Aja Brown made history in 2013 when she became the mayor of Compton, California at just 31 years old. She defeated 12 candidates in the election, including the incumbent mayor and the city's former mayor, to become the youngest mayor in the city's history and the 8th consecutive African-American mayor.
Born on April 17, 1982 in Altadena, California, Aja Brown grew up with a passion for public service. After graduating from Pasadena's John Muir High School, she earned a full academic scholarship to the University of Southern California. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in policy, planning & development before going on to receive a master's degree in urban planning with a focus on economic development.
Before becoming mayor, Aja Brown worked as a Project Manager for Compton's Redevelopment Agency, where she implemented the Compton Apprentice Program. She also co-founded the Urban Vision Community Development Corporation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in urban communities.
During her time as mayor, Aja Brown accomplished significant improvements in Compton. She oversaw a 65% reduction in violent crime and implemented a universal basic income program for low-income residents. Her dedication to serving the community earned her widespread praise and recognition.
Aja Brown is the daughter of Brenda Jackson and has a fraternal twin brother named Jonathan, who gained recognition for his collegiate football career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She married her high school sweetheart, Van Brown, who works as a Petrochemical Safety Manager. The couple has two daughters, Jaellena and Sarailena.
In 2018, Aja Brown launched a campaign to run for the United States House of Representatives for the 44th congressional district. However, she made the difficult decision to suspend the campaign after becoming pregnant with her first child. Despite this setback, she remained committed to serving her community and exploring opportunities for future political endeavors.
Aja Brown's first name was inspired by the 1977 song "Aja" by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, known as Steely Dan. She has cited this musical influence as a source of inspiration throughout her career in public service.
Overall, Aja Brown's commitment to community involvement and dedication to improving the lives of residents in Compton has solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in the world of politics. As she continues to make a positive impact on her city and beyond, her legacy as a transformative leader is sure to endure for years to come.