ACLU of Florida’s 70th Anniversary: Miami Recap

On December 4, we marked the finale of our 70th Anniversary Celebration in Miami during Art Basel week. The night began with a performance by the Booker T. Washington Tornados and brought us together at the Historic Hampton House, featuring works by Miami-based artists Dinorah de Jesus Rodriguez and Melissa Oliveira.

Hosting our finale in Miami was especially significant. The ACLU of Florida was founded here in 1955, born from the urgency to confront state actions meant to undermine desegregation and silence civil rights organizations, colleges, and LGBTQ+ people. Grounded in that history, we proudly recognized Miami’s honorees—movement leaders, defenders, and educators—whose work remind us that democracy survives only when courage becomes action.

• Defender of Democracy Award – Dr. Marvin Dunn: Dr. Marvin Dunn has devoted his life to making sure the truth can never be buried. As a historian, educator, and advocate, he has challenged efforts to censor Black history and restrict honest teaching about racism — choosing the courtroom and the public square as places to insist that our children deserve to learn the full, unvarnished story of this country. Through courage, persistence, and a deep belief that democracy depends on truth, Dr. Dunn has shown what it means to defend not only his own rights, but the rights of countless students, families, and communities across Florida. We honor Dr. Marvin Dunn — a true defender of democracy.
• Courage in Action Award – Miguel "Mike" Fernandez: Mike Fernandez has lived the courage to put principle into action. As a Cuban American who came to this country with nothing, he understands the fear, sacrifice, and resilience that define the immigrant story. And as a business leader and philanthropist, he has used his platform to call out injustice, defend vulnerable communities, and challenge systems that separate families. At moments when it would have been easier — and far safer — to stay quiet, Mike chose action. He chose to speak out, to stand up, and to invest his resources and his voice in protecting those who too often face cruelty instead of compassion. We honor Mike Fernandez — for his moral clarity, and his belief that courage is not a posture, but a practice.
• Courage of Conviction Award – Ana Navarro: Ana Navarro has lived with the conviction to confront oppression. As a Nicaraguan immigrant who rebuilt her life in the United States, she understands what is at stake when democracy falters — and what it means to fight for a place to belong. As a political strategist and commentator, she has refused to stay quiet when injustice, cruelty, or abuses of power demanded a response. At moments when it would have been far easier to look away, Ana chose to speak out. She defended immigrants, communities under attack, and the values her own party abandoned. She used her platform not in service of power, but in service of the truth. We honor Ana Navarro — for her resilience and her unwavering belief that principles are worth defending.
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Howard Simon: Howard Simon has devoted his life to civil rights and civil liberties. He served as Executive Director of the ACLU of Michigan for more than two decades, and then led the ACLU of Florida for over two decades. With more than 44 years in this work, he is the longest-serving state director in the ACLU’s 103-year history. Across those decades, Howard guided this organization through some of the most consequential civil liberties battles in our state — defending voting rights, protecting vulnerable communities, and standing firm against government overreach. Howard was the steady voice reminding us of our purpose and our principles. His leadership strengthened this organization and inspired generations of advocates. Many of us here tonight were guided by his clarity, his courage, and his unwavering belief that Florida is worth fighting for. His legacy lives in our work, our victories, and in every community that is freer because he refused to look away. As we celebrate 70 years of impact, we stand on the foundation Howard helped build — one rooted in integrity, resilience, and hope.

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