That's So Cincinnati: Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney talks law school classmate Barack Obama, being city council's top vote-getter

Cincinnati City Councilwoman Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and former President Barack Obama have been friends since they were classmates at Harvard Law School 30 years ago.

Their families have stayed in touch. Kearney and her husband, former state Sen. Eric Kearney, held fundraisers for Obama and worked on his campaigns. Did Lemon Kearney turn to Barack and Michelle Obama for political advice while running her first campaign this year?

No, and Lemon Kearney didn't need to. The North Avondale resident was the top vote-getter in last week's city council election. But she has received advice from the Obamas over the years.  

"They're advice to us has always been to our kids about college, parenting stuff. Nothing politically," Lemon Kearney told The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast. "I'm sure Eric has had conversations with Barack about politics, but I have not."

In a wide-ranging interview, Lemon Kearney recalled her interactions with Barack Obama at Harvard. They graduated from law school in 1991.

"He was amazing in law school," she said. "Super, super smart. Always well-prepared. Always wanted to hear what everybody had to say. He was really wonderful. I'm not surprised that he ended up being president."

For years, Lemon Kearney loved helping others on their campaigns. She enjoyed the fundraising events for her husband, Obama and other Democrats. But she loved her career running the Cincinnati Herald and "never really thought I'd be out there in front" in politics, Lemon Kearney said.

"I used to tell people in politics, 'You guys are crazy. I can't believe you would put yourselves out there,' " she said.

Then early last year, a seat became open on city council after Tamaya Dennard had been arrested on federal public corruption charges and subsequently resigned a few days later. Lemon Kearney was appointed to council in March 2020.

"I just had this strange weekend," Lemon Kearney recalled. "First, it's this Joel Osteen thing about when you're called, you need to answer. Then reading Stacey Abrams' book about how women are so hesitant to say yes. We always think we're not qualified. We need more degrees or more training or more experience. And she said, 'Have the audacity to say yes.' " To my parents saying, 'You've got to serve your community. That's important.' "

What issues do Lemon Kearney want to focus on in upcoming council term? Does she have political aspirations beyond city council? 

Find out the answers by listening to "That's So Cincinnati" for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Media and other podcast listening platforms.