The Sixth Annual Justice Tribute, hosted by the Arab American Civil Rights League (ACRL) and the Detroit Branch NAACP, took place on Wednesday, November 15, at the Huntington Tower in Detroit, honoring UDC Law Adjunct Professor Amir H. Ali and Third Judicial Circuit Judge Deborah H. Thomas for their outstanding contributions to civil rights and justice.
The event drew a notable crowd, including local judges, Supreme Court judges, representatives from local, state, and federal levels, law enforcement officials, and community leaders. ACRL Executive Director Mariam Charara and Detroit Branch NAACP Executive Director Kamilia Landrum led the ceremony, emphasizing the spirit of unity and collaboration between ACRL and the Detroit Branch NAACP in promoting justice and equality in the diverse region.
Huntington Bank sponsored the event, and the ACRL and NAACP expressed gratitude to Huntington Bank Chairman Gary Torgow for the institution’s commitment to serving the community and promoting justice.
Amir H. Ali, a distinguished civil rights attorney and president and executive director of the MacArthur Justice Center, received the Justice Tribute Award. ACRL Founder Nabih Ayad presented the award, recognizing Ali’s extensive work in the fight for civil rights. Ali, a seasoned civil rights litigator, leads trial and appellate litigation, addressing economic and racial justice issues and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. In addition to his legal practice, Ali is a professor at Harvard Law and Adjunct Professor at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law.
Judge Deborah H. Thomas, a luminary in the legal field, also received the Justice Tribute Award. The award was presented by Detroit Branch NAACP President Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, who delivered a speech celebrating Thomas’s remarkable contributions to justice. Thomas has been a leader in the legal field since 1995, serving in the Third Judicial Circuit Court and presiding over civil, criminal, and appellate litigation. She has also contributed as a mediator at Wayne County Probate Court and as an attorney specializing in real estate, family, criminal, juvenile, and probate law.
ACRL Executive Director Mariam Charara emphasized that the event served as a platform to acknowledge individuals whose unwavering commitment has paved the way for current and future leaders in the field of legal justice. Charara expressed gratitude to the distinguished judges, law enforcement representatives, elected officials, and community leaders who came together to honor those who displayed unparalleled dedication to civil rights and justice. The Justice Tribute recognized exceptional contributions and celebrated the unwavering spirit of the community, she noted.
