ACLU of Florida Kicks Off 70th Anniversary with Orlando Celebration: Rise with Us in Florida’s Call to Courage

Orlando, FL – On Friday, September 19, 2025, the ACLU of Florida will launch its 70th Anniversary Statewide Call to Courage with an unforgettable evening in Orlando. The celebration marks the first in a four-city series that will honor the organization’s seven decades of defending civil liberties and inspire Floridians to meet the challenges of today with the courage of those who came before.

Founded in 1955 during an era of state-sanctioned assaults on civil rights, the inaugural chapter of the ACLU of Florida emerged in response to the Johns Committee’s unconstitutional targeting of civil rights leaders, students, educators, and LGBTQ+ Floridians. For seventy years, the organization has stood with communities across the state to protect those whose rights have been threatened.

“This anniversary is not just a reflection on the past, it is a rallying cry for the future,” said Bacardi Jackson, Executive Director of the ACLU of Florida. “In a time when our freedoms are under calculated attack, we are calling on all Floridians to meet this moment with courage, conviction, and a commitment to building a future where everyone can thrive.”

Four Cities. One Call to Courage.

The ACLU of Florida’s 70th Anniversary series will take place in:

• Orlando – Friday, September 19, 2025 (Kickoff Celebration)
• Jacksonville – Friday, October 10, 2025
• Tampa – Friday, November 7, 2025
• Miami – Thursday, December 4, 2025 (Grand Finale)

Each event will feature local honorees, dynamic performances, immersive exhibits, and a commemorative short film tracing the ACLU of Florida’s journey from resisting the Johns Committee to fighting modern-day censorship, discrimination, and attacks on democracy.

Honoring Courage Through Our Signature Awards: At every stop on the tour, the ACLU of Florida will present its three most prestigious honors to individuals whose work reflects the spirit of the anniversary:

• The Justice & Liberty Partner Award recognizes a steadfast ally who has advanced civil liberties with unshakable resolve.
• The Courage in Action Award honors someone who dared to do what was right when it was neither easy nor safe.
• The Defender of Democracy Award celebrates a champion who has fought to protect and expand the democratic rights of all Floridians.

These awards honor more than individual achievement — they celebrate the power of courage to shape history and ignite change.

Orlando: Where the Call Begins

The Orlando kickoff will open with a vibrant drumline performance by local youth musicians, setting the tone for a night of energy and purpose. Guests will experience a powerful blend of history, art, and activism, culminating in a call to action that invites everyone present to stand boldly for Florida’s future. Join our celebration here.