The energy in the Oregon Convention Center, with 700 freedom defenders and civil rights advocates in one room, was electric last Friday. Thank you to everybody who made this year's Liberty Dinner so special!

The first photos from the night are posted on our Facebook page

As david rogers said in his speech, “Let’s stay strong and let’s stay together.” We couldn’t do this work without your support and I am so thankful to have you with us. Whether you were at the Liberty Dinner to reconnect with old friends or make new ones, one thing was clear: There are so many of us in Oregon who value civil liberties and civil rights!

WATCH DAVID'S SPEECH     

We are very fortunate to have legal teams, advocates, and community members who respond in times of crises. At our Liberty Dinner, we heard from one our fantastic volunteer attorneys, Nadia Dahab, who helped turn the tides towards justice when the Trump administration locked away asylum seekers in the prison in Sheridan. 

watch our video about The work for Asylum seekers Detained at Sheridan

And to end the night, Lorella Praeli, the ACLU’s Deputy National Polictical Director, gave a powerful keynote speech that lit up the room. I am excited that she is leading the ACLU’s fight for immigrant rights at this crucial time. I was extremely moved when she led the room in the farm workers clap. Seeing the entire room join in was a joy and symbolic of your commitment to the work for freedom, equality, and fairness for all Oregonians.

WATCH LORELLA'S SPEECH

As you heard on Friday, last year we fought off attacks on abortion and immigrant rights at the ballot by crushing Measures 105 and 106.

Now we are turning the momentum we have collectively built to an ambitious, proactive legislative agenda, and we need you with us. Your voices are powerful in Salem. 

Sign up to get involved in the 2019 Legislative Session

And, of course, mark your calendars for the next Liberty Dinner on February 28, 2020. We will be back at the Oregon Convention Center to celebrate 100 years of the ACLU!