Richard Friedman, executive vice president of the Birmingham Jewish Federation, will be honored at the 38th annual National Conference for Community and Justice Brotherhood and Sisterhood Awards Dinner.

Friedman has headed the Federation for 25 years. In a letter to the community, several Jewish supporters of NCCJ – including some past award honorees – said Friedman “is motivated by a love for the unity of our community and the well being of Jews throughout the world..

“Through his elegant writing and eloquent advocacy, and his passion for the Jewish people, Richard has played a leading role in making our Jewish community united, proud, respected, and a model for other Jewish communities throughout the country.”

The dinner will be March 2 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Ballroom, with a 6:30 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. dinner and program. Individual tickets are $150, and sponsorship tables of eight start at $1500.

Also being recognized are Lillie Fincher, educator and civic volunteer; Donald James, chairman and CEO of Vulcan Materials Company; and Scott Douglas, executive director of Greater Birmingham Ministries. Mayor Charles McCallum will receive the James A. Head, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award.