ACLU of Kentucky (2011)

Everett Hoffman, a lawyer and former executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Kentucky, discusses his career and the organization's work. Born in New Orleans and raised in various parts of the U.S., Hoffman returned to Louisville, Kentucky, for his first lawyer position with the Legal Aid Society in 1983. He joined the ACLU during law school and became its executive director in 1992. Hoffman discusses the ACLU's work on social justice issues, including police misconduct, the death penalty, and reproductive freedom. He also talks about the organization's defense of free speech, even for groups like the KKK, and its efforts to reflect Kentucky's diversity. Hoffman left the ACLU in 1999.

Former executive director of the Kentucky Civil Liberties Union, which later became the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky. Loving discusses her background, her college experiences, her involvement in social justice issues, and the work of the ACLU in Kentucky. Loving discusses her encounters with the Ku Klux Klan, the importance of protecting constitutional rights, the public's reaction to the ACLU's work, the motivation of plaintiffs and volunteers, and the organization's involvement in reproductive freedom issues. She also talks about the challenges of funding and media coverage, as well as the changes in the organization over time. Overall, Loving reflects on her experiences and the impact of the ACLU's work in Kentucky.

Born in Louisville in 1933 to first-generation German Jewish American parents, Post was raised with the belief in assimilation and teaching English to immigrant parents. After graduating from high school, she majored in English in college. In 1956, she returned to Louisville and became involved with the ACLU, initially as a member and later as a plaintiff in a school integration lawsuit. During the time of school desegregation and the open housing movement, the Klan and other anti-busing groups were actively opposing integration efforts. They would gather at school board meetings and engage in protests, often leading to arrests. Susie Post, as a member of the KCLU (Kentucky Civil Liberties Union), was involved in raising bail money for those who were arrested during these protests. The presence of the Klan and their opposition to civil rights served as a catalyst for Susie Post's activism and commitment to fighting for equality and justice. She also worked on issues such as women's rights, the death penalty, and the anti-war movement. Post served as the director of the ACLU in Louisville and later became a National Vice President. She reflects on the challenges and successes of her tenure, including the Skokie case and the impact of the organization on Louisville. Post believes that the arts movement in Louisville has also contributed to the city's progressiveness. She acknowledges the personal sacrifices she made and the need for trained professionals in the organization. Post expresses pride in her work and the organizations she helped start.

Pratt discusses her work in civil rights and civil liberties, and her involvement in various cases, including those related to the separation of church and state, abortion rights, and racial justice. She also talks about the ACLU's relationship with the public and the media, and the organization's internal debates over which cases to take on. Pratt mentions the ACLU's struggle with being labeled as a communist front organization, and how this fear lasted into the 1980s. She also discusses the rewarding and challenging aspects of her work with the ACLU. She also discusses cases related to reproductive rights, such as challenging restrictive abortion laws and advocating for the rights of minors seeking abortions. The organization received generous donations to support their pro-choice work, allowing them to expand their staff and increase their presence in the state.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Schulman joined the ACLU after college, initially doing volunteer work before being asked to join the board. She recalls her duties as being rather mundane, often involving making phone calls for meetings. Schulman also mentions the significant growth of the ACLU over the years, attributing it to good local organization, political climate, and timing. She also discusses a significant case during her tenure, known as the "Shuffling Sam" case, which went to the Supreme Court. Despite no longer being active on the board, Schulman maintains a strong interest and respect for the ACLU.

Sedler was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1935 and moved to Lexington, Kentucky in 1966 to become a professor at the University of Kentucky. He was raised in a liberal, Jewish household and was interested in politics from a young age. Sedler was involved in many high-profile civil rights cases, including the desegregation of schools in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. He also represented conscientious objectors during the Vietnam War. Sedler believes that his work with the ACLU has had a positive impact on civil liberties in the United States.

Born in Pittsburgh in 1927, Silverman moved to Louisville when her husband took a job there. Raised by liberal parents, she was politically active from a young age, volunteering at a settlement house and working with the Red Cross. She attended Wilkinsburg High School, Ohio Wesleyan University, and the University of Pittsburgh for her master's in social work. Silverman joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Louisville in 1968, shortly after the city's major demonstrations. She served on the board and later as chair from 1984 to 1986. During her time with the ACLU, she was involved in issues of racial segregation, school integration, and housing rights. She also worked with the League of Women Voters and was involved in advocating for sex education in schools. Silverman is proud of her association with the ACLU and believes the organization plays a crucial role in protecting First Amendment rights.

Interview regarding American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky.

Wedekind talks about his involvement with the Kentucky Civil Liberties Union (KCLU) and his experiences during the civil rights movement. He recalls the influence of his teachers and the impact of baseball on his life. He also discusses the Braden trial, a key event that led to the formation of the KCLU. Despite fears of being targeted during the Red Scare and McCarthyism, Kin joined the KCLU board in 1958, left the next year, and rejoined in the 1990s. He reflects on the changes in the organization over the decades and the significant individuals he worked with.

Donna Wells, an advocate for reproductive freedom and rights, discusses her involvement in the movement. Wells began working in reproductive health in 1974 at the first abortion clinic in Kentucky. In 1981 she started her own clinic, EMW Women's Surgical Center. Wells faced opposition and threats from anti-abortion protestors, but remained committed to ensuring safe and accessible abortion services in Kentucky. She also served on the board of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Abortion Federation. Wells reflects on the emotional toll of counseling women seeking abortions and discusses the challenges of balancing personal and professional life.

Zingman discusses his background, including his education and decision to pursue law. He also talks about his service in the military during World War II. Zingman shares his experiences working on civil rights issues, including his involvement with the ACLU and his work in the South during the 1960s. He worked as a lawyer, primarily focusing on libel defense for the Louisville Courier-Journal and defending reporters' rights. He was involved in several high-profile cases, including the Branzburg case and the New York Times v. Sullivan case. He also represented the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in supporting civil rights activists in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Kentucky Civil Liberties Union (KCLU) and served as its first president.