Black History Month is off to a fast start. Thus far, Shirley Weber has led the way as the first Black Secretary of State in California. Now, Deborah Archer is making noise as the first Black President of the American Civil Liberties Union. She will take over for Susan Herman, who served as president for 12 years.
“After beginning my career as an ACLU fellow, it is an honor to come full circle and now lead the organization as board president,” Archer said.
“The ACLU has proven itself as an invaluable voice in the fight for civil rights in the last four years of the Trump era, and we are better positioned than ever to face the work ahead. This organization has been part of every important battle for civil liberties during our first century, and we are committed to continuing that legacy as we enter our second. I could not be more excited to get to work.”
Prior to becoming president, Archer worked as a civil rights lawyer and served on the board of the ACLU. She also worked as a college professor and the director of the Civil Rights Clinic at the New York University School of Law.
"As the country enters the post-Trump era, it is essential that those in leadership intimately understand the history that brought us to this inflection point, and the work ahead," ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero said.
“There is no one better equipped, who best personifies or is more capable to helm the future battles for civil rights, civil liberties, and systemic equality than Deborah Archer."
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