BCALA TRAILBLAZER AWARD RECIPIENTS
The Trailblazer’s Award is the highest award given by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc.. It is presented once every five years in recognition of an individual whose pioneering contributions have been outstanding and unique, and whose efforts have “blazed a trail” in the profession.
Library Support Staff Awards 2023
Bryanna Barnes
Public Services Associate II
The Center for Black Literature & Culture
Indianapolis Public Library
Indianapolis, IN
Shirley Mason
Circulation Manager
Woodlawn Branch
Baltimore Public Library
Woodlawn, MD
Library Support Staff Awards 2024
(NCAAL XII)
Mygual Chappell
Library Branch Supervisor, Library Take Out
DeKalb County Public Library
Decatur, GA
Carolruth Rance Fisher
Custer Service Supervisor
Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center
Corona, NY
Library Support Staff Awards 2025
Shaunterria Owens
Youth Services Specialist
North Miami Public Library
North Miami, FL
Tracy Graham-Hughes
Library Circulation Clerk
Farell-Stey-Nevant Public Library
Farrell, PA
Recipients of the first BCALA Trailblazer Award granted at the 20th Anniversary Celebration in 1990:
- Dr. E.J. Josey
- Dr. Virginia Lacy Jones
- Ms. Clara Stanton Jones
- Dr. Dorothy Burnett Porter Wesley
Recipient of the 5th BCALA Trailblazer Award presented at the BCALA 25th Anniversary Celebration in 1995:
- Ms. Lucille Cole Thomas
Recipient of the 6th BCALA Trailblazer Award presented at the 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2000:
- Dr. John C. Tyson
Recipient of the 7th BCALA Trailblazer Award presented at the 35th Anniversary Celebration in 2005:
- Ms. Effie Lee Morris
Recipient of the 8th BCALA Trailblazer Award presented at the 40th Anniversary Celebration in 2010:
- Mr. Robert Wedgeworth
Recipients of the 9th BCALA Trailbazer Award presented at the 45th Anniversary Celebration in 2015:
- Mr. Thomas Alford
- Ms. Mary Biblo
Recipient of the 10th BCALA Trailblazer Award presented at the 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2021 (Note: BCALA turned 50 in 2020 but the award was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic)
- Shirley A. Coaston
Recipient of the 11th BCALA Trailblazer Award presented at the 55th Anniversary Celebration in 2025
- Rose T. Dawson
Executive Director
Alexandria Library
Alexandria, VA 22304