WHAT: Edna G. Parker Awards

WHERE: U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia,

Prettyman Courthouse, North Atrium

333 Constitution Avenue N.W.

WHEN: Thursday, November 2, 2017 5:30-7:30 pm

WHO: US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

DC United States District Court Chief Judge Beryl Howell

DC Court of Appeals Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby

National Association of Women Judges

The National Association of Women Judges’ District 4 members will gather on Thursday, November 2, for its biennial awards ceremony. The event will begin with welcoming remarks from U.S. District Court Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell, followed by brief remarks from U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Recently appointed, elected or elevated women judges from District 4 -- which includes the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia -- will be recognized.

As the NAWJ’s press release indicates: “The Honorable Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, a past President of the National Association of Women Judges and an NAWJ member for over twenty years, will be the recipient of the Edna G. Parker Award for her exemplary contribution to public service and for her leadership in the community.”

The award’s namesake was a legend in DC legal and judicial circles. She served as a judge on the US Tax Court from 1977 to 1995. She was appointed by President Carter. Judge Parker grew up in Washington, graduated from Eastern High School, and received her law degree from the George Washington University School of Law. At a time when few women were lawyers, she not only graduated from law school, but served as a law clerk at the US Court of Claims. Her public service continued on the federal level in the Navy, Justice Department and Department of Transportation, where she served as an administrative law judge. The award honors the memory of Judge Parker and her incredible service to the DC community and the nation. She was an active member of the National Association of Women Judges and the Women’s Bar Association of DC. NAWJ states that award recipients “are selected on the basis of their outstanding achievements and accomplishments that reflect the ideals embodied in the spirit and legacy of Edna G. Parker, including honoring service performed in NAWJ’s District Four that demonstrates leadership and furthers the efforts of other who are committed to the public’s access to justice.”