The Justice William E. McAnulty Jr. Trailblazer Award was developed by the LBA in 2003 to honor those who have had a significant impact in promoting racial and ethnic diversity in the legal profession. Individuals who receive this award have been leaders in the legal community and have been at the forefront of legal and social change. The Justice William E. McAnulty Jr. Trailblazer Award is named in memory of the first African American to sit on the Kentucky Supreme Court. 

The Trailblazer Award: 

  • Advocates to support and advance racial equity and justice through the courts and/or legislation. 
  • Promotes diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency to improve people’s cultural awareness among peers and/or with the community. 
  • Creates partnerships that strengthen diversity. 
  • Advances diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
  • Demonstrates dedication and a continuing commitment to building awareness of the importance of diversity. 
  • Have had a significant impact in improving racial and ethnic diversity in the legal profession; and, 
  • Leads or participates in community outreach programs that help people learn about the LBA’s mission towards diversity. 

Trailblazer Award Recipients:  

Demetrius O. Holloway, 2023 

Leslie G. Clemmons (posthumously), 2022 

Laura Rothstein, 2021 

Gwendolyn Horton, 2020 

Sen. Gerald Neal, 2019 

Daniel Hall, 2018 

Carolyn Miller-Cooper, 2017 

Joseph P. Gutmann, 2016 

Raoul Cunningham & Georgia Davis Powers, 2015  

Cedric M. Powell, 2014 

Hon. Joan “Toni” Stringer, 2013 

Darryl T. Owens, 2012 

Raymond M. Burse, 2011 

Laura M. Douglas, 2010 

Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert, 2009 

Hon. Denise M. Clayton, 2008 

Justice William E. McAnulty Jr., 2007 

J. Michael Brown, 2006 

Hon. Benjamin Shobe, 2005 

Ernest A. Jasmin, 2004Hon. Janice Martin, 2003 

Click below to submit your nomination:

G-2K5FLMJ1N9