Judge Hatchett to speak at RAMM banquet Feb. 24

Staff Report

Rockford Association for Minority Management (RAMM) announces the keynote speaker for their 31st Annual RAMM Scholars Banquet on Friday, Feb. 24, is Judge Glenda Hatchett.

Her popular, award-winning, nationally-syndicated and internationally-viewed show, Judge Hatchett, was lauded for her creative sentencing and powerful administration of justice.

Hatchett is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. Outstanding Jurist of the Year by the National Bar Association, national spokesperson for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA); NAACP Thurgood Marshall Award; and founder of the Truancy Intervention Project.

Ever the dedicated professional, Judge Hatchett says her most important accomplishment has been her ability to impact the lives of troubled youths and their families. She is the author of Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say and Dare to Take Charge, an account of the important life lessons she has learned and witnessed from her years on the bench, including what it means to be daring and intentional when seeking your goals, how to bridge the “dream gap,” the dangers of a rigid life plan, and why the past is not a prison.

Nationally recognized as an expert on juvenile and social issues, Judge Hatchett speaks with authority on saving the generations of today and the future. With compassion and credibility, she affirms that her brand of justice matters for all.

The event will be held Friday, Feb. 24, at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road. It begins with a social hour at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:45 p.m. Scholarships will be awarded to more than two dozen RAMM Scholars, deserving college-bound African-American high school students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership through both academic achievement and community service.

Presenting sponsor of Judge Glenda Hatchett’s appearance, Rockford Association for Minority Management (RAMM), was founded in 1980 to provide support for African-American managers and promote excellence in African-American students in the greater Rockford community. To date, the organization has awarded more than $750,000 in scholarships to nearly 525 deserving African-American high school graduates who plan to continue their education at the college level.

For tickets to the evening event, contact Dennis Bias, ticket chair, at (773) 960-1192. Tickets are $75 per person. For more information, contact Becky Cook Kendall at (815) 978-3924.

From the Feb. 22-28, 2012, issue