This week, the ACLU of Oklahoma lost a former co-worker, great advocate, and dear friend Michael Sky Camfield. Michael worked for the ACLU of Oklahoma from 1993-2009. For much of that time, Michael was half of the two member staff along with former Exceutive Director Joann Bell. During his time at the ACLU he was a powerful advocate for many Oklahomans.

Michael began working for the ACLU of Oklahoma in 1993. While he served many roles, the majority of his energy was devoted to finding unique ways to grow the membership and to develop an impressive and consistent fundraising base.

In 1997, an Oklahoma resident complained that the academy award-winning German movie The Tin Drum contained child pornography and therefore violated Oklahoma law. After a local judge viewed the movie and agreed with the complainant, the police subsequently went to neighborhood video stores and removed all copies of The Tin Drum, and obtained, without a warrant, the names of those who were currently renting it. One copy had been rented by Michael who got wind of the impending seizure and wanted to see if the movie was really objectionable. Police came to Michael’s house and asked for the cassette, which he handed More >