May 17
10:00 am–8:00 pm
Doors Open. All Are Welcome.
Interactive exhibits, family-friendly activities, and more.
11:00 am–12:00 pm
Free Our Youth
Youth activists share how they are creating change in their schools and communities.
1:00 pm–2:00 pm
Youth Leading Change
Learn how young people across the nation can create the change they seek.
5:00 pm–6:00 pm
Eastern High School Marching Band
DC students show why they are known as the “Pride of Capitol Hill.”
6:00 pm–8:00 pm
DJ Chandni
DJ Chandni spins her mix of Go Go and pop music to close out the day.
May 18
10:00 am–8:00 pm
Doors Open. All Are Welcome.
Interactive exhibits, family-friendly activities, and more.
11:00 am–12:00 pm
When the Only Tool is a Hammer: Retooling and Rethinking Our Criminal Legal System
Our panelists will address the failures of the current system, and then discuss how alternatives to incarceration are being applied both nationally and here in the District.
2:00 pm–4:00 pm
Batalá
D.C.’s Afro-Brazilian all-women percussion band.
4:30 pm–5:30 pm
Freedom Must Be Taken – Stories about Justice, Its Absence and Pursuit
Learn about civil rights from people who have been denied them.
6:00 pm–7:00 pm
Michelle Blackwell
Local R&B/Soul musician puts a fresh spin on Go Go, the music genre that has come to define the District.
May 19
10:00 am–5:00 pm
Doors Open.
Interactive exhibits, family-friendly activities, and more.
12:00 pm–1:30 pm
The Chuck Brown Band
Affectionately known as the Godfather of Go Go, Chuck Brown is the founder of the hypnotically danceable genre deeply rooted in funk and soul. His band continues his legacy, keeping the beat alive.
2:00 pm–3:00 pm
The Power of the First Amendment in the Fight for Justice
Activists Rev. Grayland Hagler and Alexis McKenney along with First Amendment expert Lee Rowland explore our right to advocate for civil rights in the District.
Highlights

Batalá
May 18, 2:00pm
D.C.’s Afro-Brazilian all-women percussion band brings their electrifying Samba-Reggae rhythm to ACLU100 for two performances. With over 30 Batala bands around the world, Batala Washington focuses in particular on empowering women through drumming and exposure to Brazil’s dynamic Afro-Bahian culture.
Youth Leading Change
May 17, 1:00pm
Youth are powerful beyond measure—their stories and their voices can and have led change. Join the Executive Director of the Black Swan Academy and youth organizers to learn how young people across the nation can create the change they seek. Participate in an interactive activity that identifies issues impacting girls, particularly girls of color, brainstorms solutions, and takes action toward change.
The Power of the First Amendment in the Fight for Justice
May 19, 2:00pm
Even as protestors who espouse hate make the news, millions of others use the rights granted in the First Amendment to push for equity and justice. Activists Rev. Grayland Hagler and Alexis McKenney along with First Amendment expert Lee Rowland explore our right to advocate for civil rights in the District.
Additional Event Information:
ACLU100 DC site is wheelchair accessible and complimentary ADA Valet Parking is available at Hotel Monaco accessible via 8th Street. A sign language interpreter will be available. To request other accommodations, please contact media@aclu.org.
Complimentary Ice Cream*