Blanco Receives Award as "Social Justice Hero"
Centro Legal de La Raza honored María Blanco, Executive Director of the Warren Institute, at its recent 40th Anniversary Dinner Celebration.
Monica Ramirez, Board Co-Chair of Centro Legal de la Raza and Staff Attorney at the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project, presented Blanco with the organization’s 2009 Community Justice Award, in honor of her tireless efforts to promote social justice.
“María is an inspired advocate and mentor whose dedication has been a shining example to a generation of lawyers, students and colleagues. Her leadership and contributions to social justice are matched only by her charm and collegiality that enhance our entire community and everyone with whom she works,” said Lucas Guttentag, Director of the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project.
With more than 20 years of experience as a litigator and advocate for immigrant rights, women's rights, and racial justice, Blanco shares Centro Legal de la Raza’s commitment to defending the rights of and expanding the opportunities for immigrants and people of color. Centro Legal is a comprehensive legal services agency serving immigrant, low-income and Latino communities in the East Bay region of Northern California.
Blanco was honored along with Dolores Huerta, the legendary co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America, and the founders of Centro Legal de la Raza. Centro Legal and Berkeley Law have always shared close ties. Centro Legal was founded in 1969 by a group of Latino law students from Boalt.
“As a Boalt graduate, it is an incredible honor to receive this Community Justice Award from Centro Legal, created by a group of visionary law students who have helped make a difference in the lives of thousands of individuals and families,” said María Blanco.