As Pride Month continues, VAAC’s next Friday Community Meeting will focus on the connection between LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, voting rights, and democracy.

The discussion will include Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which protects people from discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. In 2023, Michigan expanded the law to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

This meeting will look at what these protections mean in everyday life, how civic engagement helped expand them in Michigan, and why voting rights remain connected to civil rights protections.

Join Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) on June 26th from 12:30 – 1:30 PM EST, virtually on Zoom at bit.ly/VAACFridays for this community conversation.

This meeting will cover:

• The connection between LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, and voting rights
• Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act
• How civic engagement helped expand LGBTQ+ civil rights protections in Michigan
• Current challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities
• Community discussion and questions

VAAC Friday meetings bring together directly impacted people, organizers, advocates, and community members from across Michigan to connect, learn, and build collective strategy.

Everyone is welcome!

Creating space for conversation, healing, and community. Your voice is important!

Upcoming meeting dates:

July 17

July 31

August 14

August 28

The post Next VAAC Friday Community Meeting: From Civil Rights to Voting Rights: Democracy and LGBTQ+ Communities on June 26th appeared first on Voting Access For All.

Through a series of pop-up events across Metro Detroit, community members are invited to create small art pieces that reflect their experiences, perspectives, and beliefs about voting rights, democracy, and community voice. Each piece becomes part of a larger installation exploring voting access, participation, barriers, and the importance of protecting the right to vote.

No art experience is required. Participants can contribute through writing, drawing, collage, or mixed media. The project is designed to create space for reflection, conversation, and community connection while highlighting the many ways people experience and think about democracy.

VAAC is also excited to share that the Voting Rights Art Installation has been accepted into ArtPrize 2026 and will be exhibited at Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids during ArtPrize, which runs from September 17 through October 3, 2026.

Upcoming Pop-Up Events

Tuesday, June 23 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Urbanrest
2615 Wolcott St, Ferndale, MI 48220

Community voting rights art-making, speakers discussing voting rights, and pizza provided. Register here!

Saturday, July 18 | 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Hatch Art
3456 Evaline St, Hamtramck, MI 48212

Community members are welcome to stop by, create a piece, and help shape a collaborative project that will bring together voices from across Michigan.

Additional events and opportunities to participate will be announced as the installation continues to grow.

The post Voting Rights Art Installation Pop-Ups and ArtPrize 2026 Exhibition appeared first on Voting Access For All.

Throughout June, communities across Metro Detroit are gathering through celebrations, organizing spaces, cultural events, film screenings, and opportunities for reflection and action. Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) will be participating in several of these events, providing voter education and voter registration resources while connecting with community members throughout the month.

For those unable to attend in person, virtual programming is also available, offering additional ways to engage in conversations about history, democracy, civic participation, and collective action.

Three Marches, Two Sisters, One Bridge | June 18

When You Vote, I Win will host the premiere of Three Marches, Two Sisters, One Bridge on Thursday, June 18 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Southfield Parks and Recreation Building, 26000 Evergreen Road in Southfield, on the north end of the Southfield Municipal Complex.

The documentary centers two Selma activists and their connection to the fight for voting rights.

Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) will be attending in support of this community event and the opportunity to reflect on the history and ongoing significance of the voting rights movement.

Tickets are available now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/three-marches-two-sisters-one-bridge-tickets-1988878675658

Juneteenth Kickback in Mount Clemens | June 19

The City of Mount Clemens and the Mount Clemens Zetas will host a Juneteenth Kickback on Friday, June 19 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cairns Community Center, 58 Orchard St, Mount Clemens, MI 48043.

The event will include music, bounce houses, food trucks, and community celebration. The gathering will also recognize the historic Upshaw Way street dedication.

Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) will be on site providing voter registration and ballot education.

DABO Detroit Juneteenth Palooza | June 19

DABO Detroit will host its first-ever Juneteenth Palooza: Parade and Concert on Friday, June 19.

The free event will begin with a parade at 10:00 AM, starting at Livernois and Grand River and ending at Prairie and Grand River. A concert will follow at 12:00 PM featuring BIG CHUCK, InsprHER, HORUS, and CYE PIE.

The event will also include free food, giveaways, music, and community celebration.

Event information:

When You Vote, I Win Juneteenth Cookout | June 19

When You Vote, I Win will host its second annual Juneteenth Cookout on Friday, June 19 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Pebble Creek Park in Southfield.

The cookout is part of the organization’s Juneteenth programming connected to the premiere of the documentary Three Marches, Two Sisters, One Bridge, on June 18th, which highlights the experiences of two Selma Foot Soldiers and their connection to the ongoing fight for voting rights.

Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) will be attending as invited guests in support of this community celebration.

The People’s Toolkit: Juneteenth in the 250th Year of U.S. Democracy, Part II | June 19

The People’s Toolkit gathering will take place Friday, June 19 at 11:00 AM on Zoom.

This virtual event connects the history of voter suppression and racial terror to the systems communities are still navigating today. The program is designed to move participants from awareness to application through history, lived experience, practical tools, and community discussion.

The online format also provides an opportunity for people across Michigan and beyond to participate, including those who may not be able to attend in-person Juneteenth events.

Register and join: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rhj80PyeTVSUKfEGAe4etA#/registration

Ypsilanti’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration: Juneteenth Black Party | June 19

Ypsilanti’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration will kick off with a Juneteenth Black Party on Friday, June 19 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the University Bank Commerce Center, 301 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti.

The evening will feature performances by Alise King, music therapy with Shiawassee, DJ Buff1, and Formula 734, along with appearances by Mayor Nicole Brown, Commissioner Crystal Lyte, MC Taryn Willis, and MC Trische Duckworth.

The event is part of Ypsilanti’s multi-day Juneteenth celebration honoring Black culture, community, and resilience.

Our Own Wall Street Juneteenth “Harlem Nights” Gala | June 19

Our Own Wall Street will host its 2026 Juneteenth “Harlem Nights” Gala on Friday, June 19 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The gala will bring together Juneteenth, Black excellence, legacy, wealth, and freedom through a Harlem Renaissance theme.

Location:
8324 Woodward Ave
Second Floor at the corner of East Euclid
Detroit, MI 48202

https://votingaccessforall.org/events/our-own-wall-streets-2026-juneteenth-gala

Tickets are available now: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML48FBDNNZGJH/checkout/IVL4ZMQQG5BMN3DS67NIXSKV

8th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Freedom Weekend: The Liberation Link Up | June 19

Black Leaders Detroit will host The Liberation Link Up on Friday, June 19 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Marygrove Conservancy as part of the 8th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Freedom Weekend.

The event will include music, community gathering, performances, and celebration during Detroit’s Juneteenth weekend.

Register now: https://jubileeblockparty.wixsite.com/website

Juneteenth Cookout in Detroit | June 19

The Detroit People’s Food Co-op will host a Juneteenth Cookout on Friday, June 19 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 8324 Woodward Avenue in Detroit.

The celebration will feature food, vendors, a DJ, dancing, bounce houses, face painting, bar-b-que grilling, and other family-friendly activities. Community members are invited to gather in celebration of Juneteenth and enjoy an afternoon of food, entertainment, and community connection.

8th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Freedom Weekend: Jubilee on the Block | June 20

Jubilee on the Block will take place Saturday, June 20 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM along the Dexter Corridor in Detroit.

The event is part of the 8th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Freedom Weekend and will feature vendors, performances, community organizations, food, music, and activities throughout the day. Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) will be on site providing voter education and voter registration resources for community members interested in learning more about voting rights and civic participation.

Register now: https://jubileeblockparty.wixsite.com/website

These events reflect different traditions, conversations, and ways communities across Detroit are gathering to celebrate Juneteenth, Black history, culture, organizing, and liberation.

Ypsilanti’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration | June 20

The celebration continues on Saturday, June 20 from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM at the University Bank Commerce Center, 301 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti.

The day will include a Sickle Cell Awareness Walk, beginning with registration at 10:00 AM, as well as performances and activities featuring Lady Sunshine, Marcus Cole, DJ Low, comedian Kenny Burrell, storyteller Erica Burell, and additional community guests and emcees.

Attendees are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles and comfortable chairs for a full day of celebration, entertainment, and community connection.

Juneteenth Community Gathering & Potluck at Palmer Park | June 20

Community members are invited to gather for a Juneteenth potluck celebration on Saturday, June 20 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Palmer Park in Detroit. Hosted by The Black Legacy Advancement Coalition, the gathering offers an opportunity to connect, share food, celebrate community, and reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth in a welcoming outdoor setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share and enjoy an afternoon of conversation, fellowship, and celebration.

Freedom Festival: A Juneteenth Celebration | June 20

Detroit City Council District 7 will host Freedom Festival: A Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Rouge Park (Joy & Spinoza Green Space) in Detroit.

The free community event will feature food truck vendors, haircuts and hair care services, face painting, bounce houses, African drumming and dancing, music, poetry, storytelling, and other live performances. Families and community members are invited to gather for an afternoon celebrating Juneteenth through culture, entertainment, and community connection.

Ypsilanti’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration: Church Service & Gospel Concert | June 21

Ypsilanti’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration will conclude on Sunday, June 21 with a church service beginning at 1:00 PM, followed by a gospel concert at 3:00 PM at the University Bank Commerce Center, 301 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti.

Featured guests include Elder Tyra Hill, Pastor Greg Cannon, Pastor Ron Todd, the Joy Quartet, Bam Travis, DJ Helluva, David Whitfield & Whitfield Productions, and additional community leaders and performers.

The final day of the celebration offers an opportunity for worship, music, and fellowship as the community comes together to commemorate Juneteenth.

The post Juneteenth Events Across Southeast Michigan: Where VAAC Will Be and Other Community Gatherings appeared first on Voting Access For All.

The free community gathering will bring together men, families, community leaders, and advocates for an evening of conversation, reflection, resources, and connection. The event will focus on mental wellness, brotherhood, civic engagement, and the role community spaces can play in supporting people and families.

What to expect

The gathering will include a documentary screening, mental health resources, nonpartisan civic engagement information, community dialogue, refreshments, and fellowship.

The event will feature a screening of Three Marches, Two Sisters, One Bridge, followed by a live community conversation with Alice Moore and Denise Holt, Selma Foot Soldiers and Civil Rights Movement participants.

The conversation will give attendees an opportunity to hear directly from people who participated in civil rights history and to reflect on civic participation, leadership, perseverance, and preserving history for future generations.

Event details

Date: Monday, June 22
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Cost: Free
Registration: Sign up using the event registration form here!

Free gift cards will be available while supplies last.

The post Washtenaw Civic Engagement Mental Health Gathering appeared first on Voting Access For All.

The rally is focused on concerns about environmental conditions, medical care, and the treatment of medically vulnerable women at the facility.

Community organizations, advocacy groups, faith leaders, grassroots partners, and residents are invited to attend.

What the rally is calling for

The Krystal Clark Freedom Team is calling on the Michigan Department of Corrections to release environmental testing records, identify locations where elevated findings were reported, disclose laboratory reports and related documentation, and provide information about medical and housing plans for Krystal Clark.

The call for action also includes an immediate independent medical review of Clark’s condition and medical release or another placement where she can receive care.

Event details

Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility
Organizers: Krystal Clark Freedom Team and community partners

The post July 4th Freedom Rally Planned for Krystal Clark and Women at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility appeared first on Voting Access For All.

As Michigan moves deeper into the 2026 election cycle, major legal and political fights over voting rights and representation are continuing across the country and here at home.

From ongoing challenges connected to the federal Voting Rights Act to court cases that could reshape representation for Black communities and other historically marginalized voters, these developments could directly affect how communities access the ballot, challenge discrimination, and build political power.

At the same time, conversations continue around the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MIVRA) and what stronger state-level voting protections could look like in Michigan. Earlier this month, Michigan lawmakers reintroduced the Michigan Voting Rights Act amid broader statewide and national debates around voting access, representation, and election policy.

We will be joined by Ben Gardner, Michigan Senior Campaign Manager at All Voting Is Local, who works with voting rights advocates across Michigan on election protection, voter education, and responding to efforts that undermine access to the ballot.

Many people are hearing pieces of these conversations online or through headlines without clear information about what these legal developments actually mean, who they affect, or what could change moving forward.

Join Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 12:30 PM EST at bit.ly/VAACFridays for a community conversation focused on breaking these issues down in clear and accessible language.

This meeting will cover:

• An overview of the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MIVRA)
• Recent federal voting rights developments
• Understanding Louisiana v. Callais and fair representation
• How these legal challenges could impact Michigan communities
• Voting access, districting, language access, and representation
• Community discussion, questions, and next steps heading into the 2026 elections

The outcomes of these legal fights could affect representation, voting access, districting, and how communities are able to participate in public life.

VAAC Friday meetings bring together directly impacted people, advocates, organizers, and community members from across Michigan to learn, connect, and stay informed about the issues affecting our communities.

The post Today’s VAAC Friday Community Meeting on June 12: Understanding the Michigan Voting Rights Act & The Fight for Fair Representation appeared first on Voting Access For All.

On Saturday, VAAC joined the 19th Annual Silence the Violence March at Church of the Messiah. On Sunday, VAAC participated in the Charles W. Reid Community Help Center’s community outreach event held in partnership with Wear Orange and Moms Demand Action.

At both events, VAAC shared information about voting rights, upcoming elections, and available civic education resources. Team members answered questions, helped residents understand their voting options, and connected people with information they can use to participate in civic life.

Voting rights information shared at the events

VAAC reminded community members that many people in Michigan are eligible to vote even if they have been told otherwise.

Yes, in Michigan, you can vote even if:

You Have a Felony or Misdemeanor

You Are On Probation, Parole, or Tether

You Are Awaiting Arraignment, Trial, or Sentencing

You Do NOT Have a Michigan ID

You Have Unstable Housing

You Have a Disability

You Are a Naturalized Citizen

VAAC regularly shares this information because confusion about voting eligibility can keep eligible voters from registering or casting a ballot.

Meeting people where they are

Community events create opportunities for residents to ask questions in person and receive accurate, nonpartisan voting information in familiar spaces.

VAAC thanks the organizers for inviting us to participate in these events, and thanks everyone who stopped by our table to talk, ask questions, or learn more about VAAC’s work. We shared more photos from both events on VAAC’s social media pages. Follow along here:

VAAC on Instagram • VAAC on Facebook

The post VAAC Joins Detroit Silence the Violence Events to Share Voting Rights Information appeared first on Voting Access For All.

These events can help people address barriers connected to criminal records, suspended driver’s licenses, outstanding warrants, housing access, and other challenges that often impact employment, mobility, and long-term stability.

Pontiac Expungement Fair | June 7

A free expungement fair will take place in Pontiac on Saturday, June 7. Community members can receive information and support related to the expungement process and available legal resources.

Pre-registration is required, click here to register.

Event information:
https://votingaccessforall.org/events/pontiac-expungement-fair/

Ingham County Expungement Clinic & Housing Resource Fair | June 13

The Ingham County Expungement Clinic and Housing Resource Fair will take place Friday, June 13.

The event will include expungement assistance along with housing resources and community support services.

Event information:
https://votingaccessforall.org/events/ingham-county-expungement-clinic-housing-resource-fair/

Expungement Fair in Jackson | June 14

An expungement fair will take place in Jackson on Saturday, June 14, providing assistance and information for individuals seeking to clear eligible criminal records.

Click here to check eligibility.

Event information:
https://votingaccessforall.org/events/expungement-fair-in-jackson/

Expungement Fair in Detroit | June 28

A Detroit expungement fair is scheduled for Saturday, June 28 and will connect attendees with legal and community resources related to the expungement process.

Click here to check eligibility.

Event information:
https://votingaccessforall.org/events/expungement-fair-in-detroit/

Road to Restoration Events

The Michigan Department of State’s Road to Restoration program is also continuing across the state this summer.

Road to Restoration events are not expungement clinics. These events focus specifically on helping eligible residents address issues related to suspended driver’s licenses, including payment plans, guidance through the reinstatement process, and connections to legal support.

June Road to Restoration events are scheduled in:

• Big Rapids | June 10, 2026
• West Branch | June 11, 2026
• Battle Creek | June 24, 2026

More cities and dates are also planned later this summer and fall.

Click here for the full Road to Restoration schedule available through the Michigan Department of State.

Access to transportation, employment, housing, and legal support all affect a person’s ability to fully participate in community life. These events can provide important information, resources, and next steps for people navigating those systems.

Detroit Michigan Warrant Clinic | October 24

A Detroit warrant clinic will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Butzel Family Recreation Center, 7737 Kercheval St. in Detroit.

According to the event flyer, the clinic will address traffic and misdemeanor warrants and will include live DJ entertainment, food, children’s activities, and community resources. Organizers state that attendees can take care of outstanding traffic and misdemeanor warrants “without the risk of arrest.”

The event is hosted in partnership with Our Own Wall Street and several community organizations, including Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC).

For more information email:
info@ourownwallstreet.org

Access to transportation, employment, housing, and legal support all affect a person’s ability to fully participate in community life. These events can provide important information, resources, and next steps for people navigating those systems.

The post Expungement Clinics, Warrant Clinic, and Road to Restoration Events in Michigan appeared first on Voting Access For All.

May 22 | Mental Health Awareness Month Conversation

Join VAAC on May 22 at 12:30 PM for our Friday Community meeting, featuring special guest Hakim Crampton.

Hakim Crampton is a Lyrical Educator, Hip Hopologist, Justice Advocate, Author, Consultant, Healing Centered Practitioner, Government Relations Liaison at Citizens for Prison Reform, and Founder of The Academic Mentoring & Education Network.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, this conversation will focus on the connection between mental health, policy, and access.

Hakim will discuss a Therapeutic Spaces proposal focused on alternatives to solitary confinement and the growing movement in Michigan to address the harms caused by long-term isolation in prisons.

The proposal includes therapeutic spaces intended to reduce isolation and support mental health through increased out-of-cell time, expanded visitation access, sensory activities such as art and music, outdoor activity, exercise opportunities, and trauma-informed mental health policies developed with healthcare and treatment experts.

The conversation will also explore broader prison reform and legislative advocacy efforts connected to mental health, solitary confinement, family visitation rights, corrections oversight, and transparency within Michigan’s prison system.

Hakim will discuss current proposals supported by Citizens for Prison Reform, including efforts to expand the authority of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman through HB 5920 and HB 5921, advocacy around preserving family visitation access, and proposals that would place limits on solitary confinement while developing therapeutic alternatives and trauma-informed spaces.

Advocates continue raising concerns about long-term isolation, medical neglect, mental health neglect, diminished visitation opportunities, staffing shortages, and the broader impact prison conditions have on incarcerated people, correctional staff, families, and community reintegration efforts.

Reporting by Solitary Watch has also highlighted ongoing efforts by Michigan advocates to challenge the use of solitary confinement and document its impact on incarcerated people and their families.

May 22 12:30 – 1:30 PM EST
Virtual (Zoom) Join: bit.ly/VAACFridays

Upcoming meeting dates:

June 5
June 26
July 17
July 31
August 14
August 28

The post Today’s VAAC Friday Community Meeting: Mental Health Awareness Month Conversation on Solitary Confinement appeared first on Voting Access For All.

What’s Happening

The day of action comes as courts and state legislatures continue making decisions that could reshape congressional districts and weaken protections that Black voters and other historically marginalized communities have relied on for decades. Organizers say these efforts are part of a broader push to redraw districts and interfere with fair representation after elections are already underway.

According to organizers and partner groups, several Southern states are already moving forward with redistricting efforts following the Supreme Court’s recent Callais decision. In Alabama, lawmakers convened to redraw congressional maps after the Supreme Court allowed the state to move forward with redistricting during an active election cycle. In Louisiana, an active election was halted days before early voting was scheduled to begin.

The National Day of Action is centered on defending voting rights and pushing back against efforts that could reduce representation for Black and Brown communities. Events are being held in Montgomery, Alabama, along with additional actions across the country.

Organizers are also raising concerns about increasing pressure and intimidation directed at election workers and local officials. Recent actions involving requests for private election worker information in Georgia have added to concerns about how election systems and workers are being targeted ahead of future elections.

Why This Is Important

For communities already facing barriers to voting, including justice-impacted individuals, low-income residents, and communities impacted by voter misinformation, these changes can create even more confusion and distrust around the voting process.

VAAC believes people deserve clear information about their voting rights and access to elections that are fair, transparent, and free from political interference. Our communities should not lose political representation because of shifting rules, rushed redistricting efforts, or attacks on voting protections.

Take Action

The National Day of Action: All Roads Lead to the South takes place May 16, with events in Alabama and in states across the country.

Not everyone can travel to Montgomery or attend in-person events. There are still ways to support the effort and stay involved:

• Share information about the day of action and ongoing voting rights threats with your community
• Amplify local and national voting rights organizations on social media
• Attend virtual briefings and organizing calls
• Stay informed about redistricting and voting rights issues affecting Black and Brown communities
• Support local voter education and civic engagement efforts in your own community
• Help combat misinformation about voting rights and voter eligibility

Organizers are also encouraging people across the country to speak out against efforts to weaken voting protections and redraw districts in ways that reduce representation for Black communities.

Learn more about the National Day of Action here: All Roads Lead to the South Day of Action

The post All Roads Lead to the South: National Day of Action for Voting Rights appeared first on Voting Access For All.