CBA Record May-June 2023

CBA NEWS 2023 Earl B. Dickerson Award Luncheon By Judge Jasmine V. Hernandez, CBA Record Editorial Board Member

Congratulations to Judge Patrice M. Ball-Reed, Judge Clarence L. Burch, Derrick M. Thompson, Jr., Kenya A. Jenkins-Wright, Erica Kirkwood, and Judge Preston Jones, Jr.

T he CBA recently hosted its annual Earl B. Dickerson Award luncheon and celebrated the following indi viduals who embody the award’s name sake: Judge Patrice M. Ball-Reed, Judge Clarence L. Burch, Kenya A. Jenkins Wright, Judge Preston Jones, Jr., Erica Kirkwood, and Derrick M. Thompson, Jr. Dickerson, the first African Ameri can to receive a J.D. from the University of Chicago and one of the first African American members of the CBA, dedi cated his life and career to helping others

gain equality and justice. Most notably, in the case of Hansberry vs. Lee, he argued before the United States Supreme Court to challenge the enforcement of racially restrictive real estate covenants and made fair housing a possibility for all minori ties. The Dickerson Award was created to honor minority lawyers and judges whose careers embody Dickerson’s courage and dedication in making law the key to jus tice for all. This year’s honorees encapsulate Dick erson’s traits and have dedicated their

careers to helping others gain equality and justice. The awardees captured his spirit so well that some of them even shared the same Martin Luther King, Jr. quote with the audience: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” CBA President Timothy S. Tomasik introduced Judge E. Kenneth Wright, Jr., Chair of the Dickerson Award Com mittee, who made opening remarks. The following outstanding individuals were honored with the 2023 Dickerson Award: Judge Patrice L. Ball-Reed has served

8 May/June 2023