Pamela Stevenson
Pamela D. Stevenson (born April 8, 1959) is an American politician, attorney, and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. She is a Democrat and represents District 43 in the State House.[1] She is the presumptive Democratic nominee in the 2023 Kentucky Attorney General election.
Pamela Stevenson | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from the 43rd district | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Charles Booker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 8, 1959 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Thomas Shannon |
| Education | Indiana University, Bloomington (BS, JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1984–2011 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps |
Early life and education
Stevenson was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, attending Shawnee High School before transferring to Brown High School. She then served 27 years as a Judge Advocate General with the U.S. Air Force and retired with the rank of colonel.[2] Stevenson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Indiana University Bloomington in 1981, and in 1984 with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
In 2015, Stevenson founded the Stevenson Law Center, which offers legal representation pro bono to veterans and seniors.[3] Stevenson has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law.[4][5]
Political activity
Stevenson was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 2020, replacing Charles Booker, who instead ran for the U.S. Senate.
In November 2022, Stevenson announced her candidacy for Attorney General of Kentucky in 2023. She became the presumptive Democratic Nominee after no other candidates filed for the Primary, becoming the first African-American woman nominated for the office in Kentucky.[6]
While in the state house, Stevenson became known for her impassioned speeches.[2] In March 2023, a speech she gave in opposition to the passing of Kentucky House Bill 470, which prohibits gender-affirming care for transgender youth and restricts school instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, went viral online.[7][8][9]
Personal life
Stevenson is a Christian, and was ordained as a minister in 2023. She serves as an Associate Pastor at the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, in Louisville.[3]
She is married to Thomas Shannon, a professional photographer. They have two children together.[4][5]
References
- "Legislator-Profile - Legislative Research Commission - Representative Pamela Stevenson (D)". Kentucky General Assembly. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
- Shanklin, Sherlene. "Kentucky lawmakers have 'beautiful conversation' after emotional speech during debate". WHAS11. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- Marling, Sierra. "Colonel Pamela Stevenson meets prospective voters at Berea's Nightjar". Richmond Register. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- "Col. Pamela Stevenson". Emerge Kentucky.
- Stevenson, Pamela D. (November 1, 2019). "After my military service, I chose to be a catalyst for social change in the community". Courier Journal. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- Watkins, Morgan (November 28, 2022). "Louisville Rep. Pamela Stevenson launches 2023 bid for Kentucky attorney general". Courier Journal. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
- Rhodes, Christopher (March 14, 2023). "Black Kentucky Lawmaker Gives Passionate Speech Against Anti-Trans Bill". Yahoo! News. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
- Ring, Trudy (March 30, 2023). "Kentucky Passes One of Nation's Worst Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws by Veto Override". The Advocate. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
- Hedrick, Chad (March 29, 2023). "Protesters escorted from House Chamber as controversial 'anti-trans' bill becomes law". WKYT. Retrieved April 3, 2023.