ACLU’s ReNika Moore Inspires AUWCL with Career of Impact
From Labor Bureau Chief to ACLU Program Director, Moore's Trailblazing Journey Unveils Lessons in Equality, Flexibility, and Ongoing Advocacy
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ACLU's Racial Justice Program Director ReNika Moore, a distinguished advocate and leader dedicated to dismantling barriers to equality for people of color, captivated the American University Washington College of Law during a fireside chat with Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. Moore's insights into her impactful career litigating high-impact racial justice cases in her journey from Labor Bureau Chief at the New York Office of the Attorney General to her current role, showcased a commitment to justice that has left an indelible mark on the national stage.
Having earned national recognition for enforcing labor standards, particularly for marginalized communities, Moore extended her influence by leading multi-state efforts to resist federal rollbacks of crucial labor protections post the 2016 presidential election. Her illustrious career at the ACLU and pivotal role at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund coupled with her reputation as a champion of racial equality, serves as an inspiration point for law students.
Moore talked about her career trajectory and how there is no set path for those fighting for equality.
"We underestimate the power of white supremacy to reassert itself in different ways," she said. "Even after we were able to take down de 'jour segregation and segregation by law, it found new ways to manifest itself. So, it's not like the fight stops, we are done, we win now. We tried this strategy, we did this thing, it may have worked in some ways but the work is not done."
"There is racial injustice everywhere and it is really important as a young black woman to see it and try to do something about it regardless of whatever field you're in,” said Erin Soro, 1L. “There is always going to be space to do something and the second you see it you have to act on it and do something about it."
Moore's commitment to civil rights, from her clerkship under the late Honorable Robert L. Carter to her current role at the ACLU, serves as a reminder for students that the struggle for equality is ongoing. As Nile Blass, 1L, reflected, "This emphasized that there are always forces working for and against working for freedom and access, so we have to always be aware of that when we are working in the law." Moore's impactful journey resonates as a testament to the enduring importance of the fight for racial justice.
"The insight I got from this event is to remain flexible in your own career path,” said 1L Vivienne Monger. “I feel like hearing her career path, I could see the twists and turns she took while it kept the common theme of social justice. So I want to make sure I find my passion while remaining flexible in how I get to the final destination."
Story by Hasini Jayawardena.
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