Sixteenth Annual Unity Dinner Celebrated
by Deborah M. Cooke

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The 2002 Annual Unity Dinner was held on Wednesday, October 23, 2002, at the Hilton Hotel in Sacramento. Over 150 judges, lawyers, political officials, friends, and families attended the reception and dinner. Camaraderie and friendship permeated the room as attendees first gathered for the reception and silent auction hour, then feasted on a wonderful dinner, and later enjoyed the keynote address and awards presentation.

The Unity Dinner was sponsored by the three ethnic minority bar associations (Asian Bar Association of Sacramento (ABAS), La Raza Lawyers of Sacramento (La Raza), and the Wiley Manuel Bar Association of Sacramento (WMBA)) and sub-sponsored by Women Lawyers of Sacramento (WLS) and SacL.E.G.A.L.

This year's keynote address was presented by U.S.C. Professor of Law, Jody David Armour. Professor Armour has published numerous articles and essays in addition to a recent book on race relations. He has also lectured at various universities and conferences throughout the United States. With insightful examples and statistics, Professor Armour's address focused on society's unconscious stereotypes and biases and how they influence our perceptions.

Three $500 scholarships were awarded to some very deserving law students who the scholarship committee found to have consistently demonstrated community involvement, leadership, and academic excellence. Those awardees were Justin Lee, Raquel Pereyra, and Shakira Pleasant.

In addition, each sponsoring minority bar association presented an individual unity award to an attorney who has made significant contributions to the legal profession and the community. ABAS presented its award to Donna Tamanaha, an attorney whose commitment to the Asian community is well-known. Donna has held almost every leadership position in the ABAS, including president, and helped coordinate the creation of the Unity Diversity Career Forum, to which she continues to contribute.

La Raza presented its award to Alberto Roldan, an attorney who has a long history of active involvement in many community organizations, including his present stint as La Raza's president.

Mark Ambrose received the award from the WMBA. Aside from his service as immediate past President and current member of the Executive Board of the WMBA, Mark is active in the community, particularly with activities involving youth football leagues.

WLS awarded $1,000. to Maryhouse, a program of Loaves & Fishes that provides meals, hot showers, and other necessity items to needy women and children. SacL.E.G.A.L. presented an award to John W. Bennett, a SacL.E.G.A.L. board member who has made numerous contributions to the community and the legal profession.