27.02.2026 16:16
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We love each other. 💌
To close out Black History Month, our Black staffers wrote letters of love and gratitude to one another. So tender and earnest 🫶
"I hope and strive to carry even the smallest fraction of their fearlessness, persistence, and tenacity, into my work at ACLU-MT. They laid the ground work that has allowed me to live out my ancestors dreams.”
"Pauli was the blue print and their work is often not credited. They always fought for the rights of the most marginalized and embodied that none of us are liberated until ALL of us are liberated.
"Ruth Bader Ginsburg was heavily influence by a law review article Murray wrote to argue that the Equal Protection Clause extended to women.
Before the term “intersectionality” was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, Pauli Murray wrote that their gender, race, and sexuality could not be separated.
“Murray is responsible for the legal argument that was used in Brown v. Board of Education that overturned 1896 Supreme Court decision in Plessy v. Ferguson, which held that racial segregation was constitutional using the “separate but equal” doctrine.
This Black History and Futures Month, we’re highlighting Black legal figures who inspire our Black staff members.
Pauli Murray was chosen by our Political Strategist Khadija Davis. Here’s why:
"...and unwavering dedication to illuminating the truth of how the history of slavery and segregation in our country shaped the systemic inequities we now face generally in society, and particularly in our justice system.”
For Black History and Futures Month, we're highlighting Black legal figures who inspire our Black staff members.
Bryan Stevenson was chosen by Executive Director Akilah Deernose:
“My commitment to fighting for civil rights is both inspired and informed by his heart-led advocacy for equal justice...
"Our previous laws [on license plate readers and surveillance technology] were a great starting point, but as tech has expanded at a rapid pace, we need to start catching up to it with our policies," said Henry Seaton, a lobbyist for the ACLU of Montana.
"While many legal professionals rely on fictional, non-Black characters to highlight best practices in lawyering, I will continue to uplift the brilliant, artful practices demonstrated by other Black attorneys, judges, and justices engaging in constitutional law practice."
"We needed our ancestors’ bravery and foresight to survive through enslavement and to experience joy in all forms in the omniscient presence of danger, and we need each other now to support the work we’re doing each day to protect each other now and in the future.
"Justice Brown Jackson’s presence as the first Black woman to serve as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court and the above quote represent where we’ve been as a community and where we’re going:
"I got to rely on my professional and personal villages to prepare for that argument, and Justice Brown Jackson’s above words (amongst many others throughout her memoir) laid a beautiful, uplifting foundation for me to feel grounded and assured throughout that process.
Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson was chosen by our Civil Rights Staff Attorney Ashlee Rossler:
“I started 2026 with two formative experiences as a lawyer: reading Justice Brown Jackson’s memoir “Lovely One” and completing my first oral argument.
This Black History and Futures Month, we’re highlighting Black legal figures who inspire our Black staff members.
Seeking a Paralegal!
Provide critical administrative, litigation, and case-management support across active cases.
This is a full-time position with benefits. The role is remote, based anywhere in Montana.
➡️ Learn more and apply — aclumontana.org/jobs/
The Department of Health and Human Services has proposed a new set of rules attempting to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth nationwide.
Take action and tell HHS: No bans on gender-affirming care.
Join us TONIGHT, January 26, at 6PM Mountain, for a virtual training on how to exercise your right to document ICE abuses in your community.
RSVP using the link below. When using that link, Indivisible will know you came from us; their privacy policy applies.
www.mobilize.us/nokings/even...
Did you see that FORWARD MONTANA (FMT) is hiring a program director?
FMT works to "empower young people to speak up and take action to create a Montana where everyone can thrive" and is a great org to check out.
forwardmontana.rippling-ats.com/job/976141/p...
This win belongs to the Native voters who insisted on fair representation and made their voices impossible to ignore.
Native voters make up one-third of the voting age population in the county — our settlement with @nativerights.bsky.social and @aclu-mt.bsky.social guarantees their votes are heard.
📚 It’s #BannedBooksWeek (Oct 5–11)! We’re celebrating the stories that challenge power and inspire change. Swipe through to see some of our favorite “forbidden” reads and why they matter so much to us.
Sept 30 is Orange Shirt Day, also known as National Day for Truth & Reconciliation in Canada, observed by many in the U.S. Montana had at least 18 boarding schools. Wear orange, learn this history, honor survivors, & stand with Indigenous communities. #EveryChildMatters
On Oct 1, the MT Supreme Court hears Kalispell v. Doman, a case that could decide if Montanans can be arrested for filming police. The ACLU argues the right to record is protected by both the U.S. & Montana constitutions. Livestream link in bio.
🎬 The Lone Peak Film Festival returns Sept. 19–21 in Big Sky. This year’s films spotlight Indigenous storytellers whose work preserves culture, memory, and resistance. Join us in celebrating their voices alongside local and global filmmakers.
A graphic reading 2025 Missoula municipal primary election. The Missoula Municipal Primary Election takes place tomorrow, September 9th. If you are not registered to vote, you can still register the day of the election! link in bio to Forward Montana’s voter guide for this election
The 2025 Missoula Municipal Primary Election is TOMORROW, SEPTEMBER 9, and Forward Montana has created a voter guide to help you understand the candidates, the issues, and how to cast your ballot. You can even watch a recording of a candidate forum! forwardmontana.org/2025-missoul...
A graphic reading Know Your Rights when interacting with law enforcement. Swipe to learn!
YOUR RIGHTS You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud. You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home. If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave. You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately. Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights.
The Do’s and Dont’s: Do stay calm and be polite. Do not interfere with or obstruct the police. Do not lie or give false documents. Do prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested. Do remember the details of the encounter. Do file a written complaint or call your local ACLU if you feel your rights have been violated.
If you feel your rights have been violated: Remember: police misconduct cannot be challenged on the street. Don't physically resist officers or threaten to file a complaint. Write down everything you remember, including officers' badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses. If you are injured, take photographs of your injuries (but seek medical attention first). File a written complaint with the agency's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. In most cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish. Call your local ACLU or visit www.aclu.org/profiling.
Know your rights: You can remain silent, refuse searches, and ask for a lawyer. Stay calm, don’t lie or resist, and remember details. Everyone—regardless of status—has rights. Learn more at aclumontana.org. #KnowYourRights