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'Carrying the torch' | Louisville attorney hopes to inspire young Kentuckians to become future litigators

Demetrius Holloway is the recipient of the Trailblazer Award from the Louisville Bar Association.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Demetrius Holloway, an attorney with Stites and Harbison, knew early in his life that he wanted to be an attorney. He explained that he found his passion for law in high school. 

Central High School had a magnet program that introduced him to government and some of its leaders.

“During that time I met Ernie Jasmine, who then was Commonwealth Attorney, he as well as others were there, and they spoke," he remembered. "And I just thought it was the coolest thing I've ever heard the way he commanded the room and moved around and told his story."

Holloway would follow Jasmine's cases and it ignited a desire to reach for excellence while helping others have their voice be heard regardless of where you are from. 

Credit: Emma Gefter, WHAS11 News
Demetrius Holloway, an attorney with Stites and Harbison, speaks with WHAS11's Sherlene Shanklin.

He believes there’s opportunities today for all people to be brought to the table and share their ideas and perspectives, adding that a difference in perspective can help make better decisions than just one shotgun approach to everything. 

“I think that’s been proven and hopefully continues to grow and expand as we continue to all grow and expand together.," Holloway said.

Trailblazing attorney

Growing up in West Louisville, Holloway learned the basics while attending Central. Today, he's a partner at Stites and Harbison specializing in employment litigation. 

Every year, the Louisville Bar Association recognizes someone who excels in their field and works tirelessly in the community. The association recently announced Holloway will receive the Justice William E. McAnulty Jr. Trailblazer Award. 

“I really appreciated it and it made me feel good," he said. "It made me think about all those people who had received the award before me and the impact they had, and hoping that I too, can continue to make some form of impact in this community in that area."

William McAnulty was an attorney and judge who later became the first African American justice on the Kentucky Supreme Court. He served on every level court in Kentucky before his death in 2007. 

Credit: WHAS11 News
Holloway is the recipient of the Justice William E. McAnulty Jr. Trailblazer Award, named in honor of the famed Kentucky judge.

Holloway understands the importance of the  award and the legacy that it carries. 

“I think I got a lot to live up too," Holloway said. "[William] was a great person, I actually did get to meet him and spend time with him at different times."

Inspirational role models

Numerous Black attorneys in Kentucky  have inspired Holloway to practice law, including Ernie Jasmine, J. Michael Brown, Denise Clayton and William McAnulty.

"All these various folks who put a lot into this community, and put a lot into us as we came into the practice," he said. "Those are great, great role models. And it provided us with a good sense of what we should be working towards, and how we should be carrying ourselves in practice.”

Credit: Courtesy of Holloway
Family is a big inspiration and motivator for Holloway.

One of Holloway's biggest inspirations is his family, specifically his wife and mother.

He attributes much of his work ethic to his mother, watching her work more than one job and sacrificing for her only child. He said his mother wanted to give him the best opportunity to achieve his goals and that's why he takes the time to give back. 

Holloway explained that he feels the pressure of carrying the torch and making sure those behind him get the same opportunities.

“We don't want to be the only, and so, we want to see more people coming in and taking this opportunity, getting this opportunity, and showing that they can flourish and do even greater things," Holloway said.

Credit: Emma Gefter, WHAS11 News
Holloway believes there’s opportunities today for all people to be brought to the table and share their ideas and perspectives.

As for the importance of Black History Month, Holloway said "Black history is American history."

“I believe we have to recognize the struggles it took to get where we are now and all the things that many people endured and did of all races to get us to the point where we are,” he said.

►Contact WHAS11’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram.

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