Our Purpose

Hear from DJC’s Founder, Amanda Alexander, and other team members on the common goals of DJC and the the Kresge Foundation’s Detroit program and why this collaboration is so important to push Detroit forward.

DJC is founded on the belief that we cannot build cities that work for everyone without remedying the impacts of mass incarceration. This mission requires innovative ways of community lawyering—rooted in defensive and offensive fights for racial justice and economic equity—that build up our poorest residents through direct services and novel approaches to land use, housing, and employment. We use a three-pronged approach—what we call “defense, offense, and dreaming”—to serve individual clients, build power, and catalyze systemic solutions.

What’s Happening at DJC

Explanation Of Michigan Housing Law

Our legal services attorneys have noticed that many of our clients face similar issues in...
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An arial view of the Wayne County Criminal Justice Complex from above.

An Unjust City Prioritizes Incarceration Over Housing

In order to build a just city, we must begin by prioritizing the needs of...
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The LOVE Building Grand Opening

Last week, The LOVE Building celebrated its grand opening with events from Tuesday through Friday....
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MDRJN Third Community Circle Keeper Training

DJC’s Metro Detroit Restorative Justice Network (MDRJN) concluded its third Community Circle Keeper Training on...
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A group of activists wearing masks and black t shirts stand behind a table covered with literature about freeing political prisoners

DJC Commemorates Black August 2024

This month marks the 45th anniversary of the first Black August. We're using this time...
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DJC Client Goes from Being Unhoused to First-Time Homeowner

At the Detroit Justice Center, we often use the phrase Just Cities to talk about...
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