ACLU of Florida’s 70th Anniversary: Orlando Recap

This embed will serve content from {{ domain }}. See our privacy statement

A Call to Courage: Celebrating 70 Years of Resistance in Florida

On September 19, we kicked off our 70th Anniversary Celebration in Orlando — honoring seven decades of courage, community, and resistance. Together, we remembered the battles fought, recognized people who made them possible, and renewed our commitment to the struggles ahead. We are deeply grateful to our Orlando City Sponsor Morgan & Morgan, our Orlando Courage Sponsor King, Blackwell, Zehnder & Wermuth, our Liberty Sponsor Nate & Lynda Balint — and to every single person who invested in our mission, showed up, stood with us, and helped make this kickoff such a powerful success.

Honoring Courage in Orlando

We proudly recognized Orlando’s honorees who embody both courage and sacrifice:

  • Justice & Liberty Partner Award – King, Blackwell, Zehnder & Wermuth - For decades, this firm has been at the forefront of Florida’s democracy battles, from Fair Districts and Black Voters Matter to today’s gerrymandering fights. Their legal brilliance and moral clarity remind us that the law can be a shield for fairness and equality.
  • Defender of Democracy Award – Brooke Girley and Jerry Girley - Targeted for daring to speak truth about injustice, the Girleys stood firm and refused to be silenced. In defending their own First Amendment rights, they have defended ours, embodying the power of courage in the face of retaliation.
  • Courage in Action Award – State Attorney Monique Worrell - State Attorney Monique Worrell stood tall in the face of an unconstitutional removal, refusing to let politics erase the will of the people. She continues to fight for democracy with strength and conviction, proving that courage in action inspires change far beyond one office.
  • Special Recognition – Eric Smaw, Outgoing Board President - Eric Smaw’s leadership has been steady, principled, and deeply rooted in the values of civil liberties. His vision has strengthened this organization, and his legacy will guide the work of defending freedom for years to come.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor: Morgan and Morgan

Courage Sponsor: King, Blackwell, Zehnder & Wermuth, P.A.

Liberty Sponsor: Linda and Nathan Balint

Get Connected

Join us at the next stops of our Call to Courage tour in Miami (Dec 4) as we continue building a more just future for all.

Sign up here: https://www.aclufl.org/join-our-call-for-courage-celebrate-70-years-of-defending-freedom-and-advancing-justice-in-florida/