HomeNews Assistant Secretary of DHS Addresses Full House During ADC Judges Night Reception
Assistant Secretary of DHS Addresses Full House During ADC Judges Night Reception
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Assistant Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Addresses Full House During ADC Judges Night Reception
In the spirit of upholding justice, freedom and liberty, the ADC Michigan Advisory Board hosted its 6th Annual Judges Night Reception on October 16, 2007 at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center in Dearborn. Approximately 400 distinguished guests, including over 50 distinguished judges, elected officials, attorneys and community leaders attended this event.
ADC Michigan was honored to host, as its keynote speaker, Assistant Secretary of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Julie Myers. During her speech, Ms. Myers, who leads the second largest investigative agency in the federal government, with more than 15,000 employees, highlighted some key issues that ICE has been working on and discussed the importance of continuing dialogue and enhancing relationships between government and communities. Ms. Myers’s attendance at this event was consistent with a number of high profile meetings that have taken place recently between the government and members of the Arab American community, including meetings with the US Attorney General, DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff, the Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and officials from the Department of Treasury. These meetings have served to promote understanding and strengthen the relationship between high-ranking government officials and the community.
ADC was pleased to host, as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening, WXYZ Channel 7 News Reporter Cheryl Chodun, a veteran Detroit reporter who has been with WXYZ for 19 years. Cheryl was able to bring the significance of ADC’s Judges Night home for the audience in her opening remarks.
Another highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony, during which the Honorable Charles Binder, United States District Court Magistrate and the Honorable David Allen, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge were honored with the “Guardian of Justice” Award for their distinguished public service and commitment to civil rights. Both judges gave a heartfelt acceptance speech and expressed their gratitude for the recognition. Judge Allen made a noteworthy remark when he referred to the Constitution of the United States as the only true “Guardian of Justice” in the US.
Special proclamations and acknowledgements were presented to the award recipients by the offices of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, US Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, Congressmen John Dingell and John Conyers, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, State Representative Gino Polidori and State Senator Irma Clark-Coleman.
In addition to the keynote address and awards ceremony, welcoming remarks were delivered by ADC National President and Former Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar and Judges Night Committee Chair Judge Kathleen McCarthy. The program also featured a special Arabic classical performance by “Najoom Al-Sharakh.”
Over the past six years, ADC has honored a number of respected Judges in Michigan, including Hon. Chris Dingell, 3rd Circuit Court; Hon. Arther Tarnow, United States District Court; Hon. Kathleen McCarthy, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. Victoria A. Roberts, United States District Court; Hon. Edward M. Thomas, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. Mary Beth Kelly, Chief Judge, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. Joan E. Young, Oakland County Circuit Court; Hon. Marianne O. Battani, United States District Court; Hon. Avern Cohen, United States District Court; Hon. Steven Pepe, Magistrate, United States District Court; Hon. Margie Braxton, Wayne County Circuit Court; Hon. Leo Foran, Dearborn Heights District Court and Hon. George Caram Steeh, United States District Court.
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