DJC’s founding Legal Director, Desiree Ferguson, is a brilliant movement lawyer, a committed mentor, and a local leader in the fight for abolition and justice. She spent three decades defending Detroiters from the harms of the carceral system before retiring (for the second time) in 2023.
DJC launched the Desiree Ferguson Fund to honor her life’s work and to deepen our capacity to recruit, mentor, and train the next generation of freedom fighters through our national internship program.
Desiree credits Mr. Porter, her first Black grade school teacher, for encouraging her to dedicate herself to the fight against systemic oppression plaguing Black and brown communities. Mr. Porter’s words still ring in her head: “Revolution means change, aren’t you ready for change?”
Over the years, this commitment would take many forms: as a champion in court for her clients with the State Appellate Defender Office; teaching at four local law schools; taking up leadership positions with the National Lawyers Guild and National Conference of Black Lawyers–recognized as the legal arm of the Black liberation struggle.
At DJC, Desiree established our internship program which has trained 40 rising activists and provided them with real-life experience working with our clients and community partners. Interns have confronted systemic injustices within the legal system while supporting our team in fighting tax foreclosure and gentrification, building community land trusts and worker cooperatives, fighting for bail reform, implementing restorative justice programs, and more.
— Shirley Rivas, 2019 intern
— MADDIE BELLOW, 2023 intern
Despite significant interest in mentorship, political education, and leadership development, there remains no clearly defined pathway for aspiring movement lawyers. Your support of the Desiree Ferguson Fund helps build a pathway for students committed to racial justice, while honoring the contributions of one of Detroit’s iconic movement lawyers.
From the Love Building Website:
The closest bus stop to The Love Building is located at Grand River and Hanock, accessible via the #3 Grand River Bus route. This convenient transportation option facilitates easy access to the venue for attendees relying on public transit.
For those arriving by car or bicycle, The Love Building offers various parking options to accommodate different needs.
Bike Parking: Cyclists can utilize bike parking available along Grand River Ave and on both the North and South sides of the building.
Car Parking: Limited visitor car parking is accessible in the lots off Grand River Avenue and 15th Streets. The venue offers thirty designated parking spots onsite, strategically located near the entrance for convenient access. Among these spots are three designated accessible parking spots to accommodate individuals with mobility disabilities. Additionally, two EV plugin parking spots are available, catering to electric vehicle owners. Moreover, 25 standard parking spots are provided to ensure ample parking capacity for event attendees.
Please help us maintain a space that is as scent-free as possible for members of our community who become sick when exposed to chemical fragrances. If you are coming to work at the LOVE Building or to attend an event, please avoid using shampoo, cologne, detergent, fabric softener, etc. that is scented. Read more from Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha about why going scent-free is an act of love for disabled communities.
Please wear a mask when visiting the LOVE Building.
We are modeling an approach to accessibility that is rooted in love and hospitality, while countering the pervasive ableism of our world. We work to make our space usable and welcoming to people with disabilities and others who are often excluded from social justice organizing.
All entrances are barrier-free with automatic door operators.
All 5 floors of the LOVE Building are accessible by elevator.
Tactile maps are available for each floorplan.
All cleaning products and hand soaps are fragrance-free.