Recently, Larry R. Rogers, Sr., founding partner of Power Rogers, received the prestigious “Advocate for Diversity Award” presented by the Diversity Scholarship Foundation, NFP.
The award was presented at the 11th Annual Unity Dinner hosted by the Foundation on Thursday, October 10th at the Chicago Hilton Grand Ballroom. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was established by a group of attorneys and judged committed to the ideal that diverse law school student bodies are required to ensure further diversification in the legal community.
Although the Foundation was formally established in March 2008, the Foundation’s mission had its genesis in 2002, when 17 bar association presidents joined together for the first symbolic swearing-in and took an oath to promote the goal of advancing diversity within the Chicago legal community. In subsequent years, the number of participating associations has greatly increased, and today more than 50 associations have joined together to partake in the symbolic swearing-in and pledge to support the increasing need to take concrete steps to diversify the legal community.
The Annual Unity Dinner is the exclusive fundraising event of the Foundation, and the money raised is used to fund law school scholarships for underprivileged and underrepresented minorities.
Mr. Rogers was selected as one of the Unity & Advocate Diversity Award recipients for his many efforts to promote diversity within the legal profession and to assist those less fortunate in obtaining an education. Mr. Rogers was recognized as a leader in the field of personal injury litigation, and noted for his achievement in serving as the first African American President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. In addition, Mr. Rogers was recognized for his contributions outside of the legal profession. In particular, Mr. Rogers serves as a member on the Board of Trustees at both John Marshall Law School and DePaul University College of Law. During his acceptance speech, Mr. Rogers praised both institutions for their commitment to promoting diversity in their student bodies and in the legal profession.
For more information on the Diversity Scholarship Fund, please visit its website.