Law Enforcement Leader and Civil Rights Champion to be Honored at SALDEF Gala

Join us at the SALDEF National Gala in Washington, DC, on Saturday, October 6, 2012 for an evening of reflection and empowerment.  This year’s Gala, “Chardhi Kala: The Sikh American Spirit”, will include a dedication to the Oak Creek Community as well as a perspective on the over 100 years that Sikh Americans have been in this country. We are pleased to announce that Washington, DC Police Chief Cathy Lanier and civil rights leader Karen Narasaki will be recognized at this year’s gala with the SALDEF Public Service Award and the Dorothy Height Coalition Building Award, respectively.

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In May of 2012, Chief Cathy Lanier became the first police chief of a major metropolitan department to update grooming standards to allow Sikh Americans to serve with their articles of faith. She is widely recognized for her commitment to reducing violent crimes through strong relationships fostered with partners in the community. Chief Lanier is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Unit Commanders Academy. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Management from Johns Hopkins University, and a Master’s Degree in National Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Karen K. Narasaki is a nationally-renowned civil and human rights leader. She is the former president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), a member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice. Following the attacks of 9/11, Ms. Narasaki worked with South Asian, Arab American and Muslim community leaders to address racial profiling and establish dialogs with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Justice.  Ms. Narasaki’s work has garnered many recognitions; including the American Bar Association’s Spirit of Excellence Award, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Hubert H. Humphrey Award and Washingtonian Magazine named her one of the “100 most powerful women in Washington” in 2001, 2006, 2009 and 2011. Join us in honoring Chief Cathy Lanier, Karen Narasaki and others who have worked to protect the rights of all Americans.

Free child care onsite and discounted parking available.

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See Pictures and Learn More about last year’s sold-out gala

Contact us at info@saldef.org for sponsorship information