ATLANTA — On Friday, May 15, the ACLU of Georgia will host a retirement celebration honoring Executive Director Andrea Young and her decades of leadership in the fight for civil and human rights.
The event will recognize Young’s extraordinary career as an advocate, attorney, public servant, and movement leader, as well as her nearly ten years leading the ACLU of Georgia through a period of historic growth and impact.
Young’s commitment to justice began in childhood, when she helped integrate an all-white private school in Georgia and marched in Selma for voting rights alongside her family. Throughout her career, she has worked to protect democracy and build a more inclusive future for all people.
Since joining the ACLU of Georgia in 2017, Young transformed the organization from a staff of two into a fully staffed, statewide civil liberties organization with a presence in all 159 counties. Under her leadership, the organization expanded voting rights protections, challenged abortion bans, defended LGBTQ+ rights, advanced bail reform, protected the right to protest, and strengthened civic advocacy across Georgia.
The celebration will bring together civil rights leaders, elected officials, community advocates, and supporters to honor Young’s legacy and the lasting impact of her career. Media representatives are encouraged to RSVP by emailing [email protected] to ensure coverage.
WHAT
“A Retirement Celebration in Honor of Andrea Young”
Email [email protected] to reserve a spot
WHEN
Friday, May 15, 2026
6–9 p.m.
WHERE
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
WHO
Masters of Ceremonies:
Monica Pearson, award-winning journalist and news anchor
Condace Pressley, director of community and public affairs, WSB-TV
Confirmed speakers include:
Jack Kennedy, board president, ACLU of Georgia
Shirley Franklin, former mayor of Atlanta
Gail Podolsky, national board representative, ACLU of Georgia
Kary Moss, national director of Affiliate Support and Nationwide Initiatives, ACLU
Sonya Halpern, Georgia state senator
Tanya Miller, Georgia state representative
Andre Dickens, mayor of Atlanta
Jerry Thomas, Jr.,Esq.
ABOUT THE ACLU OF GEORGIA
The ACLU of Georgia enhances and defends the civil liberties and rights of all Georgians through legal action, legislative and community advocacy, and civic education and engagement. For more information, visit acluga.org.
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