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Community Corner

Annual Barristers Ball Heralds Efforts of Local Seekers of Justice

The Will County Black Bar Association hosted its annual Barristers Ball on Feb. 18.

Elegance and sophistication set the tone Saturday evening as the Will County Black Bar Association hosted its annual Barristers Ball on Feb. 18.

Bolingbrook resident Sherri Hale, a litigator for the Will County Public Defender’s Office and the association's immediate past president, co-chaired the celebration which recognized organizational milestones before heralding the efforts of local seekers of justice in addition to awarding deserving graduating high school seniors with scholarships. 

The association, which consists of diverse members of the legal profession throughout Will County and the collar counties of Chicago, has made great strides in four short years since its founding.

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Members work diligently to satisfy goals that unify African-American and other minority lawyers, advance equality and excellence in the pursuit of justice, aid the professional progress of Blacks and other minorities, address legal issues affecting Will County, as well as foster the study of law by encouraging the personal and professional development of young lawyers and law students.

“It feels like we are just at the tip of the iceberg for making an impact on the community, said Joel Brown, assistant state’s attorney and current president. "It feels like we are just at the tip of the iceberg for making an impact on the community. To think we started as a small organizing group in the kitchen of the Honorable Judge Ray Bolden. We started out just walking in the Black Pride parade and participating in local expungement workshops, but have grown to hosting our own free legal clinic, “Ask A Lawyer” day, giving testimony at public hearings on redistricting and now serving on the statewide committees to give a voice to the issues that impact people of color! Look at how the BBA has grown."

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After a brief dinner BBA Treasurer Rolanda Mitchell acknowledged the support of donors as well as 2011 executive board members Sherri Hale, Joel Brown, Litricia Payne, Greg Smith, Emil Standfield, Frank Rober Cannon III and Chrystel Gavlin for their efforts to insure the continued relevancy of the Black Bar Association.

The evening’s focus shifted into high gear as Sherri Hale, also serving as scholarship coordinator, addressed the crowd.

“Although we have themed this event The Masquerade there is no pretending, no disguises when it comes to achieving educational excellence," she said. "BBA sent out application packets to all Will County area high schools to invite students to participate in our competitive scholarship program.”

“To win this scholarship, students not only had to demonstrate academic prowess, but a commitment to serving the community. Based on the overwhelming response, the scholarship committee was unable to limit the selection to just one entry.”

The winners included Christopher Fisher who will be attending Columbia College in Chicago, Lincoln Way Central High School’s Charlene Dundek who matriculates to Ohio State in the fall and Plainfield East High School’s Imani Hughes who is headed to Notre Dame.

Judge Carmen Goodman, a founding member of the Black Bar Association delivered the final highlight, naming Bolingbrook’s own Joann Robinson, founder of the non-profit H.E.A.R.T. program, and Judge Marzell Richardson as the first recipients of the Judge Raymond Bolden Seekers of Justice Award.

“I feel like Cinderella at the royal ball. I’m just worried that the clock will strike midnight and it will all end too soon," said Robinson as she accepted her award.

Robinson additionally thanked all the judges that have supported her work over the years and acknowledged the support of her staff from the administrative assistant to the head of security.

In a nod to the recent passing of trailblazing entrepreneur Don Cornelius, the program wrapped and morphed into a huge dance party. The entire audience rose to their feet and formed a “Soul Train” inspired line as DJ-Audio West Entertainment conjured up musical styling’s that capped off the festivities with a fitting and fun tribute.

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