It's Black History Month, and we are celebrating all the ways that Black people have fueled America's progress toward its own ideals, including the ongoing fight for D.C. Statehood. For generations, Black communities have dreamed, sacrificed, and shaped this nation, and this American history will not be erased.

In the spirit of pushing toward the promise of what this country can be, here are some highlights of our recent work and upcoming events where you can join us in person.

BLOG: What Trump's Immigration Policies Mean for Families Across the DMV

Since the start of President Trump's second term, immigrant communities across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia have been living with an immigration agenda once again defined by fear, intimidation, and aggressive federal enforcement. Read our newest blog post to learn how the American Civil Liberties Union affiliates of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are working in coordination to ensure people understand their rights, prepare for encounters with immigration authorities, and fight back together.

RESCHEDULED EVENT Tuesday, March, 3, 6 p.m.: Trump, Your Rights, and Resistance Talk

Our nation looks a lot different a year after President Trump took office in January 2025. What has actually happened – and what does it mean for our rights? Join Profs & Pints for an informed breakdown on the civil rights and civil liberties issues that have defined the past year, with Scott Michelman, legal director of the ACLU of D.C. and lecturer on law and Shikes Fellow in Civil Liberties and Civil Rights at Harvard Law School. Tickets start at $13.50 (plus sales tax and processing fee), and the talk begins at 6:30 p.m.

VICTORY: Half-Million-Dollar Settlement In Anti-Gay Hostile Workplace Lawsuit

Sgt. Deon Jones, a veteran D.C. corrections officer, secured a half-million-dollar settlement in a lawsuit challenging the anti-gay hostile workplace at D.C. Department of Corrections. Sgt. Jones, a gay man, has faced harassment, degrading treatment, and dangerous threats from coworkers and incarcerated people alike because of his sexual orientation. When Sgt. Jones reported the harassment and threats to his safety, his supervisors not only did not help him, but retaliated against him for his reports. Now, Sgt. Jones has settled his case. In Sgt. Jones' words, "This settlement affirms that my pain mattered—and that creating hostile workplaces has real consequences."

EVENT Tuesday, May 12, 6 p.m.: 2026 Bill of Rights Celebration

This year's celebration marks our 65^th anniversary! Join us for an evening of community, reflection, and celebration as we honor people who have made outstanding contributions to protecting civil rights and liberties in the District. Awardees this year include the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network, Mark Zaid, Tim Jenkins, and Mark Hertzog. Tickets start at $51, in honor of the ongoing fight to make D.C. the 51^st state.

Thanks for sticking with us,

ACLU of the District of Columbia