National Bar Association Honors Barbara Lee with Gertrude E. Rush Award
For Immediate Release
April 24, 2009
Contact: Nicole Y. Williams
(202) 225-2661
Washington, D.C. –Tonight, Congresswoman Barbara Lee will be presented with the Gertrude E. Rush Award from the National Bar Association. The presentation of the award will take place during the National Bar Association's 29th Annual Awards Dinner in New York City.
The award commemorates the life and uniqueness of Gertrude E. Rush, the only woman co-founder of the National Bar Association and the first African American woman to practice law in the state of Iowa. It is given to those who manifest the pioneering spirit epitomized by Gertrude E. Rush, demonstrate leadership in the community and in his or her profession, demonstrate concern for human and civil rights and are a model of excellence in legal education and perseverance in the law, public policy and social activism.
"I am extremely honored to receive this award from the National Bar Association," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. "Gertrude E. Rush was one of the greatest legal minds of our time and paved the way for me and so many others to be able to serve. Additionally, I am humbled to join the ranks of past recipients such as Dr. Johnetta Cole, Benjamin Hooks and the late Stephanie Tubbs Jones. I hope my life serves as inspiration for young people to become active in their communities and encourages them to always be willing to stand up for what they believe."
The National Bar Association was organized in 1925 by twelve African-American attorneys with a mutual interest and dedication to justice and civil rights. During this time there were fewer than 1,000 African-American lawyers in the nation, and less than 120 belonged to the Association. Today, the NBA's network has made significant strides in expanding opportunities for its membership of over 20,000 lawyers, judges, educators and law students.
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