In November 2009, Anthony Solana Jr. received the MALDEF Excellence in Legal Service Award for founding For People of Color, Inc., an advocacy organization which shares MALDEF’s belief in supporting the success of minority law students.

MALDEF celebrated its 35th Annual Los Angeles Awards Gala at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, honoring civil rights icons and trailblazers who have been critical partners in advancing the goals of the community and providing social justice for Latinos. More than a thousand advocates, elected officials, attorneys, corporate leaders and city officials were in attendance.