Ever wonder who’s behind the work here at the ACLU of Michigan? In our new blog series Five Questions, ACLU of Michigan staff will talk about the incredible day-to-day work defending civil liberties. 

For the next month, we'll be asking our fellows to speak about their experiences in the office. Today we're sitting down with Legal Fellow Eli Day.

What brought you to the ACLU of Michigan?
A medley of factors that are all animated by a larger commitment to social transformation. The ACLU has a long record of affecting change, and also encourages an interrogation of its own shortcomings to that end.

What has been your most memorable moment here?
Ta-Nehisi Coates spoke at the annual benefit dinner. The best way I can describe my excitement is by drawing parallels to the first time I saw Allen Iverson play as a kid. When I had hoop dreams I studied Iverson’s moves relentlessly, and Coates is one of the writers with whom I have a similar process now.

What social or civil liberties issue are you most personally drawn to?
Not long ago I’d have sidestepped this question by declaring my only commitment to be widening the scope of human liberation. Which is still true! But specifically, my efforts focus on the devastating relationship between communities of color and public policy. I can think of very few social issues that aren’t touched by that conflict.

Who’s work at the office are you interested in learning more about at the moment?
I’d like to sit down with Mark Fancher, our Racial Justice Staff Attorney. In terms of my own evolution and interests, his work and range of expertise is really unrivaled.

What are you plans for your career after your experience here?
The commitments I mentioned above carry with them a tremendous sense of urgency to determine where I can best contribute to their cultivation. The ACLU has been really instructive to that end.

By Sarah Goomar, ACLU of Michigan Fellow