‘Succeeding Against All Odds’ topic of Buffalo City Court judge talk

The Honorable Craig D. Hannah, chief judge of Buffalo City Court who rose to national prominence as the presiding judge of the nation’s first Opioid Intervention Court, will deliver a virtual presentation, “Succeeding Against All Odds,” for Fredonia on Wednesday, April 14, at 7 p.m.

In his talk, Judge Hannah will address how being torn between two worlds – being underestimated, ostracized and misunderstood – impacted his educational achievement and professional development.

“Students will benefit tremendously in hearing Judge Hannah's story of perseverance and will leave with a sense of inspiration,” said Director of Multicultural Support Services David White.

Hannah is the supervising judge of the 11 City Courts in the Eighth Judicial District encompassing Western New York and has given lectures in major cities on treatment courts and breaking the shame and stigma of addiction. He proudly professes to 23 years of clean time and tells participants that the only difference between them is clean “time,” said White, who has known Hannah for over 21 years.

“Judge Hannah and I are fraternity brothers,” White added. “We are both proud life members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Craig is a dynamic, motivational speaker who is passionate about student success, community service and the uplifting of our community.”

Hannah has been featured in The New York Times, NBC News and The Denver (Colo.) Post and on HBO Vice News. His numerous honors and achievements include the Legal Service/Lifetime Achievement Award from Medaille College, the Distinguished Alumni Award from City Honors School, Community Service Award from the Westside Business & Taxpayers’ Association and the Pay It Forward Award by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

Additionally, Hannah has received the Transformative Leadership Award from the City of Buffalo for his positive contribution to the community and enhancing the image of Buffalo.

Hannah is co-director of the City Kids at Camp Youth Initiative, which that takes inner-city children camping every summer. The goal of this program, a collaboration with businessman Chris Del Prince and several Buffalo police officers, is to take young people outside of their environment and expose them to other ideas and cultures, while teaching leadership and survival skills.

A City Court judge since 2006, Hannah, is a graduate of Canisius College and the State University at Buffalo School of Law and a member of the UB School of Law Dean’s Advisory Council. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the UB School of Law, where he lectures on trial advocacy and procedure. Hannah was an attorney in private practice for nearly 10 years before his judicial appointment.

Use the following link online to view the program, sponsored by the Intercultural Center.