MICHIGAN

On May 1, 2015, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, the ACRL, NAACP, and Freedom Institute Justice Award Tribute event will take place. This invitation-only event will occur during Freedom Weekend. This event is a first of its kind and will bring together the Arab-American and African-American communities to honor those who have dedicated their lives to equality and justice. The event focuses on honoring judiciary members for their invaluable contribution to civil rights. During the event, a judge will be recognized by both the Arab and African communities for their dedication to civil rights. This event will take place in downtown Detroit at a yet to be announced location and is co-chaired by the Honorable Kathleen M. McCarthy of the Wayne County Circuit Court-Family Division and the Honorable Linda V. Parker of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.  Nabih H. Ayad, ACRL Board Chairman, had the following to say on this special event:

“The ACRL, NAACP and Freedom Institute Justice Award Tribute event will be the first of its kind in the nation and a model to be followed.  As an official event of all three organizations, this joint effort demonstrates the trust and respect by both groups to work hand in hand to better the community they live and work in.  Metro Detroit is home to the largest concentration of Arab Americans outside of the Middle East as well as home to one of the largest concentration of African Americans in the nation.  Both groups interest in eradicating hate and disparity in all its form provides a synergy like none seen before. I am proud today to announce this dynamic partnership between both communities that could only have happened with trust and respect that has been built over the many years.”