Judge Jean Capers has had a lifetime of impact in the education and legal spheres. A true trailblazer, she was the first African-American woman elected to Cleveland’s City Council in 1949, served as special counsel to the Ohio Attorney General and was an original member of the Women’s Advisory Council of Employment Services. At age 62, Capers was appointed and then elected Cleveland Municipal Judge. Her service to the community, including her work with the Central Welfare Association, exemplifies her focus on social justice and her commitment to the Cleveland area. Judge Capers has been honored by the City Club of Cleveland, Ohio State Bar Association, YMCA and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. With sadness, this award will be bestowed posthumously, as Judge Capers passed away in July.