The Arab American Bar Association of Illinois has worked diligently with other organizations to sustain civility throughout our profession.
AABAR kicked off 2022 with a discussion about Voting Rights and the discriminatory impact on minorities. In April, we held a joint unity Iftar dinner co-hosted with the Muslim Bar and Northwest Suburban Bar associations to further show support for one another. “Arab American Women in Law” was presented with the Middle Eastern and North Africa Law Student Association and AABAR at Loyola University to help educate students on civility in the practice of law.
In May, AABAR past president Donna Haddad was honored with the Vanguard Award, and Judge Samuel Betar III was presented with our Public Service Award for his distinguished career and work in promoting justice. In June, we proudly marched alongside Alliance of Illinois Judges at the Pride Parade.
In September, we held the 7th annual Building Bridges Award with the Decalogue Society of Lawyers, where members demonstrate the very ideals of civility by jointly recognizing those in our communities that inspire us all. Perhaps one of the largest initiatives this past year was an in-depth discussion about the future of affirmative action for minority businesses and the announcement that the first citywide study of the Middle East North African (MENA) community is going to be conducted. This study will help all of us further understand the impact on our community of being classified as “white.”
In November, our sold-out installation dinner welcomed Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi as our keynote speaker and awarded Justice Jesse Reyes with the Distinguished Service Award.
AABAR continues to be highly active and engaged in promoting civility and collaboration among our legal profession under its 2021-23 installed officers, including President Nura Yanaki, Treasurer Jawad Shalabi, Recording Secretary Mona Naser and Corresponding Secretary Cory Cassis.