Friend –

Fifty years ago, the residents of the majority-Black District of Columbia headed to the polls to elect their first council and mayor in nearly 100 years. After decades of organizing by Black District residents and allies across the country, the federal government passed the Home Rule Act in 1973, and residents cast their ballots in November 1974. This Black History Month, we're celebrating this important anniversary and re-committing to advancing full statehood, freedom, and justice for the people of D.C.

Here are highlights of our recent work and some ways that you can get involved.

Say NO to abuse of power: Amend the Secure DC Act

We deserve to be safe from crime and from abuse of power. But the D.C. Council will soon take a second vote on the Secure DC Act, which still includes provisions that put both our safety and our rights at risk.

Among other measures, the Secure DC Act would establish ineffective and failed "drug-free zones" and give inappropriate powers to police.

Between when the bill was announced and the first vote on February 6, we and our partners advocated for important amendments that preserved police accountability measures, removed invasive DNA collection language, mandated data-driven decisions on pretrial detention, and more.

Councilmembers still need to hear from you to make necessary changes before the Council's second vote. Tell D.C. Councilmembers to say NO to abuse of power.

Know Your Rights

Everyone who lives in, works in, or visits D.C. has basic rights. Knowing these rights can help people react effectively when their rights are under threat. Check out our easy-to-use "Know Your Rights" materials.

Want more hands-on knowledge of your rights? We offer "Know Your Rights" training for communities all over the District, including students, clubs, civic groups, and others interested in protecting their civil rights and civil liberties. Request training for your local community group of 10 or more people.

Criminal Justice Reform and D.C.

Tuesday, February 13, 4 p.m.
Zoom provided upon RSVP
Register

Join us to learn how the ACLU protects your constitutional rights and how your involvement can ensure those rights are upheld. ACLU-D.C. experts will walk through the Constitutional amendments that protect people who are involved in the legal system. We will discuss how we have defended District residents in the past, as well as the threats to civil liberties we see on the horizon.

Thanks for sticking with us,

ACLU of the District of Columbia