By Crosby Canotas, Development Coordinator
This September, community members gathered to celebrate the 70th anniversary of ACLU of Colorado. Formerly called the Bill of Rights event, this year’s celebration received a rebrand befitting the new direction the organization is taking.
![crowd sitting down at 2022 toward liberty dinner](http://qg50.chinafotoe.com/sites/default/files/styles/content_area_full_width/public/aclu_colorado_toward_liberty_ballroom.jpg?itok=8Ug6ElVM)
Members of the Denver Women’s Chorus lifted their voices and led guests into the dining room to mark the beginning of the evening’s program. The moving performance touched on themes of bodily autonomy and civic engagement and helped set the tone for the evening. Simone Ross, one of Colorado’s “Top 25 Most Powerful Women”, was the event emcee. 朱莉Reiskin, Chair of ACLU of Colorado’s 董事会 of Directors, opened the program and announced a surprise message of support from 玩wright Aaron Sorkin.
![deborah richardson speaking at 2022 toward liberty event](http://qg50.chinafotoe.com/sites/default/files/styles/content_area_full_width/public/aclu_colorado_toward_liberty_deborah.jpg?itok=ODrRPd79)
To close the evening, guests heard from two speakers who shared their deep connection to the ACLU. Dr. Stanford Smith was a plaintiff in the landmark case against Denver police officers’ illegal use of force during the protests in response to the murder of George Floyd. Reflecting on his experience and the legacy of protests in America during the civil rights movement, Dr. 史密斯说, “Back then it was dogs instead of projectiles, it was hoses instead of tear gas, but the verdict in this case showed me that real and fair justice can still be reached within a system rooted in systemic racism.”
最后, 马克西尔弗斯坦, ACLU of Colorado Legal Director, was honored with a Fellowship in his name. Mark recounted his 50 years of history with the ACLU as a justice-impacted person, 一个记者, 也是sbobet篮球的律师. 他说, “I remain 100% committed to the ACLU, 它的使命, 继续, with each of you and with all of you, our important work together.”
After a standing ovation, guests were shepherded out by Positive Repercussions, a youth drumming group led by Chair of ACLU of Colorado’s legal panel, 费萨尔萨拉赫丁. Some drifted down to the hotel bar while others lingered to take photos.
![ACLU of Colorado staff at 2022 toward liberty event](http://qg50.chinafotoe.com/sites/default/files/styles/content_area_full_width/public/aclu_colorado_toward_liberty_staff.jpg?itok=wCrii5yw)