In Frankfort and throughout Kentucky, Derrick Graham’s name has come to be associated with dedication, humility and a love for community. Graham has spent his life teaching, leading and advocating for the people in this city.
For more than two decades, Graham has been a hard-working figure in Kentucky politics, representing the 57th District as a state representative. Stepping away from public office at the close of 2024, Graham reflected on a career, and a life, built on the solid foundation of family, community and service.
A son of Frankfort
Graham is about as hometown as you can get. Born and raised in Frankfort, he learned the value of hard work and close-knit relationships from his family.
“Growing up, we were always there for each other,” he said. “We knew that family came first, and that strong bond gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams.”
His parents instilled in him the importance of education and giving back, lessons that have guided him throughout his life.
“My mother was a substitute teacher for many years … she taught us that if you do the right thing, right will prevail,” he said.
Graham met and married his wife, Mildred, while teaching at Frankfort High. He credits her and their children, Taylor and Blake, with being his rock during his years in public service.
“She never said no, never complained about me being gone during the legislative sessions. She has always been very supportive of my work,” he remarked.
A career with an impact
Graham spent 27 years as a political science and U.S. history teacher at Frankfort High School, balancing teaching and serving as a state representative for 10 of those years.
“Helping students was my way of preparing young people to be active citizens,” he explained.
His career as a teacher also helped prepare him for public office.
“Being in the classroom taught me patience and how to listen. Those were two skills that proved invaluable in politics,” he said.
Graham’s roles often intersected. He brought his firsthand understanding of education into his work as a lawmaker, championing policies that aimed to improve Kentucky’s schools.
His first foray into leadership was to represent students as a regent at Kentucky State University while earning his undergraduate degree. He furthered his education by earning a master of arts in political science from The Ohio State University. Graham, who said he has always been interested in politics and government, began participating in campaigns during high school.
In 1992, Graham began his political career as a Frankfort city commissioner as mayor pro tem. Then in 2002, he was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives on the democratic ticket. Graham’s leadership has been marked by his historic role as the first African American to serve the 57th District, as well as to lead a Kentucky legislative caucus. In 2022, his colleagues elected him House minority floor leader, recognizing his ability to build coalitions and be a spokesman for fairness.
Through the years, he has been an advocate for education, social justice and economic development. His leadership style, often collaborative and grounded in listening, has earned him respect from both sides of the aisle. Graham chaired the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education; served as House Education Committee Chairman from 2013-2016; as well as sitting as a member of various other legislative committees.
“Derrick Graham has been a true statesman with a record of thoughtful and caring leadership. His focus on education and its critical role in forming a better future for the people of Kentucky has been a vital part of his contribution to the Commonwealth. His leadership position in the Kentucky House gave him a voice across the state and he earned respect from both sides of the aisle. He will be sorely missed as Frankfort’s voice in the General Assembly.”
Crit Luallen, former Kentucky Lieutenant Governor and Kentucky State Auditor
Former Lieutenant Governor and State Auditor Crit Luallen, who shares Graham’s commitment for education and equity in the Commonwealth, remarked that he will be missed greatly as Frankfort’s voice at the Capitol.
“Derrick Graham has been a true statesman with a record of thoughtful and caring leadership,” Luallen said. “His focus on education and its critical role in forming a better future for the people of Kentucky has been a vital part of his contribution to the commonwealth. His leadership position in the Kentucky House gave him a voice across the state and he earned respect from both sides of the aisle. He will be sorely missed as Frankfort’s voice in the General Assembly.”
Working to promote Frankfort
Graham said it has been his mission to work with others to get things done that make a difference to the people of Frankfort.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of great people to make Frankfort and Franklin County the success we see happening today,” Graham said.
“We’re revitalizing our downtown while preserving its rich history — we’ve built new state government buildings that will serve us and all of Kentucky’s taxpayers well for decades; and we’ve established a diverse and growing economy that has been recognized as one of the best in the nation among communities our size.
“Frankfort has seen the fruits of my efforts to promote our community in the projects that I have championed including infrastructure improvements, upgrades in broadband, Kentucky State University renovations and funding for the YMCA, Capital City Airport, Save the Grand Theatre and public education,” he told The State Journal last year.
“I truly believe that I have played a part in making our community better and have made the commonwealth a better place,” Graham said.
A great honor to serve
As Graham looks to the future, he feels a deep sense of gratitude.
“Serving my community has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said. “However, I feel strongly that now is the time to give someone else the chance to be our next state representative — a job I have loved since first being elected in 2002. Whether in office or out, I will never stop doing all I can for the community I love and that made me who I am today. There’s no better place to work, live and — as I’ll soon find out — retire,” he said.
“Never give up. Continue to fight for what’s right and be willing to serve, not for your own advantage but to serve those who need you to be a voice for them. That’s what I’ve tried to do.”
Derrick Graham
When asked what message he has for those who come after him, Graham said without hesitation, “Never give up. Continue to fight for what’s right and be willing to serve, not for your own advantage but to serve those who need you to be a voice for them. That’s what I’ve tried to do.”
As a trailblazing legislator, dedicated teacher and devoted husband and father, Graham will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations. His legacy will endure in the policies he helped to shape and the lives he has impacted. Whether through his lessons as a teacher or his time working in the state legislature, Graham has left an indelible mark on Kentucky’s history.
