Detroit Community Conversation
Take Action Guide
FIRESIDE CHAT: Representative Brenda Lawrence LEARN ABOUT THE GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 (H.R. 1280)addresses a wide range of
policies and issues regarding policing practices and law enforcement accountability.
It increases accountability for law enforcement misconduct, restricts the use of certain policing practices, enhances transparency and data collection, and establishes best practices and training requirements. Read more about Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence’s vote to pass H.R. 1280.
PANEL 1:
Understanding the Detroit Public Safety Historical Landscape UNDERSTAND THE HISTORY OF DETROIT POLICING & REFORM INITIATIVES
READ NEW DETROIT’S RACIAL EQUITY HIGHLIGHTS
Michigan Justice Project in 2021.
New Detroit’s 2020 Racial Equity Highlights report analyzes racial equity across the region using data drawn from a variety of sources. The report focuses on the topics of housing, health, income/wealth, and education, as well as an analysis of Covid19’s impact and implications for racial equity.
CONTACT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD’S ASSIGNED POLICE OFFICER
CHECK OUT DETROIT JUSTICE CENTER’S TOOLS & RESOURCES
Detroit has a long history of police reform
initiatives; this analysis is a comprehensive
collection of the most consequential reform
initiatives enacted from the inception of the Detroit Police Department in 1865 to the Fair
The Detroit Police Department has a precincts
and neighborhood program to connect closer with the communities they protect and serve. Each neighborhood in Detroit has assigned
police officers who are available to discuss all
things related to policing in your area. Identify your Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO) & make your voice heard!
The Detroit Justice Center has a varied collection of
relevant tools & resources that comprehensively address the topic of public safety in Detroit. Resources include a
Detroit Police Fact Sheet that analyzes and critiques the Detroit Police Department budget; a 4-part Traffic Enforcement Toolkit that explains the unequal
enforcement of traffic violations in Detroit and provides solutions; and a guide to navigating the criminal legal system.
PANEL 2:
Where Do We Go From Here? Making Safety Public REGISTER FOR A FREE MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING
DISCOVER GRANT OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE MICHIGAN JUSTICE FUND
The Detroit Police Department have partnered
The Michigan Justice Fund is a collaborative fund committed to promoting and advancing the prosperity and dignity of Michigan residents. Their Rapid Response Grant program supports advocacy and direct service organizations with funds to support time-sensitive resource needs.
with the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health
Network (DWIHN) to launch a Behavioral Health
Co-Response Pilot Program. This program helps police officers identify individuals with mental
health needs and connects them to agencies. The DWIHN also provides free, anonymous,
online mental health screenings and resources to remain mentally healthy.
CHAMPION MICHIGAN LIBERATION’S CAMPAIGNS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
DISCUSS YOUR VIEWS ON CRIME AND POLICING
Michigan Liberation is a grassroots,
According to the University of Michigan
leadership development, and lobbying
Detroit Metro Area Communities Study,
that share their vision of a Michigan that does
crime and policing in Detroit. Read the
organization committed to supporting candidates
Detroiters carry a variety of opinions on
not criminalize its Black families. Support their
report and discuss the study findings
multiple campaigns, like advocating for the
Free Grace campaign or signing a petition to
with your fellow community members.
release vulnerable incarcerated people.
Social Justice Art & Activism Fair
SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Explore ways to volunteer with ARC Detroit by supporting their educational, parental,
social, and self-advocacy services. These services are critical to supporting people with intellectual impairments and other developmental disabilities in Detroit.
VOLUNTEER ON A COMMUNITY PROJECT Central Detroit Christian is an organization committed to creating opportunities to transform communities through service. They offer a variety of opportunities to volunteer in their community projects either as a group or an individual. Their projects focus on encouraging community healing and safety through programs such as house restoration, food kitchens, and early-childhood care.
ADVOCATE AGAINST YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
EXPLORE CAROLE MORISSEUA’S USE OF ART AS RESISTANCE
On November 30, 2021, the youth centered
Learn about African-American Detroit
organization, Detroit Phoenix Center
launched their year-long One Night Without A Bed campaign to raise awareness of youth
artist, Carole Morisseau, who created “The Healing Wall”—a mixed-media
homelessness, the impact it has on communities
installation that honors victims of
Phoenix’s campaign either by donating or sharing
her travels across Central and South
and the safety of youth in Detroit. Support Detroit
police brutality and is inspired by
with your social networks.
America.
EMPOWERING ACTION-DRIVEN CHANGE For more information and questions about NREI, please email nrei@cbcfinc.org.
CBCFINC.ORG/NREI | #CBCFNREI
Detroit Community Conversation
Community Gems We have to engage in conversations that don’t only involve race but involve class.
We need to create a safe space, where it’s okay to not be okay.
Those closest to the problem, are closest to the solution.
We must stop the “us” and “them” paradigm. Everything should be together.
Budgets shouldn’t have to compete; we should all get what we need.
Young people are rendered voiceless in police interaction. We must involve our young people.
We must democratize access and opportunities.
Sometimes you have to attack issues with action. We must be righteously upset when they do not pass the laws that benefit the quality of our lives.
We’re on a journey, and we are dealing with deeply entrenched issues that may take a lifetime.
The health of our community is directly related to our public safety.
EMPOWERING ACTION-DRIVEN CHANGE For more information and questions about NREI, please email nrei@cbcfinc.org.
CBCFINC.ORG/NREI | #CBCFNREI