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ADC Michigan 11th Annual Judges Night a Great Success!
In the spirit of upholding justice, freedom and liberty, the ADC Michigan Advisory Board hosted its 11th Annual Judges’ Night Reception and “Guardian of Justice” Awards Ceremony on October 10, 2012 at Byblos Banquet Hall in Dearborn. Approximately 500 distinguished guests attend last night’s successful event. Attendees included close to 50 local and federal judges, the Consulate of Lebanon, the Consulate of Mexico, the Consulate of Japan, the Consulate of Canada, representatives for Senators Levin and Stabenow, Congressman John Conyers, Jr., representatives for Congressman John Dingell, elected officials, attorneys and community leaders.
The evening began with artist Yasmeen Suri singing our National Anthem, followed by energetic welcoming remarks given by attorney Shereef Akeel, chairman of the ADC Michigan Advisory Board, and the Honorable Kathleen McCarthy, Judges’ Night Committee Chair. ADC remarks were given by attorney Abed Ayoub, ADC Legal Director. Valued ADC Michigan staff member, Ms. Kristyn Taylor acted as the mistress of ceremonies for the evening.
ADC Michigan was honored to host, as its keynote speaker, Dr. Debbie Almontaser, founding and former principal of Khalil Gibran International Academy in New York. In her inspirational address Dr. Almontaser spoke to the audience about the discrimination she faced with the New York Board of Education and how she overcame that discrimination. She focused on the importance of educating the public on civil liberties and protecting the rights of others, praising the judges in attendance for their commitment to justice.
Another highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony, during which the Honorable Nancy Edmunds, United States District Court, and the Honorable Denise Langford-Morris, Oakland County Circuit Court, were honored with the “Guardian of Justice” Award for their distinguished public service and commitment to civil rights. The Advocate of the Year Award was presented to Attorney Mariam Saad-Bazzi, Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor in recognition of her outstanding and invaluable service to the community through her activism to increase voter registration and support voter rights. The three awardees gave heartfelt acceptance speeches and expressed their gratitude for the recognition.
Special proclamations and acknowledgements were presented to the award recipients by the offices of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Congressman John Conyers Jr., and U.S. Congressman John Dingell.
Over the past eleven years, Judges’ Night has attracted prestigious members of the U.S. judiciary and ADC has honored a number of respected Judges in Michigan including: Hon. Timothy Kenny, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. David Turfe, 20th District Court; Hon. Mark J. Plawecki, 20th District Court; Hon. Annette Berry, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. Damon Keith, U.S. Court of Appeals; Hon. Marilyn Kelly, Chief Justice, Michigan Supreme Court; Hon. Anna Diggs-Taylor, U.S. District Court; Hon. Charlene Elder, Third Circuit Court; Hon. Charles Binder, Magistrate, U.S. District Court; Hon. David Allen, Third Circuit Court; Hon. Chris Dingell, Third Circuit Court; Hon. Arthur Tarnow, U.S. District Court; Hon. Kathleen McCarthy, Third Circuit Court; Hon. Victoria A. Roberts, U.S. District Court; Hon. Edward M. Thomas, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. Mary Beth Kelly, Chief Judge, Wayne County Circuit Court, Hon. Marianne O. Battani, U.S. District Court; Hon. Avern Cohen, U.S. District Court; Hon. Steven Pepe, Magistrate, U.S. District Court; Hon. Margie Braxton, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. Leo Foran, Dearborn Heights District Court, Hon. George Caram Steeh, U.S. District Court; Hon. Annette Berry, Third Circuit Court; Hon. Mark Plawecki, Chief Judge, 20th District Court; Hon. Timothy Kenny, Wayne County Circuit Court; and Hon. David Turfe, 20th District Court.
ADC would like to extend 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!