CBA Record

VANGUARD AWARDS 2016 Diversity and Inclusion Shine at Annual Awards Luncheon

By Kathleen Dillon Narko Editorial Board Member T welve attorneys and judges received Vanguard Awards for making the law and legal profession more accessible to and reflective of the com- munity at-large. The Chicago Bar Asso- ciation and 11 other local bar associations co-sponsored the award reception and luncheon Wednesday, April 20, at the Standard Club. Call for Inclusion Many of those receiving awards stressed the importance of diversity and inclusion in our profession. Decalogue Society of Law- yers honoree Justice Michael B. Hyman stated a theme followed by many at the luncheon: “This is no time for indifference or inaction… We lawyers must do what- ever we can to destroy these wrecking balls [of bigotry] that are destroying America from within. We are one human family, united in our diversity and multicultural- ism. We must stand together. We must stand together for equality and dignity for all. We must stand together for inclu- sion….We must stand together for one another.” Leslie Richards-Yellin, honored by the Black Women Lawyers Association of Greater Chicago, reinforced these sen- timents, stating, “Chicagoans know that to be a great city all groups have to work together, and all groups have to increase the diversity of the city.” Jayne Reardon, honored by the Wom- en’s Bar Association of Illinois, echoed the role of the attorneys in supporting diversity and inclusion, stating, “We need everyone who is willing to do the work [to promote increased inclusion in our profession] to be included in the effort.” Standish E. Willis, honored by the Cook County Bar Associa- tion, urged everyone to join a movement to

President Patricia Brown Holmes with award recipients. Photos by Bill Richert.

Recently appointed Deputy Mayor Andrea Zopp greets award recipient Zaldwaynaka (Z) Scott.

12 JULY/AUGUST 2016