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The outcome of the recent U.S. presidential election has left many feeling like the fight for equality has been dealt a heavy blow. But in times like these, it’s important to remember that progress is never linear, and movements are not defined by setbacks but by how we respond to them.
Today’s guest is Luz Maria Henriquez, Executive Director of the ACLU of Missouri.
Let’s listen to her story of becoming an attorney who fights to defend and protect civil rights and the core of democracy.
Show Notes:
This episode features Luz Maria Henriquez, Executive Director of the non-partisan ACLU of Missouri and the first Latinx leader in the organization’s history. Luz shares her powerful journey from growing up as the daughter of an undocumented mother to becoming a leader in civil rights advocacy. She reflects on the path to citizenship and the values of community and civic engagement instilled in her as a child and how they shaped her commitment to justice. Through her work with the ACLU of Missouri, Luz often grapples with political challenges yet wins key victories – like the passage of Amendment 3, which restored reproductive rights through grassroots organizing and coalition-building. The conversation explores broader issues of equality and the importance of unified action to address systemic disparities, offering both practical insights and a call to action to join the ACLU to stay informed and remain vigilant to threats against our civil liberties, which is the core of our democracy.
About Luz Maria Henriquez:
Luz María Henríquez has served as the Executive Director of the ACLU of Missouri since 2020, making history as the organization’s first Latinx leader. Under her leadership, she has strengthened the ACLU’s impact on civil rights and liberties, focusing on integrated advocacy to address urgent issues while laying the groundwork for long-term change. Luz brings a deep commitment to justice, rooted in her extensive background in law and advocacy.
After earning a political science degree from the University of California, San Diego, Luz completed her Juris Doctorate at UC Berkeley School of Law, finishing as a visiting student at NYU. Her career began with litigation and pro bono work at Hogan Lovells in New York before moving to St. Louis in 2013 to join Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. There, she founded and led the Education Justice Program, championing education equity and civil rights for students, and argued landmark cases impacting underserved communities. An educator and advocate, Luz has earned accolades such as the Missouri Lawyer’s Diversity & Inclusion award and serves on the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law’s Racial Justice Institute advisory board.
Episode Timestamps:
[00:01:05] – Introduction of Luz Maria Henriquez as the guest, highlighting her role as the Executive Director of the ACLU of Missouri and her achievements in civil rights advocacy.
[00:01:47] – Dr. Nancy asks Luz about her journey to Missouri and her motivations for focusing on civil rights and liberties.
[00:02:44] – Luz discusses her to move to St. Louis with her husband for career opportunities and to help advocate and defend civil rights in a state with some of the most limiting voting rights laws in the country.
[00:03:44] – Luz reflects on her 12 years in St. Louis and the civil rights challenges in Missouri.
[00:06:39] – Luz shares her personal journey, including her upbringing in Southern California and the influence of her undocumented mother’s commitment to democracy, the importance of citizenship, and the ability to have a say in your government.
[00:09:58] – Luz talks about her legal career in New York, her pro bono work, and her transition to a legal aid attorney in Missouri.
[00:12:00] – Luz predicts the impact of Roe v. Wade’s fall with its implications for her daughter and future generations.
[00:14:13] – Luz explains the ACLU’s nonpartisan stance and the importance of defending civil rights regardless of political barriers.
[00:15:37] – Luz highlights the successful passage of Amendment 3 in Missouri, restoring reproductive rights through grassroots efforts.
[00:19:40] – Dr. Nancy and Luz discuss the challenges under the new administration, including attacks on immigrants’ rights and reproductive freedom.
[00:23:53] – Luz emphasizes the importance of democracy and voting rights as core issues for the ACLU.
[00:29:39] – Luz encourages listeners to engage with the ACLU and stay vigilant in protecting democracy and civil rights.
[00:33:37] – Closing remarks and invitation to subscribe to the podcast and read Dr. Nancy’s books.