Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to Keynote
The Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), America’s oldest bar association of Black lawyers and judges, will host its 112th Installation and Awards Banquet on Friday, June 26 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. This year’s theme, Defending Justice. Defining Tomorrow., reflects CCBA’s longstanding commitment to protecting the rule of law, advancing equity in the legal profession, and preparing the next generation of legal leaders.
The banquet will celebrate the installation of President-Elect LeDeidre S. Turner as CCBA President for the 2026–2027 bar year and honor distinguished members of the legal and civic communities whose leadership and service reflect CCBA’s mission. The evening will include a cocktail reception featuring violinist Windy Indie, dinner and an awards ceremony hosted by ABC 7’s Val Warner, and an after party featuring DJ Lil Tiff. This year’s Installation will feature Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison as the keynote speaker and United States Representative Danny K. Davis and Chicago State University President, Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott who will give remarks.
For more than a century, CCBA has stood at the forefront of civil rights, professional excellence, and access to justice. The annual Installation and Awards Banquet is one of the association’s signature events, bringing together judges, attorneys, elected officials, civic leaders, and community members to celebrate CCBA’s legacy and continued impact.
The 112th Installation and Awards Banquet is open to members of the legal profession, civic leaders, community partners, and supporters of CCBA’s mission. Additional event information and ticket details are available here.
The Cook County Bar Association is the oldest association of Black lawyers and judges in the United States and is dedicated to providing its members with the resources and support they need to be effective advocates for justice.
About the Cook County Bar Association
Since its inception, the Cook County Bar Association (the “CCBA”) has been at the forefront of legal issues of concern to the Black community. During the 1919 Chicago race riots, CCBA members defended Black residents who were unlawfully arrested and initiated civil lawsuits for damages. For over 100 years, the CCBA has aggressively supported the civil, political, and economic rights of the Black community and its members. Through organized activities and individual contributions from its members, the CCBA has held various legal clinics and community forums at various sites and supported by renowned civil rights organizations including Rainbow PUSH, local chapters of the NAACP, and other local groups and churches. The CCBA Foundation provides legal information, resources, and referrals through its monthly legal clin
