From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Wofford, Melinda
(born: 1973)In 2022, Melinda Wofford was sworn in as the first African American woman to serve on the Burgin City Council. She was re-elected in 2024. Wofford shared information about her goals and inspiration during her continued tenure as a city council member in the 2025 interview recorded on "Unapologetically Woman," a Community Action Council video series.
Melinda Wofford was born in Indianapolis, IN, and she is a long-term resident of Burgin, KY. She is a graduate of Berea College and Eastern Kentucky University, and a member of Alpha Kappa Sorority Incorporated. Wofford is an assistant director with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). She is also a runner and has completed a half marathon in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
In 2024, Wofford delivered remarks concerning the CROWN Act for Governor Andy Beshear before he signed the executive order. The CROWN ACT executive order bans discrimination based on hairstyles that have historically been associated with race.
The City of Burgin is located in Mercer County, KY and was established in 1877 and with a city council in 1878. The city was originally named Cane Run. The history of African American candidates running for city council in Mercer County, KY, goes back to at least 1893 when there was speculation that J. H. Lawson would run for the Harrodsburg City Council.
Melinda Wofford - Education
Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky
Certificate in Accounting
Master of Business Administration, Integrated Communications Track
Berea College, Berea, Kentucky
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Emphasis on Management and Marketing
Sources:
Robert Moore. "Representing Mercer County: Burgin City Councilwoman Melinda Wofford." Harrodsburg Herald, 02 December 2012 (online); "Welcome to City of Burgin" website; "Probable colored candidates." Harrodsburg Democrat, 15 September 1893, p.3; Christopher Leach. "Kentucky governor signs executive order banning race-based hair discrimination." Lexington Herald-Leader, 26 May 2024, p.A6; Community Action Council, 2025. Unapologetically Woman Season 5 Episode 22 - Melinda Wofford (online); Black Appalachian Coalitions Podcast: Black Re-Membering, September 11, 2023. Running With Purpose with Melinda Wofford (online) - Season 1 Episode 16.