The Wolverine Bar Association, Detroit’s preeminent voice for the African American legal community, announced today that the Barristers’ Ball will return on April 30, 2022. To celebrate the event’s 60th anniversary, thousands of business and community leaders, along with Detroit’s movers and shakers will come together to party with a purpose, and support scholarships, educational programs, and career networking opportunities designed to serve members of the legal profession and community.
The 60th Annual Wolverine Bar Foundation Barristers’ Ball will take place at the Detroit Marriot Renaissance Center. The charitable event will honor Federal and Circuit Court Judges, law student scholarship recipients and remarkable individuals whose impact has made a difference in the legal community including Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence and Shahida Mausi, managing operator of the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre. Doug E. Fresh will be on the mic and the band will be led by multi-platinum music director Kern Brantley.
Proceeds raised at the event will support the Wolverine Bar Foundation’s Judicial Externship Program, which provides opportunities for law students to work directly within the Federal and Circuit Courts and the foundation’s Summer Clerkship Program which provides students with hands-on exposure to law firms and corporate legal departments as well as the Minority Bar Passage Program which is designed to give students the skills to increase bar passage rates.
“The Annual Barristers’ Ball is our largest fundraiser and one of the most anticipated events of the year. We are excited to bring it back in 2022 after cancellations due to the pandemic,” said Kim L. Ward, President, Wolverine Bar Association. “We invite everyone to come out to support our important mission – to increase access to the legal profession and improve diversity and inclusion within our community. Already this year, the organization has been building on its mission with community programs despite covid challenges. We were happy to have both the American Bar Association President, Reginald M. Turner, and the National Bar Association President, Carlos E. Moore, join us in November for a legal forum stressing fair equity, civil rights and voting rights as well as the importance of remembering the Attorney oath and our commitment to the causes of the defenseless or oppressed. WBA is also excited to be a partner with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights for its summit to be held in June as well as partnering with other civic and community organizations.”
The Wolverine Bar Association continues to serve as a powerful mechanism through which African American attorneys in Michigan address the unique and distinct needs of our communities for legal service, representation and protection. Members include practicing attorneys statewide and those who serve in judicial positions on the State and Federal bench.
The Barristers’ Ball is from 9 PM to 1 AM, with a President’s Reception from 7 to 9 PM. Attendees will enjoy food, drinks and live performances by the hottest local Detroit DJs.
2022 Award Honorees
Golden Gavel Award
Hon. Leo Bowman
Hon. Ulysses Boykin
Hon. Denise Page Hood
Hon. Denise Langford Morris
Hon. Cynthia Stephens
Hon. Craig Strong
Civic Service Award
U.S. Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence
Legacy Award
Lewis & Munday Law Firm
Community Investment Award
Shahida Mausi – Managing Operator of the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre (formerly Chene Park)
Community Impact Award
Rev. Kenneth J. Flowers – Pastor, Greater New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church
To learn more and purchase tickets, visit: http://wolverinebar.org/ and https://bit.ly/WBA-The-Come-Back