It is an often-repeated “fun fact” that the human body replaces all of its cells every seven years. While the science is a bit more complicated than that, it’s worth reflecting on what the Detroit Justice Center has shed and replenished over the past seven years as we celebrate our birthday.
When we opened our doors in 2018, the world was dramatically different. We had not yet experienced the onset of a global pandemic and all of the grief and isolation that accompanied it. In 2020, we also saw mass uprisings calling to defund the police, which subsequently led to a surge in interest in DJC’s work. By last year, we had seen that newfound support taper off significantly alongside the rollback of many diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that began in 2020.
We know, of course, that this rollback has only gained momentum in 2025. The present moment is thick with resentment at those who dare to dream of a world without policing and incarceration. Despite this, our commitment to racial and economic equity and to taking cues from movements fighting against oppression has not wavered. We may be living through unprecedented times, but we know that our community sets the precedent for what it means to create truly just cities. In the face of all that seeks to divide and neutralize us, we remain dedicated to strengthening our solidarity with our partners in this work.
Learning a great deal through trial and error, DJC, like our peers, has experienced tremendous wins and healthy losses. As we round the corner into year seven, we are no longer the plucky startup we were at our inception, but a fine-tuned vehicle looking to take solutions innovated in Detroit and bring them to our comrades around the country. If we have learned anything in our seven years as an organization, we have learned that we cannot do this without the support of our community.
This month, we are celebrating our birthday with a fundraiser hosted by Linh & Dug Song. We know that many of our nearest and dearest won’t be able to attend the event on April 9th, but we are hoping you will consider supporting our work in celebration of seven years of DJC.