George Brown State Representative | Democrat for House District KY 77

George Brown: Experience, Commitment, A Clear Voice

Meet George A. Brown, Jr.

George A. Brown, Jr., is a native of Lexington, a former elected official, an actively engaged community leader, and a Democratic candidate for State Representative in Kentucky’s 77th Legislative District.

George’s humble roots are deeply grounded in Lexington.  He graduated from the original Dunbar High School in 1966. While at Dunbar, George was a talented athlete & committed teammate.  His collegiate studies led George to Tennessee State University in Nashville, where he played football and baseball. At TSU, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, with an emphasis in Accounting.  

In 1993, George was elected to the Lexington – Fayette Urban County Council, where he represented the 1st Council District for six (6) consecutive terms (1994-2006).  While on Council, George was elected to serve on the National League of Cities Board of Directors, and he is also a past president of the Kentucky Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (KBC-LEO). George’s traits of proven leadership clearly establish him as a Visible, Vocal, Credible, Responsible, Responsive & Informed public servant. 

George currently works professionally as Supplier Diversity Business Enterprise Coordinator at the University of Kentucky. George is a member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Lexington, and is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  

Campaign Issues

  • Education (support of public school systems) (repeal charter school legislation) (school safety)
  • Health care (vigorous support of aca - expanded medicaid – women’s reproductive rights)
  • Economic development (expanding jobs & raising wages) (addressing the assault on unions – repeal right to work/reinstate prevailing wage)
  • Justice reform (ban the box, automatic restoration of voter rights, amendment of the expungement bill, repeal the gang bill)

  • Pension issues (sewer bill - sb 151)
  • Gun control (hb 502 – common sense gun control)
  • Consumer protection
  • Immigration
  • Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer (lgbtq) issues
  • 2020 Census (representation & apportionment)
    NOTE: other pressing issues – domestic violence, the opioid crisis, untreated mental illness, child abuse/neglect, combat child sex abuse, human trafficking and violent crimes

Leadership Experience

George A. Brown, Jr. brings an extensive record of legislative accomplishment to this campaign for State Representative.  Having served on Urban County Council for 13 years, George has been instrumental in laying a foundation for the current infrastructure & community redevelopment activity in northeast & northwest Lexington.  

George is a life-long registered Democrat, and has always relied on the values he shares with Democratic Party in examining complex issues.  

Here are just a few credible examples of George’s public leadership:

Infrastructure

​Secured Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for street, curb, sidewalk & storm sewer upgrades:

  • Meadows – Northland – Arlington areas
  • Bellaire, Headley & Price Avenues 
  • Fairlawn Avenue, Paris Avenue & Twelfth Street 
  • East Loudon Avenue – Phase I

Opposed LFUCG Eminent Domain procedure for condemnation of Kentucky American Water Company

Economic Development

  • Site Selection of Whitaker Bank Ballpark (formerly Applebee's Park) / Lexington Legends Ballfield
  • Redevelopment of North Park Shopping Center / Wal-Mart
  • Site Selection & construction of Webasto Plant
  • ​Supported the establishment of the Lexington Minority Business Expo

Parks & Leisure 

  • Douglass Park Basketball Complex – State of the Art Renovations
  • Coolavin Park Shelter Reconstruction

Affordable Housing

  • Construction of single-family homes in East End & West End
  • Construction of single-family & multi-family units on Elm Tree Lane

Historic Preservation

  • Supported reinvestment in Lyric Theatre & Dunbar Center
  • Opposed the planned demolition of Charles Young Center

Social Justice

  • Voted to pass Kentucky’s first local Fairness Ordinance (1999)
  • Supported Domestic Partner Health Benefits proposal (2003)

Commitment & Service

George Brown has faithfully been a friend and champion of Lexington KY, and her residents. His influence has often been shared with organizations, initiatives and supporters who work to uplift the diverse communities throughout our city.

George has served as a coach, mentor, board & staff member for various organizations, including the Urban League Board of Directors; Community Action Council’s Brothers Program Policy-Making Board; Adopt-A-School Program; AACCEP, a mentoring program at Lafayette Senior High School; Eastland Junior Pro Basketball League; and a member the University of Kentucky’s first ADVANCE Leadership Development Institute.  

Whether in the faith-based community, amongst business leaders, standing with youth advocates or in fellowship with neighborhood residents, George A. Brown, Jr. is considered a working partner and ally.  His commitment to Lexington is genuine & remains evident, even more so today.  

Current community-based involvement includes:
  • Martin Luther King Holiday Celebration (Co – Chair)

  • Roots & Heritage Festival Planning Committee (Vice – Chair)

  • Lexington Minority Business Expo (MBE) Committee

  • Smithtown Neighborhood Reunion Committee (President)

  • Friends of the Lyric (President)

  • Police Activities League (PAL) Youth Student Mentor

  • Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Board of Directors

  • Kentucky Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (Past President)

  • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Life Member)

  • Long-time East End Resident

Legislative Platform

George’s lifetime of public service illuminates Lexington’s emergence as a progressive city of innovation & determination. Yet, despite our progress & triumphs, George remains focused on creating opportunities for Kentucky’s future generations.  

As a Councilman, George Brown earned a reputation of being a studied and well prepared legislator, who relentlessly championed for social empowerment causes. And true to his formal educational training in management, George also clearly respects & appreciates the critical role pro-business principles play in building viable & sustainable communities.  

As a State Representative, George Brown will carry a platform to Frankfort which will focus on Economic Development, Education and Health Care.George’s record of leadership & public service will enable him to effectively speak as a Clear Voice for Lexington families & businesses.

Media

FOR MEDIA RELEASE May 16, 2014

Contact: (859) 312 – 7513 mobile
GeorgeBrownKY77@gmail.com

KEY NEWS JOURNAL ENDORSES GEORGE BROWN FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 77

Lexington, KY – The Key News Journal has announced its endorsement of George Brown in the Democratic primary election for Kentucky’s 77th House District seat.

The Key News Journal credited Brown’s long record of elected and public service, in offering its endorsement. “George Brown is a trusted voice and advocate of the public’s interest”, cites the endorsement editorial.

The Key News Journal is a monthly newspaper distributed throughout central Kentucky. Each edition places emphasis on the news & events of particular interest to African- American communities.

“The endorsement of my campaign by the Key News Journal lends further credence to the grassroots appeal of my campaign”, says Brown. “The Key is a leading source for information in the African-American community & their objective assessment of my candidacy for State Representative is highly valued”, also states Brown.

Mr. Brown has deep roots and strong ties throughout the African-American community in Lexington. Brown is a graduate of the original Paul Laurence Dunbar High School (on North Upper Street). After earning a college degree at Tennessee State University, Brown returned home where he established a leadership role in many minority-related affairs.

Mr. Brown is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity. He is a member of the Lyric Theatre Board of Directors, and also serves as President of the Friends of the Lyric. In addition, Brown is Co-Chair of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration, and is Vice – Chair of the Roots & Heritage Festival.

For 13 years, Brown represented Lexington’s 1st Council District, which is one of the more socio-economic and culturally diverse council districts in the entire city. Brown is also President of the Smithtown Neighborhood Reunion Committee.


FOR MEDIA RELEASE May 13, 2014

Contact: (859) 312 – 7513 mobile
GeorgeBrownKY77@gmail.com

GEORGE BROWN WINS ENDORSEMENT OF LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER

LOCAL BUSINESS & CIVIC LEADERS JOIN IN SUPPORT OF BID FOR STATE HOUSE

Lexington, KY – George Brown, a Democratic candidate for State Representative in House District 77, is proud of the recent endorsement by the Lexington Herald – Leader.

In its’ Editorial, the Herald-Leader concludes, “On balance, Brown’s experience makes him the stronger candidate.  His political savvy could benefit all of Lexington by making the Fayette delegation a more effective force in Frankfort”.

Since declaring his candidacy on January 8th, the Brown primary campaign has generated considerable grassroots support. More than 100 citizens attended the George Brown Campaign Kickoff in early March.  An official website at GeorgeBrownKY77.com, in conjunction with an active social media presence, allows former Councilman Brown to empower voters with information.  

“It is encouraging to earn the endorsement of such a trusted media partner as the Lexington Herald-Leader”, says Brown. “I am also energized by the many residents district-wide, who have embraced my campaign for State Representative”, Brown added.  

A team of dedicated volunteers mobilized the highly visible distribution of residential campaign yard signs, by the hundreds. These concerted efforts further signal positive neighborhood-based response to Brown’s 2014 candidacy.  

To date, approximately 83 individuals have financially contributed to the George Brown campaign. Notable financial supporters include Wil James, President of Toyota’s Georgetown Assembly Plant; Henry Jackson, a local businessman; and Ann McBrayer, owner of Kentucky Eagle Distributors, and past Chairwoman of Commerce Lexington. 

Local political leaders are also endorsing George Brown’s run for the State House. These supporters include Robert Jefferson; retired 2nd District Councilman; Chris Ford, current 1st District Councilman; Priscilla Johnson, past Chairwoman of the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights; and Theodore Berry, local attorney & former candidate for State Representative.  

“As Election Day inches closer, our campaign will keep working to connect with even more residents. I hope to reaffirm my appeal as voters’ Clear Choice for representation in Frankfort”, Brown ends.  

FOR MEDIA RELEASE January 8, 2014

Contact: (859) 312-7513 mobile
GeorgeBrownKY77@gmail.com

GEORGE BROWN OFFICIALLY ENTERS RACE FOR KENTUCKY STATE HOUSE

Lexington, KY - George A. Brown, Jr., a Democrat of Lexington, today launched his candidacy for the Kentucky House of Representatives' 77th Legislative District. Brown served 6-terms on the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council (1994 - 2006), representing the 1st District.

"It is with excitement, optimism & a renewed energy that I will work to earn the Democratic nomination in the May 2014 primary", says Brown. "Now, more than ever, does the Kentucky General Assembly need proven leadership to help guide our state forward. My commitment to being a clear voice for north Lexington has not waned & I stand ready to serve", the former Councilman added.

A native of Lexington, George Brown brings an extensive record of community involvement into this campaign for the State House. His post - elective roles include serving as Co-Chair of the annual Martin Luther King Holiday Celebration, and as Vice-Chair of the annual Roots & Heritage Festival. He also is President of the Friends of the Lyric Theatre, a community-based auxiliary to the historic & renovated facility. He currently works professionally as Supplier Diversity Business Enterprise Coordinator at the University of Kentucky.

The 77th Legislative District stretches across precincts throughout northeast & northwest Lexington. Current incumbent state Rep. Jesse Crenshaw recently announced he will retire at the end of 2014, after serving 11 consecutive terms.

Mr. Brown plans an engaging & inclusive campaign during the next 19 weeks leading to the May 20th primary. "I will be walking with, speaking to & listening for the issues important to the diverse communities within the 77th House District" Brown concludes.

Map

77th district map