On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Newark Museum of Art, we’re hosting “In Pursuit of Justice: Celebrating 65 Years of the ACLU of New Jersey.” We hope you’ll join us for an evening of solidarity and community – and enjoy delicious food and drinks – as we celebrate our shared belief in a future of liberty and justice for all.

As our nation grapples with ongoing attacks on our rights, the ACLU-NJ has continued forging the nation’s strongest firewall for freedom to ensure civil rights and liberties are protected for all, regardless of who holds the White House.

Our 65-year history has taught us that we’re stronger together, especially when times are most challenging. We know that in this crucial moment, defending democracy requires all of us.

We’ve been on the front lines of freedom for more than six decades and, with your support, we’re ready to continue fighting for generations to come. Together, we will ensure communities thrive, and democracy prevails.

Featured speakers include:

• Michelle Buteau will serve as event host and emcee. An actress, comedian, producer, and writer, she received the 55th NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)” for her series original series “Survival Of The Thickest."
• Vanita Gupta will receive the Roger Baldwin Award, given for lifetime contributions to civil liberties or an exceptional contribution to civil liberties in the United States. She is Director of the Center for Law and Public Trust at NYU Law and served as the 19th Associate Attorney General of the United States. Previously, she led the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and was the ACLU’s Deputy Legal Director.
• Honorees also include the ACLU-NJ's Clemency Project partners, including the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Jason Flom, Lowenstein Sandler LLP, New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, NYU School of Law, Princeton University, Reform Alliance, Returning Citizens Support Group, Rutgers Law School, Vital Projects Fund, and select Clemency Project clients.

ACLU-NJ is proud to present this event thanks to the generous support of sponsors Nissenbaum Law Group, LLC, Elizabeth and Stephen Silverman, Joseph and Colette Parsons, Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Ahara Advisors, and Prudential Financial.

ACLU-NJ also extends gratitude to the gala host committee, including Marc Beebe, Bonnie Berman Cushing, Carol L. Golden, Abbey True Harris, Esq., David L. Harris, Esq., Cláudia and Samit Hirawat, Vikas Khanna, Esq., Donna Yang Leonard, Ellen Samuel Luger, Lawrence Lustberg, Esq., Gary D. Nissenbaum, Esq., Wendy Sealey, Alexander Shalom, Esq., Elizabeth and Steve Silverman, and Ruth Zowader.