In the aftermath of the 2020 uprisings sparked by the killing of George Floyd, communities across the United States grappled with calls to reimagine public safety, confront police violence, and question the role of the carceral system. Amid this national reckoning, many cities began exploring alternatives to traditional policing, focusing on approaches that prioritize healing, community accountability, and safety outside the criminal justice system. However, some cities, including Detroit, have doubled down on investments in policing and surveillance rather than embracing the shift demanded by activists and community organizers.
One non-carceral initiative is the Metro Detroit Restorative Justice Network (MDRJN), a special project of the Detroit Justice Center (DJC) that seeks to develop community-led responses to harm that do not rely on the police or prison systems. This project is grounded in a growing abolitionist movement in Detroit, which advocates for alternatives that focus on healing and accountability outside the carceral system. By gathering the perspectives of Metro Detroit residents—particularly Black residents—MDRJN’s research aims to identify what resources and systems are needed to address harm and accountability in ways that reflect the lived experiences and desires of the community. The findings from MDRJN’s research illuminate potential avenues for restorative justice in SE Michigan.
By listening to the voices of Metro Detroiters—especially Black residents—MDRJN’s study highlights a powerful vision for a future where justice and accountability are rooted in community care, healing, and transformative practices. To truly address harm, we must embrace solutions that extend beyond the prison-industrial complex and empower communities to take charge of their own safety and well-being.