How fitting is it that we’re featuring Christie Love Hill on Valentine’s day?? Very.
Christie manages to balance fighting for the rights of people of color and women daily and a full life outside of the workplace with her family and faith. She was recently featured in San Diego Magazine for having one of the ‘Coolest Jobs in San Diego.’ The ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties is lucky to have her on our team.
Name, title, and primary areas of focus.
Christie Hill, Senior Policy Strategist. My work most recently focuses on advocating for solutions to end biased policing; I also help to oversee and advance ACLU-SDIC’s diverse issues with our amazing policy team.
What drives you to do the work you do?
I believe we are the change we’ve been waiting for and the change we need. As a black woman, it is important that I am personally involved in advancing issues that impact the black community, and communities of color more broadly. I believe it is important to hold institutions and individuals accountable. I want to contribute to a better world for my family, and my community. I have two young sons and I want them to live in a city (world) that values them. I want their black lives to be seen for what they are: beautiful and valuable.
What do you think San Diego & Imperial Counties will look like if/when you are effective with your work?
We will have cities and counties that are responsive to the needs of communities of color, and leadership that is reflective of these communities. We will have law enforcement agencies working in our communities that are transparent, fair and equitable. Community members will be seen as true partners in addressing the issues facing our diverse neighborhoods. Finally, I believe people throughout both counties will act to have their voices heard with an understanding that our struggles and successes are connected.
How can others support the work you do to help get us closer to more equitable San Diego & Imperial Counties and maybe the world?
Share your story! Your story matters. Your story is important. It is necessary that our elected officials and others in power hear from people closest to the issue. You never know who you will impact by sharing your truth and you are always the best person to share it.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“There is no thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” ― Audre Lorde
Be the change you want to see in the world.
What’s your favorite amendment?
I do not have a favorite amendment but my favorite thing about the law is the power it can hold, which can also be a dangerous thing. It can institutionalize the worst aspects of our society, such as racism. It also has the power to unleash our greatest strengths and fulfill our potential in the struggle for equal rights for people of color and women. The law is not a magic solution to all of our problems, but it can be a powerful tool in addressing them.