Doubling Down on Democracy: Conversations About The Way Forward

April 16, 2025 @ 1:00 pm 5:00 pm

America—and New Jersey—are experiencing a moment of transition, one that may profoundly change our country for years to come.

And those changes will have a unique impact on all New Jerseyans, especially those of color.

Join ACLU of New Jersey, NJPAC, the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and The Fund for New Jersey for an afternoon of conversation and clarity, including lunch and a keynote speech from Sherrilyn Ifill, esteemed civil rights lawyer and former leader of NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF). Ifill’s speech will be followed by two panel discussions, exploring this moment in the American experiment.

The first panel will discuss immigration, and the impact of new federal policies governing deportation and naturalization.

Immigration panelists include: 

  • Nedia Morsy, Director, Make the Road New Jersey 

  • Amy Torres, Executive Director, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice

  • Amber Reed, Co-Executive Director,  AAPI New Jersey

  • Ami Kachalia, Campaign Strategist, ACLU of New Jersey 

After a short break, we’ll reconvene for a deep dive into the state of democracy in New Jersey, examining the Garden State’s laws and policies regarding voting rights, ballot design, the census and more.

Democracy panelists include: 

  • Antoinette Miles, State Director, New Jersey Working Families Alliance

  • Jesse Burns, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of New Jersey

  • Nuzhat Chowdhury, Director of Democracy & Justice Program, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

  • Henal Patel, Law & Policy Director, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

This event includes lunch and will conclude at 5PM. Tickets are available for $15. 

Hosted by NJPAC, the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and The Fund for New Jersey. Sponsored by The Fund for New Jersey.