ADC Michigan 8th Annual Judges Night a Great Success
In the spirit of upholding justice, freedom and liberty, the ADC Michigan Advisory Board hosted its 8th Annual Judges Night Reception on October 1, 2009 at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center in Dearborn. Approximately 400 distinguished guests, including numerous local and federal judges, elected officials, attorneys and community leaders attended the event.
ADC Michigan was honored to host, as its keynote speaker,Portia Roberson, Director of the Office for Intergovernmental and Public Liaison, U.S. Department of Justice. Ms. Roberson spoke to the audience about the importance of civil liberties and protecting the rights of others, praising the judges in attendance for their commitment to justice.
ADC Michigan was pleased to host, as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Fox 2 News Reporter, Ron Savage. Ron was able to bring the significance of ADC’s Judges Night home for the audience in his opening remarks.
Another highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony, during which the Honorable Damon Keith, U.S. Court of Appeals, and the Honorable Marilyn Kelly, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice, were honored with the “Guardian of Justice” Award for their distinguished public service and commitment to civil rights. ADC Advisory Board co-Chair, Attorney David Steingold, presented Judge Kelly with her award after speaking about her extensive experience and her tireless dedication to civil liberties. ADC Advisory Board member, Attorney Jim Allen, presented Judge Keith with his award, praising him for his unwavering commitment to his work and his years of service on the bench. Both judges gave a heartfelt acceptance speech and expressed their gratitude for the recognition.
Special proclamations and acknowledgements were presented to the award recipients by the offices of U.S. Senator Carl Levin, U.S. Congressman John Conyers, U.S. Congressman John Dingell, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, and State Senator Irma Clark-Coleman.
A surprise award for Pro Bono Attorney of the Year was presented to ADC Greater Detroit Board President, Attorney Mona Fadlallah, for her commitment to her community through her pro bono work.
The program also included a special farewell tribute to former Director of Policy & Community Affairs, Nadia Fadel, who recently joined the U.S. Census Bureau as manager of the local Dearborn office.
The evening concluded with a performance comedian Amer Zahr, and a musical performance by saxophonist Kamal Kareem, who provided entertainment throughout the evening.
Over the past eight years, ADC has honored a number of respected Judges in Michigan, including Hon. Anna Diggs Taylor, United States District Court; Hon. Charlene Elder, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. Charles Binder, Magistrate, U.S. District Court; Hon. David Allen, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. Chris Dingell, 3rd Circuit Court; Hon. Arther Tarnow, United States District Court; Hon. Kathleen McCarthy, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. Victoria A. Roberts, United States District Court; Hon. Edward M. Thomas, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. Mary Beth Kelly, Chief Judge, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. Joan E. Young, Oakland County Circuit Court; Hon. Marianne O. Battani, United States District Court; Hon. Avern Cohen, United States District Court; Hon. Steven Pepe, Magistrate, United States District Court; Hon. Margie Braxton, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. Leo Foran, Dearborn Heights District Court and Hon. George Caram Steeh, United States District Court.
ADC Michigan extends its sincere appreciation to the ADC Michigan Advisory Board, for hosting this event once again.
ADC also extends its thanks to the many volunteers who helped make this event a success. ADC extends its appreciation to the students from Star International Academy who served as volunteers during the event.
Additionally, ADC Michigan expresses its gratitude to the U.S. Census Bureau, for providing gifts for the Judges Night Reception guests. ADC also thanks Wal Mart, Hider Family Dentistry, European Tanning & Hair Design and Jacqueline Chahine, for generously contributing prizes that were raffled off during the event.
