The Minority Bar Foundation Presents
41st Annual Awards Ceremony Dinner
March 12th, 2025 | 5:30pm-8:30pm
The Event of the Year
Experience the essence of unity and progress at this year’s awards dinner themed “Honoring Legends,” where we celebrate the remarkable achievements shaped by our diverse community.
Join us for a formal dinner where we honor legal luminaries, community members, and the unsung heroes behind the scenes of our 40 years of commitment, progress, and unity.
The Buffalo Club
We are proud to host this year’s Celebration Dinner at the Buffalo Club. Founded in 1867 by the 13th U.S. president and Buffalo resident Millard Fillmore and his colleagues, the Buffalo Club has grown to become a central hub for business building, higher education, philanthropy, and local culture.
Food & Drink
The dinner will feature a diverse menu with gluten-free and vegetarian options. You will be able to specify any dietary restrictions when purchasing tickets.
Directions & Parking
-
The Buffalo Club is located at 388 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY.
-
There is nearby street parking, an on-site parking lot, and valet options.
Dress Code
Formal attire required.
-
A jacket with collared dress shirt and a necktie. Dress shoes or loafers with socks.
-
Blouses, business tops, skirts, dresses or pantsuits. Appropriate shoes required. Attire should be appropriately fitting and hemmed with skirts and dresses mid-thigh or longer and avoid extremely short hemlines such as miniskirts or shorter. Outfit coordinating hats are permissible.
Advancing Together
Our mission is rooted in the relentless pursuit of a legal landscape that reflects the rich tapestry of our society. In a world where unity strengthens the fabric of society, we believe that by advancing together, we not only enhance the legal profession’s vitality but also contribute to a more just and inclusive society.
Evening Agenda
Cocktails in the
Reading Room
5:30 - 6:30 PM
Dinner in the
Theodore Roosevelt Room
6:30 PM
Keynote Speaker
Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney, Esq., LLM, CDP
7:10 - 7:20 PM
Dessert & Awards Ceremony
7:30 PM
Live Music
Enjoy the musical stylings of this talented strings trio as they use their instruments to give today’s popular music an elevated feel.
Vibrant Strings
Keynote Speaker
Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney
Our Keynote Speaker, Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney, is legend in her own right. A practicing attorney, former public servant and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion professional with experience in local government and higher education, Rodriguez-Dabney currently serves as Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Vice President at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. As part of the senior leadership team, Rodriguez-Dabney leads Roswell Park’s ongoing efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and access within the cancer center and throughout the communities it serves.
Awardees
2025
This year’s awardees have played pivotal roles in advancing diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. Their commitment, dedication, and achievements are an embodiment of the will to move toward progress, despite adversity; they are the embodiment of living legends.
2025 Honorees
-
Chief Judge JaHarr S. Pridgen
Legal Service Award
-
Cavette Chambers, Esq.
Trailblazer Award
-
John V. Elmore, Esq.
Lifetime Achievement Award
-
Dylan Feliciano
John L. Hargrave Law Student Award
-
Serena Brahaspat
John L. Hargrave Law Student Award
-
Theresa Lee
John L. Hargrave Law Student Award
-
Jennifer J. Metzger, Esq
Community Service Award
-
Kristen Kelly
Education Award
Donate & Support
Your support helps to further the mission of our organization and will help support the next generation of legal professionals in Buffalo and Western New York. Please fill out the donation form, or to mail a check, use the mailing address below.
Mail check:
Minority Bar Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 393
Niagara Square Station
Buffalo, NY 14201
The Minority Bar Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization.
EIN number 03-0543924
All contributions are tax-deductible.
No good or services will be provided in exchange of your contribution.
Sponsorship
Our sponsors play a crucial role in advancing our mission, contributing invaluable support that fuels our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the legal field. Through their commitment, they become integral partners in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for the legal profession.
If your organizations is interested in becoming a sponsor please contact Andrew J. Freedman (AFreedma@hodgsonruss.com) with copy to Marie Brenner (MBrenner@hodgsonruss.com).
Previous Events
2024
Explore the highlights of our previous extraordinary events and dinners.
Venue Directions
Conveniently located in the heart of Buffalo, finding your way to the Buffalo Club is a straightforward journey.
Address:
388 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Parking Options:
Ample parking is available, including street parking, a nearby parking lot, and valet services for your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Ticket purchases can be made through our ticketing platform Eventbrite. Simply click here and follow the prompts to secure your spot at our event.
If you are attending with a sponsored organization, please ask your organization for your complimentary ticket.
-
The dress code is business formal attire. For men, this typically involves suits or tuxedos, while women are encouraged to wear floor-length gowns or cocktail dresses.
-
There are a variety of sponsorship levels available. For more information, please contact Andrew J. Freedman (AFreedma@hodgsonruss.com) with copy to Marie Brenner (MBrenner@hodgsonruss.com).
-
Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds. However, tickets are transferable. Please contact our team if you need assistance transferring your ticket to another attendee.
-
Certainly! Tickets can be purchased for both individuals and groups. Please ensure that each guest is registered when purchasing tickets.
-
Absolutely! The event is designed to foster connections. You'll have the chance to interact with honorees, speakers, and fellow attendees during various segments of the evening.
Contact Us
Have a question about the event? Want to become a sponsor? Send us a message and our team will get back to you shortly!