FRANKFORT - The crowd in the Capitol Rotunda was at capacity today as the state held its fifth annual Black History Month Celebration.
Kentucky's 61st governor, Steve Beshear, delivered the keynote address. Other dignitaries participating in the celebration were Senators Denise Harper Angel and Gerald Neal; Representative Reginald Meeks and Darryl Owens; Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo; Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert, and Senate President David L. Williams.
"This celebration is not just a Kentucky celebration, but is an American celebration," said Senator Harper Angel. "This event gives our state the opportunity to reflect on our past journey and to focus on future challenges."
The Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus bestowed its highest recognition and honor posthumously on Joseph "Joie" R. Ray Jr., a native Kentuckian, who was the first African American to hold an American Automobile Association (AAA) racing license. During his racing career, Ray was a sprint, midget, and stock car driver. He is recognized as the first black driver to start a NASCAR-sanctioned race. His racing career lasted 17 seasons from 1947 through 1963.
Just as Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball, Ray broke the color line in the old AAA racing circuit in 1947. Ray ran his first race April 8, 1947, and days later on April 15, Robinson made his debut in major league baseball.
Ray passed away at age 83 on April 13, 2007.
Accepting the award in his honor were his son, William Ray, and daughter, Carol Ray Bottoms.
Legislators also paid tribute to the late Justice William E. McAnulty Jr., the first African-American member of the Supreme Court of Kentucky. During his distinguished legal career, Justice McAnulty served at all four levels of the state court system. He began his judicial career in 1975 as a Jefferson County Juvenile Court Judge. In 1997, the Kentucky Academy of Trial Attorneys named Justice McAnulty the Henry V. Pennington Outstanding Judge of the Year.
"Justice McAnulty dedicated himself to improving the judicial system of Kentucky. His hard work is an inspiration to everyone in Kentucky," said Senator Harper Angel.
Senator Gerald A. Neal organized the event with assistance from Representatives Jesse Crenshaw, Jim Glenn, Derrick Graham, Reginald Meeks and Darryl Owens, and Arnold Simpson, , all members of the Kentucky Black Caucus.
After the ceremony, guests were invited to attend sessions in the Senate or House Chambers to observe firsthand the workings of the General Assembly.
--Senate Democratic Caucus; courtesy of Frank Leidermann, Acting Editor
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