40 Under 40 Class of 2024 Honors College Alumni Spotlight on Christopher Bruce
Article by Armida Yee-Muñoz
Videos by Heather Fields
ATLANTA—The American Civil Liberties Union’s Policy Director, Christopher “Chris” E. Bruce (B.A. ’07), has been nothing short of an incredible testament to the organization’s mission. Bruce has defeated a bill that added sentencing enhancements targeting Black Lives Matter protesters and led a coalition to defeat legislation that would’ve labeled protesters as domestic terrorists.
This year, Bruce has been recognized by Georgia State as a 40 Under 40 Class of 2024 recipient and discussed the role that public awareness plays in advancing the ACLU’s mission and how we can approach mobilization in such a bustling city like Atlanta.
Watch: Bruce on the role the public plays in advancing the ACLU's mission
Bruce has spearheaded the Voter Access Project that he started in 2020 after the June Primary Election that same year.
“We’re recruiting people who are typically not involved in the political process and igniting the civic service in these individuals,” he said. “It’s really more about the formulation of the ideas that are coming from the people, not from the ACLU or myself. We are here to listen and help people and guide them throughout the electoral process.”
Bruce believes in motivating the younger generations to vote educatively and recognize how policy and legislative decision-making affect their lives as well.
“Our democracy is a participatory sport and becomes a two-way street,” Bruce states. “We can show the young generation that by being an active member in our democracy, they can be aware of issues they will face like college tuition and student loans. But people working in or with government also have to come back and listen to what this generation cares about.”
In his spare time, Bruce dedicates efforts to Atlanta-based organizations such as Hands On Atlanta and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta.
Watch: Bruce on why he is drawn to dedicating time to Atlanta-based volunteer organizations
“I am one of seven children, and my father was in the military which meant we moved around a lot,” he said. “In each place we lived, my parents always had a sense of service. When I landed in Atlanta, I knew it was a great city but had many issues. I felt like so many people had poured support into me, it was time to give my support back.”
Bruce also reflected on his late mentor, Willie J. Lovett, Jr, who motivated him to take on his current role at the ACLU.
Watch: Bruce on the impact his mentor made on his life
Before he passed, Bruce asked Judge Lovett, “You’ve done so much for me, what can I do for you?” Judge Lovett responded, “Do it for someone else.”
Bruce’s 40 Under 40 recognition is only the tip of his achievement iceberg. Chris has seamlessly integrated the experiences honed during his time at Georgia State into the impactful leadership and responsibility of his profession.
“Georgia State was the first place I found out that I was smart,” Bruce said. “From being in Greek Life – to being part of the LEAD Program – to participating in Spotlight Events – to being in SGA, I always knew I was going to use my Georgia State degree to go far in life.”