Building a District of Change.
ACLU OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
BLACK GIRL VENTURES
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
For more than 60 years, the American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia (ACLU-D.C.) has worked to protect and advance civil rights for everyone who lives in, works in, and visits the nation’s capital. Through litigation, advocacy, and education, the organization fights to defend free speech, protect immigrants’ rights, and uphold D.C.’s autonomy.
This year, ACLU-D.C. continued its fight for justice, filing a lawsuit on behalf of workers targeted for participating in diversity and inclusion programs and defending a resident’s right to peacefully protest. It also launched new “Know Your Rights” guides, available in five languages, to help residents navigate interactions with law enforcement and military troops.
In partnership with the Washington Mystics, ACLU-D.C. joined the conversation on how sports can continue to be a platform for justice and equality. From the courts to the courtrooms, ACLU-D.C. believes in using every arena to advance civil rights and civil liberties. The ACLU-D.C was the Mystics 2025 Commissioners Cup beneficiary.
Founded in D.C., Black Girl Ventures (BGV) helps under-resourced entrepreneurs and small businesses gain access to capital, networks, and education. Led by founder and computer scientist Omi Bell, BGV is built on the idea that putting people in the same room can spark opportunity, inspiration, and hope.
In 2025, BGV teamed up with the Washington Mystics and Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company to host Pull Up & Pitch, a competition that gives local entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their business ideas for funding and feedback. The event brought together an inclusive mix of participants and judges, infusing heart, expertise, and community spirit into the competition.
As BGV approaches its 10-year anniversary in 2026, the organization is planning its first-ever D.C. conference, BGV Homecoming, celebrating a decade of empowering entrepreneurs and the families who support them.
Born out of the women’s suffrage movement, the League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering voters and defending democracy. With a presence in every state and more than 750 local chapters nationwide, the League works to protect voting rights through advocacy, education, and litigation.
In 2024 and 2025, the League partnered with the Washington Mystics to make civic engagement part of the game-day experience. During select home games, they hosted voter registration drives and education activities, connecting with fans around the issues that matter most to D.C. residents. The partnership gave fans an easy, welcoming way to learn, sign up, and get involved—no political background required.
Across the DMV, the League continues to strengthen civic engagement through its work in schools and even within the D.C. jail system, helping current and formerly incarcerated residents understand their rights. As voter participation rises nationwide, the League hopes to keep that momentum going, reminding everyone that democracy doesn’t end on Election Day.
Launched in 2020, District of Change has evolved from an advocacy campaign into the Mystics’ rallying cry. It’s how we celebrate and stand with the organizations and individuals shaping the future of our community.
We know that what happens in the District changes the world. From history-making marches on Washington to bold, first-in-the-nation policies and grassroots programs uplifting our neighbors, the DMV continues to lead the way in turning vision into action.
In 2021, we dedicated our original Rebel jersey to District of Change, with “RISE” emblazoned across our chest. It was a call for equality, justice, and inclusion both on and off the court. That commitment hasn’t wavered. In this issue, we’re proud to highlight some of the changemakers, trailblazers, and advocates we’ve partnered with this year—each one helping to move our community, and our country, forward.
Building a District of Change.
For more than 60 years, the American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia (ACLU-D.C.) has worked to protect and advance civil rights for everyone who lives in, works in, and visits the nation’s capital. Through litigation, advocacy, and education, the organization fights to defend free speech, protect immigrants’ rights, and uphold D.C.’s autonomy.
This year, ACLU-D.C. continued its fight for justice, filing a lawsuit on behalf of workers targeted for participating in diversity and inclusion programs and defending a resident’s right to peacefully protest. It also launched new “Know Your Rights” guides, available in five languages, to help residents navigate interactions with law enforcement and military troops.
In partnership with the Washington Mystics, ACLU-D.C. joined the conversation on how sports can continue to be a platform for justice and equality. From the courts to the courtrooms, ACLU-D.C. believes in using every arena to advance civil rights and civil liberties. The ACLU-D.C was the Mystics 2025 Commissioners Cup beneficiary.
ACLU OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Born out of the women’s suffrage movement, the League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering voters and defending democracy. With a presence in every state and more than 750 local chapters nationwide, the League works to protect voting rights through advocacy, education, and litigation.
In 2024 and 2025, the League partnered with the Washington Mystics to make civic engagement part of the game-day experience. During select home games, they hosted voter registration drives and education activities, connecting with fans around the issues that matter most to D.C. residents. The partnership gave fans an easy, welcoming way to learn, sign up, and get involved—no political background required.
Across the DMV, the League continues to strengthen civic engagement through its work in schools and even within the D.C. jail system, helping current and formerly incarcerated residents understand their rights. As voter participation rises nationwide, the League hopes to keep that momentum going, reminding everyone that democracy doesn’t end on Election Day.
Founded in D.C., Black Girl Ventures (BGV) helps under-resourced entrepreneurs and small businesses gain access to capital, networks, and education. Led by founder and computer scientist Omi Bell, BGV is built on the idea that putting people in the same room can spark opportunity, inspiration, and hope.
In 2025, BGV teamed up with the Washington Mystics and Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company to host Pull Up & Pitch, a competition that gives local entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their business ideas for funding and feedback. The event brought together an inclusive mix of participants and judges, infusing heart, expertise, and community spirit into the competition.
As BGV approaches its 10-year anniversary in 2026, the organization is planning its first-ever D.C. conference, BGV Homecoming, celebrating a decade of empowering entrepreneurs and the families who support them.
BLACK GIRL VENTURES
Launched in 2020, District of Change has evolved from an advocacy campaign into the Mystics’ rallying cry. It’s how we celebrate and stand with the organizations and individuals shaping the future of our community.
We know that what happens in the District changes the world. From history-making marches on Washington to bold, first-in-the-nation policies and grassroots programs uplifting our neighbors, the DMV continues to lead the way in turning vision into action.
In 2021, we dedicated our original Rebel jersey to District of Change, with “RISE” emblazoned across our chest. It was a call for equality, justice, and inclusion both on and off the court. That commitment hasn’t wavered. In this issue, we’re proud to highlight some of the changemakers, trailblazers, and advocates we’ve partnered with this year—each one helping to move our community, and our country, forward.
