Strine to speak at Community Action Dinner Nov. 14

First State Community Action Agency, a statewide nonprofit helping Delawareans become self-sufficient, is celebrating 52 years of service with a dinner and recognition ceremony, Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Dover Downs Conference Center in Dover.

The event is set to begin with a reception at 5 p.m., and will feature Shades of Blue Jazz ensemble, gourmet cuisine and recognition ceremony. Special honor will be given to the Rev. Dr. John G. Moore Sr. as this year's Stanford L. Bratton Award recipient for leadership and service, Delmarva Power as the 2017 Community Partner Award recipient, among other honorees. Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Leo E. Strine Jr. will address the group of nonprofit, business, and government leaders during the event.

Strine graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1988, and was selected as a member of the Order of the Coif. In 1985, he received his bachelor's degree summa cum laude from the University of Delaware and was selected as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. On Feb. 28, 2014, Strine became the 8th Chief Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court. Before becoming chief justice, Strine had served on the Delaware Court of Chancery as chancellor since June 22, 2011, and as a vice chancellor since Nov. 9, 1998. While serving on the Court of Chancery, Strine wrote numerous opinions, particularly in the area of corporation law. On several occasions, Strine's articles have been selected as among the Best Corporate and Securities Articles of the year, based on the choices of academic teachers. Strine holds long-standing adjunct teaching positions at Harvard and University of Pennsylvania where he has and continues to teach diverse classes in corporate law. Strine also serves as a senior fellow of the Harvard Program on Corporate Governance, as well as the Austin Wakeman Scott Lecturer in Law at the Harvard Law School. Immediately before becoming a member of the Court of Chancery, Strine was counsel to Gov. Tom Carper and in 1994 assumed responsibility for overall policy coordination. From 2005 to the present, Strine has been named as one of the nation's top lawyers and judges by Lawdragon magazine. Also, in 2006, he was selected as a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute.

Executive Director Bernice Edwards shares, "Within and outside the courtroom, Chief Justice Strine has continuously been a champion of civil rights and justice for Delawareans. We believe his speech will inspire our audience and serve as a clarion call to joint action in this ongoing fight for economic and social justice."

Since its inception in 1965, First State Community Action Agency has worked to address unemployment, housing and hunger, among many other issues affecting thousands of low-income Delawareans. With a keen focus on poverty remediation, First State provides a menu of services to lift families out of poverty and improve the quality of life for low-wage workers, seniors, children and those in crisis.

"In a time when poverty, social injustice, and economic disparities continuously challenge our nation and state, we have positioned ourselves to more effectively meet these challenges and make a difference in the lives those most affected," Edwards said. "For 52 years we've adapted to the changing times, and we will remain committed to helping Delawareans overcome the barriers for years to come.

For tickets and event information call 302-856-7761 Ext. 138 or visit www.firststatecaa.org.