EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso will serve as the backdrop for the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas’ 2026 Advocacy Summit, an annual membership gathering focused on democracy, civil rights, and civic engagement.
The event, themed “250 Years Later: Where’s Democracy?”, is scheduled for Friday, June 12, at the Philanthropy Theatre in downtown El Paso.
Organizers say the summit will examine some of the most pressing issues facing Texas while highlighting the role communities play in shaping public policy and protecting civil liberties.
The evening will feature a keynote address from Angela Rye, a lawyer, political commentator, and social justice advocate known for her work on democracy and civil rights.
She will be joined by Carlos Marentes Sr., founder of the Sin Fronteras Organizing Project and a longtime advocate for labor and immigrant rights in the U.S.-Mexico border region, for a moderated discussion centered on issues affecting border communities.
Also participating in the program is Oni K. Blair, executive director of the ACLU of Texas, who is expected to discuss the organization’s work on voting rights, civil liberties, and other policy matters impacting Texans.
According to the ACLU of Texas, the summit is designed to bring together community members, advocates, and supporters to engage in conversations about justice, democracy, and civic participation.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m., and will conclude with a “Summer Nights in El Paso” reception. Organizers selected El Paso as the host city for this year’s gathering, describing the border region as one of the most consequential places in the country for discussions surrounding democracy, immigration, and civil rights.
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