CBA Record March-April 2024

2024 Earl B. Dickerson Award Luncheon By Judge Jasmine V. Hernandez, CBA Record Editorial Board Member

Congratulations to the 2024 Dickerson Award honorees. Pictured front row, from left: Justice Joy V. Cunningham, Nathalina A. Hudson, Judge Maryam Ahmad, CBA President Ray J. Koenig III, Justice Carl A. Walker, and Byron F. Taylor. Pictured from left, second row: CBA First Vice President John Sciaccotta, Christopher C. Cooper, and Erika N.L. Harold.

T he Chicago legal community gath ered on February 15, 2024, to honor this year’s recipients of the CBA’s Earl B. Dickerson Award: Judge Maryam Ahmad, Christopher C. Cooper, Erika N.L. Harold, Nathalina A. Hudson, Byron F. Taylor, and Justice Carl A. Walker. The ceremony was emceed by Judge E. Kenneth Wright, Jr., who welcomed all attendees including Illinois Supreme Court Justices Joy V. Cunningham, P. Scott Neville, Jr., and Mary K. Rochford. The Dickerson Award recognizes minority lawyers and judges who, like the award’s namesake, have dedicated them selves to the law and helping others gain equality and justice. Dickerson was one of the first African American members of the CBA. His distinguished career included

arguing before the United Supreme Court in Hansberry v. Lee, in which he successfully challenged the enforcement of racially restrictive real estate covenants, thereby paving the way for fair housing for all minorities. The 2024 honorees, like Dickerson, continually demonstrate their commitment to the legal profession and their community, Judge Maryam Ahmad is assigned to the Pretrial Division, Cook County. Ahmad presides over first appearances, detention hearings, extradition court, and traffic-related preliminary hear ings. Ahmad’s legal career spans the pri vate and public sectors. Prior to joining the judiciary, she served as Chief of the Juvenile Justice Bureau for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Outside

the courtroom, Ahmad teaches at South Suburban College and serves on vari ous Illinois Supreme Court committees. She also holds various leadership posi tions, including former President of the CBA. Dickerson’s memory has served as a source of inspiration for Ahmad, and she aims to carry forward the gift of inclu sion. She noted that while there has been progress on this front bias still exists and “can still impact career trajectories.” She thanked all those who have extended her a welcome hand and provided mentorship. Ahmad pledged to continue Dickerson’s fight for true equality and inclusion to “assure diverse voices are heard within the CBA and across the profession.” Cristopher C. Cooper has dedicated his life to many forms of public service.

10 March/April 2024