ACLU-NC's 60th Anniversary Hootenanny
The ACLU of North Carolina is turning 60, and we’re throwing a hootenanny! In celebration of six decades of defending civil liberties, join us for an evening of music, movement, and advocacy. This one-of-a-kind event will bring together over 300 community members, leaders, and changemakers for a night of connection, reflection, and impact.
A hootenanny is a traditional, informal gathering rooted in Southern culture—a relaxed get-together where live music, storytelling, and community spirit come together. By embracing this tradition, we honor our Southern roots and invite you to experience a warm, authentic celebration of our shared commitment to justice.
The evening will feature a special archival exhibition that highlights six decades of courageous advocacy and key milestones in the fight for civil rights. We will recognize distinguished honorees whose tireless work has advanced civil liberties, and local as well as national leaders will share their insights in brief remarks. Together, we’ll reflect on the past, look forward to the future, and reaffirm our ongoing commitment to civil rights and liberties across North Carolina.
Awards & Honorees
Community Advocate Award
Honoring a bold and principled advocate who, through their work, uplifts directly impacted communities and advances systemic change.
Whitley Carpenter is the Senior Criminal Justice Counsel & Policy Manager at Forward Justice, where she advances racial, social, and economic justice across the South. She has played a key role in uplifting the voices of directly impacted communities, from building the NC chapter of the National Conference of Black Lawyers to creating NCCopwatch.org. Through her work, Whitley ensures that those most affected by injustice are leading the charge for lasting change.
Movement Leadership Award
Recognizing a lifelong leader whose organizing has lit the path toward freedom, justice, and lasting change in North Carolina.
Tara Romano is the Executive Director of Pro-Choice North Carolina and a longtime leader in movements for reproductive, gender, racial, and economic justice. She has worked alongside grassroots activists to expand abortion access, elevate the voices of survivors, and advance policies rooted in equity. Through decades of organizing, Tara has built powerful coalitions. Her leadership continues to inspire collective action that moves North Carolina closer to freedom and justice for all.
Paul Green Award
Recognizing people who have made important contributions to abolish or reform the death penalty. Paul E. Green, the writer-humanist who grew up on a Harnett County farm, was the state's leading advocate for the end to the death penalty from the 20’s into the 70’s.
Shelagh Kenney is the Deputy Director of the Center for Death Penalty Litigation, where she has spent more than two decades defending people on death row and challenging systemic racism in capital punishment. She has represented numerous individuals, including four whose death sentences were commuted in 2024, and has been a lead attorney in the landmark Racial Justice Act litigation. Her persistence and courage embody the fight to dismantle the death penalty in North Carolina.
Justice in Action Award
For excellence in pro bono support and for showing up with integrity, generosity, and deep-rooted strength that lets the rest of us rise.
Jon Sasser is a dedicated attorney whose pro bono work has spanned from representing death row inmates and public officials to defending the rights of journalists, artists, and civil liberties organizations. Alongside a successful corporate practice, Jon has consistently shown up with integrity and generosity for individuals and causes facing daunting legal challenges. His unwavering commitment demonstrates what it means to put justice into action.
Legacy of Justice Award
Honoring a lifelong commitment to civil liberties, carried forward in the work we continue today.
James E. “Fergie” Ferguson II dedicated his life to advancing racial justice, equal protection, and fairness under the law. As a longtime leader with the ACLU of North Carolina, including service as General Counsel, he shaped groundbreaking legal strategies that transformed the fight against racial bias in the criminal legal system. His work under the Racial Justice Act set a national model for challenging discrimination in capital punishment. His vision and tenacity left a legacy of justice that continues to guide and strengthen the movement today.