The National Conference for Community and Justice will hold a Celebration of Leadership in Diversity at its Human Unity Awards Dinner, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 7 at the Sheraton Harbor Island.

Keynote speaker is Earvin "Magic" Johnson, basketball player extraordinaire turned inner-city development wonder. This year’s Humanitarian of the Year honorees are Deborah Szekely, Susan Lew and John Johnson. Tom Sayles, v.p. of government and community relations at Sempra Energy, is the dinner chairman. Sempra Energy and Union Bank of California are co-title sponsors of the event.

"This event not only pays tribute to local leaders who embrace NCCJ's mission and are making a difference in the community, but serves as the annual meeting of investors as well as a community celebration of those who support this important cause," says Jerry Sanders, NCCJ-San Diego chair. It also will be a chance to meet the local branch's new executive director, Ron Lanoue.

The mission of the National Conference for Community and Justice is to eliminate bias, bigotry and racism in America through understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures. The organization was founded as the National Conference of Christians and Jews in 1927. Thirty years later, the San Diego branch opened.

Local programs include Camp AnyTown, an annual weeklong leadership camp for up to 80 high school students; Camp MiniTown, which presents a similar experience camp but in half the time and for one school at a time; SDG&E DiverCity Works Theater Group, which dramatically presents aspects of NCCJ's mission at schools, often with performers who have been through the camp programs; Youth Advisory Committee, composed of camp graduates who meet monthly to plan and implement community service activities; the monthly Youth Leadership Breakfast Series; and the annual Martin Luther King All Peoples' Breakfast.

Proceeds from the dinner benefit NCCJ-San Diego and the KSWB Cares for Kids Fund of the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation. The event is expected to sell out. For sponsorship packages, table/seat prices, or more information, call (619) 491-3111.

— SD Metro Staff