A Sister In Charge: A Peek Into the World...

To the unassuming eye, Decatur Georgia's City Commissioner, Kecia Cunningham appears to be like many other talented and attractive Black women. She is intelligent and witty with no nonsense sensibilities, however beneath the surface she is a trailblazer, plotting a course in uncharted waters. Commissioner Cunningham is the first openly African American same-gender-loving person to hold office in the state of Georgia.

She has won numerous awards including HRC's Community Leadership Award, Agnes Scott College's Outstanding Young Alumna and 2002's Who's Who in Black Atlanta. Despite receiving numerous accolades, Commissioner Cunningham is never too busy to give words of wisdom about running for office and being a Black lesbian in public service. In the following, she gives us her secrets to success as well as provides encouragement to those planning to run for office as openly LGBT individuals.

NYANSAPO: What called you into politics?

KC: I have always had a deep-seated notion about community service and giving back. But I never expected to enter politics, as a matter of fact; I was considering moving because I was concerned about the state of the political bodies in my City. At that same time, one of my heroines Elizabeth Wilson; the first African American to serve on the Decatur City Council was preparing to retire and she had decided to ask me to run for her seat. And the rest as they say is history.

NYANSAPO: Was your orientation a factor in your race? If so,
how did you handle it?

KC: I have been out since 1986, so most everyone knew my partner and me. During the campaign, I just continued to be myself and live my life.

NYANSAPO: What is your relationship to the Black churches of
Decatur? How do they receive your leadership?

KC: There isn't a Black church within the City of Decatur.

NYANSAPO: Describe gay and lesbian life in Decatur.

KC: Decatur is a very open and welcoming community. It is not surprising to see a couple of dads or moms walking, shopping, or enjoying ice cream with their offspring on our town square. We have a nice music scene that often attracts a diverse audience as well as a lesbian pub and other gathering places.

NYANSAPO: How would you describe your leadership style?

KC: I believe in consensus and communication. I also know that my presence at the table changes the nature of the conversation and helps to put a face with many issues – LBGT, women, African American, and short (I am vertically challenged – smile)

NYANSAPO: How did your run for office affect your relationship with your partner?

KC: My partner and I have just celebrated out 15<sup>th</sup> anniversary. She is my rock and number one fan. We worked together during the campaigns – she coordinated volunteers, walked the sidewalks, and organized the sign brigade. I don't believe that either of us understood the challenge of campaigning when I was first elected in 1999, but we found a way to work hard and enjoy it. I am happy to say that I have been unopposed in the subsequent elections.

NYANSAPO: How do you balance family and civic duty?

KC: This is actually quite a challenge because there is always something to do or to attend. We have date nights and weekends are practically sacred.

NYANSAPO: What attributes/character traits/skill set do you
think people need to possess in order to run and hold
political office?

KC: Determination, flexibility, communication, desire to serve, and a sense of humor

NYANSAPO: How do you balance the needs of Decatur's LGBT
community and Decatur's Black community? Have the two
communities ever been at odds?

KC: I weigh and vote for what I feel is best after appropriate study and contemplation. Fortunately, as 2 minority communities within the City of Decatur, we've been on the same side of issues.

NYANSAPO: Who are (were) your mentors?

KC: As I said earlier Mayor Emeritus, Elizabeth Wilson is my political mentor. She broke so many barriers in her lifetime with her quiet tenacity and charm that I can only hope to be like her when I grow up.

Secondly is my mother. She continues to amaze me with her intellect and grace. She raised me and my 5 sisters and 1 brother to be contributing, intelligent, inquisitive, striving adults.

NYANSAPO: Why should folks considering a run for office have mentors?

KC: I believe that mentors can help guide your path as you consider running, run and when you serve. Very few things occur in a vacuum and often someone who has been there can provide much needed perspective and assistance.

NYANSAPO: The best thing about your job/ the worst thing about your job

KC: I love the fact that I am part of the team that makes Decatur the wonderful place that it is. There's a lot of hard work, but when I drive around my town, it is all worth it!

Meredith Moise

Assoc. Director of Religious Affairs

The National Black Justice Coalition