For the People: A Night of Awards, Impact, and Inspiration

Join the ACLU of New Mexico for an evening honoring bold action, brave voices, and the power of community.

For the People brings together supporters, partners, and advocates from across New Mexico to celebrate the people and movements working to protect civil rights and build a more just and equitable future for our state.

All proceeds for this event will go to support ACLU-NM’s Legal Community Fund.

About Javier Zamora

Memoirist, poet, and speaker Javier Zamora believes that immigrants must keep ownership of their own stories. In his award-winning memoir, Solito, he explores his own:a harrowing journey to the US as an unaccompanied nine-year-old that gives a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the realities of child migration. In his talks, he shares the story of his trek to reunite with his family, and how therapy and writing were able to help him heal from the trauma that has haunted him ever since.

Now, Javier Zamora chronicles his revelatory journey as an immigrant and as an artist to audiences at universities, organizations, libraries, and more. Going beyond his harrowing border crossing,

Zamora explores the ways he has been processing and healing from trauma ever since, from therapy to poetry to nature hikes. As a native Salvadoran who grew up as an undocumented American, he delves into the intersecting and conflicting meanings of home and identity.

His message of hope, perseverance, and shared humanity feels especially meaningful at this moment, and we are honored to welcome him as the keynote speaker for this year's For the People celebration.

Sponsor This Year's Event

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this event, please visit this page on our website for more details.

2026 Award Winners

ACLU-NM Attorney of the Year
Jessica Martinez

Guardian of Liberty
Billton Werito

Lifetime Achievement/Legacy of Justice
Maureen "Meaux" Sanders

Volunteer of the Year Award
Silver City Chapter

Outstanding Organization Award
Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless