long-time fixture in state and local politics. He was elected to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council in 1994, where he represented the 1st Council District for six consecutive terms. He later ran for a seat to serve in the Kentucky General Assembly. A seat he has held since 2015.

During this In Focus Kentucky segment, Brown reflects about his time serving in public office and what celebrating Black History Month means to him.

“I think that we have to remember the people on whose shoulders we stand. That we have to keep totally in mind, the sacrifices that were made for me to be a member of the Kentucky General Assembly, for people who made the sacrifice and put into play, the ability for me to get an education to be where I am. So there is a tremendous debt, as we think about Black history. And just let me add this in there. As we think about black history, we have to think about HBCUs. Historically, black colleges and universities were was spawned or given birth in the late 19th century. But there have been laws that have been passed that have moved HBCUs to be able to be funded and funded properly. We are at a place now where there is the thought that HBCUs are no longer necessary. And I would argue against that vehemently. That the ancestors who gave us life and who were forerunners in this race,” shared Brown. 

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