ADC-MI Director Fatina Abdrabboh.

DEARBORN — During his keynote address at the 13th annual Guardians of Justice Judges Night Awards Banquet, Sept. 17, Carlton Waterhouse, a professor of law and dean’s fellow at the University of Indiana Law School, challenged the audience to think about what their legacy will be and encouraged them to remain aware of the desperate need for institutions to understand the obstacles facing minority communities. 

Waterhouse spoke of recent injustices that impacted the local Arab and Muslim communities, referencing the rejection of a proposed Sterling Heights mosque, led by bigoted residents.

The event, which took place at the Byblos Banquet Hall, was hosted by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) Michigan Regional Office and attended by more than 400 guests, including judges and lawmakers from state, federal, and supreme courts. ADC-MI started the Guardian of Justice Judges Night Banquet to honor judges who have succeeded in promoting and defending justice in their respective communities.

Ahmed Mohamed, a 14-year-old Texas student who was arrested last week for bringing a homemade clock to school, was also a focal point throughout the evening. Leaders called for governmental agencies to stand behind Muslim communities as they attempt to withstand a growing wave of Islamophobia across the country.

The awards ceremony served as the highlight of the evening. Two judges received recognition for their work. Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein and Third Circuit Judge Brian Sullivan each received the Guardian of Justice awards, a special recognition given each year to those who are committed to justice.

Third Circuit Judge David Allen, the chair of the ADC-Michigan Judges Night Advisory Committee, introduced Bernstein. 

“Honoring Judge Bernstein is to recognize his outstanding dedication to integrity and justice,” Allen said. 

Azzam Elder, an attorney and former Deputy CEO of Wayne County, introduced Sullivan  and described him as a “pillar in the community, someone who has spearheaded local and state efforts to protect the rights of the underserved, indigent, and minority communities in the criminal justice system.”

Kary Moss, executive director of The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan, received a Justice Award for her work in promoting understanding and cooperation between communities.

Khalil Meek of the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), also attended. MLFA is a national civil liberties legal fund that defends the Bill of Rights by supporting legal cases that involve civil liberty encroachments and programs that defend the principles of justice on which America was founded. Since its creation, the MLFA has been involved in legal work and programs to defend Muslims against injustice in American courtrooms, prisons, and communities. 

ADC-Michigan Director Fatina Abdrabboh emphasized how individual citizens and communities will benefit from the collaboration between the two civil rights organizations.

“MLFA plays a key role as a national organization defending the rights of our community,” Abdrabboh said. “Working with the MLFA enables ADC-Michigan to critically examine pressing legal issues and develop a framework for promoting public awareness on the civil rights of Arab-Americans and other minorities in Michigan. MLFA’s participation in this program further highlights their commitment to serve our community and other communities affected by racism, intolerance, and bigotry.”

Ingrid Kelly of Fox 2 News Detroit served as the mistress of ceremonies. She praised the ADC-Michigan and the award recipients for “improving the quality of life for so many people in Michigan.”