By WUKY Staff
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-972204.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. – 38 year old Andrea James made history as the first African American female to serve on Lexington's Urban County Council. From 2006 to 2010 she represented Council District one; an area with a significant minority population.
Jameswas recently interviewed by 38 year old Sarah Brown, a white, South Dakota native who served as her legislative aide. They talked about their journey that started out as a working relationship and what is now a treasured friendship.
Brown reminded James that she was ridiculed by some people for having a white person serve as her aide; something that previous First District Council members did not do. James says because of that, she and Brown raised more than a few eyebrows because of the arrangement.
"I hated that for you because there were a lot of assumptions that people made that you were the boss of me, that I was being guided by you, and some people didn't want to deal with you because you are white."
Brown recalled that it worked both ways; that some white constituents would approach her because they felt more comfortable discussing neighborhood matters with a white person.
Both recalled that with every major project they worked on, the renovation of the Lyric Theatre, the Legacy Trail, Art in Motion Bus Shelters, completion of Loudon Avenue road improvements, the East End and Central Sector Area Plans, and the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden, their working relationship took on an aspect of "racial reconciliation" that neither had expected. Brown believes it sent a hopeful and empowering message to every citizen in the diverse district.
James said the project list doesn't begin to tell the full story of the "transformation" that happened within herself while forming an intentional relationship with Brown.
James chose not to run for a third term so she is no longer Brown's supervisor. Now the two enjoy "just being friends", working together toward the betterment of their city.
Sarah Brown and Andrea James' conversation will be archived at the Library of Congress. Listen for other local StoryCorps recordings Tuesday's at 8:35 a.m., and 5:45 p.m. on WUKY.