Our Purpose

Hear from our Executive Director, Nancy A. Parker, and other team members about the Detroit Justice Center and why members of our team are committed to this work. Shot by 888 Creative, this video aims to introduce you to DJC.

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

Meet Our 2026–27 Formerly Incarcerated Artist in Residence

Detroit-based multidisciplinary artist, musician, and poet Cozine Welch joins the Detroit Justice Center to develop...
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Indigenous Thinking has Answers for Restorative Justice

What if we broke out of the institutional mindset and looked to Indigenous philosophies to...
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An illustration of a pink megaphone on a green background.

Solutions for Women’s Huron Valley from Women Serving Long Time at WHV

An open letter from women serving long time at the Huron Valley Women's prison about...
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Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win!

Last November, DJC launched our 2025 year-end fundraising campaign—Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win. We’re...
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Know Your Rights: Risk of Deportation

A helpful two-page sheet with resources to help people who are at risk of deportation.
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DJC's Dana Hayes, Lauren Thomas, and Lauren Fardig-Diop at the Reform Confence

Reflection on the Drug Policy Alliance International Reform Conference

Sheba Rogers and Safiya Webster reflect on the Reform Conference.
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