LEXINGTON, Ky. — Court of Appeals Judge Pamela Goodwine earned a seat on Kentucky’s highest court.


What You Need To Know

  • Judge Pamela R. Goodwine was elected as Kentucky’s next Supreme Court justice

  • Goodwine has made history since beginning her judiciary career in Lexington

  • She’s the first Black woman to be elected to the Supreme Court of Kentucky

  • Goodwine has faced both success and adversity in her journey from court stenographer to the state's highest court

Goodwine says she came to Kentucky in 1979 with a map, her steno machine in her hand, and determination in her heart.

She says she worked her way up through Kentucky’s court system, from court stenographer to the bench, hoping to make a difference in people’s lives.

Goodwine was the first Black woman in Lexington to be a district judge, the first to be a circuit judge, and in 2018, became the first Black woman from Lexington or Fayette County to serve on the Kentucky Court of Appeals. Judge Denise Clayton from Jefferson County was the first Black woman on the Court of Appeals.

The history-making doesn’t stop there: she won her race against attorney Erin Izzo to replace retiring Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance Vanmeter. In doing so, she becomes the first Black female Supreme Court justice in the state’s history.

Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Lawrence VanMeter asks a question to Kentucky Solicitor General as they hear arguments whether to temporarily pause the state's abortion ban in Frankfort, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

“Forty-five years in the making. This dream became a reality, and I am so proud to represent the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.” Goodwine said. She says she plans to lead with dedication and authority in the courtroom while creating paths for more minorities to learn and participate in the judiciary system.

“I will not simply be a flower on the wall. I certainly want my voice to be heard. I want to make sure that the voices of the voiceless are heard. And I want to make sure that honesty, integrity and impartiality are reflected in every decision that we make as a court.”

It’s been a long and, at times, arduous journey for Goodwine. In her 20s, she learned about serious health challenges while dealing with the loss of both parents. 

On Oct. 5 of this year, Goodwine lost her granddaughter Journee and great-granddaughter Alanee. 

“The memory of Journee visiting this courthouse, standing in my chambers, taking the picture with me, knowing that she was interested in law, knowing that she looked up to me and wanted me to pursue my dreams because it helped her to want to pursue her dreams,” she reminisced. 

Goodwine says she tells her story for women to know they too can reach great heights. 

“It’s important that women in particular know that whatever their struggle is, whatever their obstacle may be, that it can be temporary, whatever tragedy they may be experiencing, it is temporary, that they can remain focused on their goal. They can remain focused on a dream, remain focused on a higher calling,” she explained.  

Even in extreme adversity, Goodwine says her faith and aspirations are unwavering.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated Judge Pamela Goodwine currently sits on the Fayette County Circuit Court and also said she was the first Black woman to serve on the Kentucky Court of Appeals.