The Minority Bar Foundation Presents
42nd Annual Awards Ceremony Dinner
Friday, March 13th, 2026 | 5:30pm-11:30pm
The Event of the Year
The Minority Bar Foundation strengthens representation within our legal community and cultivates the next generation of leaders through transformative programs—ranging from mentoring and LSAT preparation to law‑student grants and professional development initiatives. Each honoree exemplifies this year’s theme, Legacy in Action, by not only advancing their own powerful legacies but also uplifting the communities and future professionals who will follow in their footsteps.
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
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The Buffalo Club is located at 388 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY.
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Valet parking is available (included in ticket fee)
Dress Code
Formal attire required.
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A jacket with collared dress shirt and a necktie. Dress shoes or loafers with socks.
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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
Hon. William M. Skretny
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
Hon. William M. Skretny
Judge William M. Skretny has served on the United States District Court for the Western District of New York for 35 years, earning a reputation for fairness, scholarship, and administrative innovation. A Buffalo native and distinguished alumnus of Canisius University, Howard University School of Law, and Northwestern University, he built a national profile early in his career through federal prosecutions and special assignments from the U.S. Attorney General. Appointed to the federal bench in 1990, Judge Skretny presided over many of the region’s most complex and high‑profile cases, from terrorism and environmental prosecutions to major civil rights, redistricting, and infrastructure matters. As Chief Judge, he modernized court programs, expanded access to justice initiatives, and played a central role in the creation of the Robert H. Jackson United States Courthouse. Widely honored for his public service, he concluded his judicial career in 2025, leaving an enduring legacy that reshaped the administration of justice in Western New York.
Awardees
2026
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
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Honorable William M. Skretny
Lifetime Achievement Award
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Marissa Washington, Esq.
Trailblazer Award
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Jodyann Galvin, Esq.
Legal Service Award
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Lillie Wiley-Upshaw
Community Service Award
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Say Yes Buffalo
Education Award
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Tyonna J. Acoff
John L. Hargrave Law Student Award
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Edward H. King, Jr.
John L. Hargrave Law Student Award
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Andre Lloyd, Jr.
John L. Hargrave Law Student 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.
To confirm your sponsorship and related questions, please contact Andrew J. Freedman (AFreedma@hodgsonruss.com) with copy to Marie Brenner (MBrenner@hodgsonruss.com).
Past Sponsors
Previous Events
2025
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
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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.
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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.
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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).
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Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds. However, tickets are transferable. Please contact our team if you need assistance transferring your ticket to another attendee.
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Certainly! Tickets can be purchased for both individuals and groups. Please ensure that each guest is registered when purchasing tickets.
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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!