NEWS

- RESOURCES & PUBLICATIONS -

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MCCJ MOURNS THE PASSING OF 1993 SILVER MEDALLION AND KEY MIAMI COMMUNITY ADVOCATE CARRIE PITTMAN MEEK

November 28, 2021

In 1993, we had the pleasure of recognizing the Honorable Carrie P. Meek at the Humanitarian Silver Medallion awards dinner.

Florida has lost a living Angel. Our light is less bright without her leadership, passion and advocacy. We do take solace in knowing that her fight for equity and in particular her support of opportunities for the people living in marginalized and underserved communities shall live on through the efforts made on behalf of The Carrie Meek Foundation.

From Tallahassee, Florida to the halls of Congress in Washington, Congresswoman Meek’s love for her family equaled that of her love of community. She will be missed. We pray that her soul is at peace and send our deepest sympathies to her family and closest friends.

Rest in Peace, Carrie Pittman Meek

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MCCJ STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JUDGE GERALD KOGAN, FORMER FLORIDA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE

MARCH 11, 2021

The MCCJ family is saddened by the passing of Florida Chief Justice Gerald Kogan (retired) on March 5, 2021.

In 2017, Florida Chief Justice Kogan received MCCJ’s Silver Medallion Award, our highest honor given to civic and community leaders whose deeds and values are concurrent with MCCJ’s mission of building an inclusive community.

The Miami Herald, in its March 7 obituary, emphasized Kogan’s civic mindedness, referring to him as an “ethics crusader” and describing him as someone who “saw public corruption as a threat to society itself”.

Deborah Hoffman, herself an MCCJ Silver Medallion honoree, notes that, “He ushered in the era of public trust and ethical governance as the Founding President of the then-newly formed Alliance for Ethical Government in Miami-Dade County immediately upon retiring as Chief Justice. His efforts succeeded in unifying many disparate parts of our local community. His goal was to promote, enforce and monitor ethics in government and public service.”

Florida Chief Justice Kogan’s life and legacy were dedicated to furthering the greater good of society by promoting fairness and equal treatment for all in our justice system. His leadership and service earned him well-deserved recognition throughout our community and beyond. He was named a “Legal Legend” by the 11^th Judicial Circuit Historical Society in 2007; the Chesterfield Smith Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Bar in 2005; and was one of the first to receive the University of Miami School of Law Alumnus of Distinction Award and the University’s Award of Excellence. Also, at the University of Miami, Justice Kogan distinguished himself by being initiated a member of the lauded Iron Arrow Honor Society – the highest attainable honor at the University – and served as Medicine Man and Secretary in 1953, and as Chief and President during the 1954-55 term.

He advocated for diversity in many organizations. His commitment to diversity within the legal profession and equal treatment for all in the justice system was evident in his capacity as founding chair of the Florida Supreme Court’s Gender Bias Study Commission, the first study in the nation to evaluate the role of women in the judicial system. The initial report was revolutionary in is observations and recommendations concerning women in the legal system. His range of influence included his mentoring countless young people during his lifetime.

For his tireless commitment to the cause of civil liberties, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation bestowed upon him its Nelson Poynter Award and Stanley Milledge Award.  He was the first member of the judiciary recognized with the Friend of the First Amendment Award for opening public access to the administration of justice.

Florida Chief Justice Gerald Kogan’s remarkable career, and critically important accomplishments, have made a lasting impact upon our community and our society.

The MCCJ family sends our deepest condolences to the Kogan family.

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MCCJ MOURNS THE PASSING OF 2020 SILVER MEDALLION AND KEY MIAMI HISTORIAN ARVA MOORE PARKS McCABE.

May 11, 2020

On Mother’s Day this past Sunday, Arva Moore Parks McCabe, one of Miami’s most distinguished citizens passed away at the age of 81. Arva was to receive MCCJ’s coveted Silver Medallion Award at the Humanitarian Awards Dinner this past March 14^th. The Dinner was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A proud Miami native honored as Coral Gables’ “Citizen of the Year,” Arva was a noted historian and one of the leading Miamian’s documenting the city’s history. As an activist, Arva’s contributions played a central role in shaping modern-day Miami Dade. Her rigorous work as a published author has helped shape the scholarly understanding of Miami and Coral Gables well into the 21^st century.

Abbey Chase of Chase Marketing Group worked closely with Arva during the City of Miami’s 100^th anniversary in 1996 to produce a historic calendar tracing major milestones by decade. “Arva was such an amazing member of our community. Her knowledge of our history and her respect for all the people and events that made our city great were part of her DNA. It was indeed a pleasure to work with her on the calendar and so many other projects over the years. She has left a very rich legacy as a historian and leader of our diverse community…she will be greatly missed.”

MCCJ expresses their deepest condolences to the family of Arva Moore Parks McCabe

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