In order to highlight the impressive accomplishments and unique experiences of our members, we are regularly interviewing individuals in our organizations. Learn about the activists working on voting rights in Michigan through Voting Access for All Coalition.
In college, Amani Sawari studied public policy and media communications with a vision in mind: to use these skills in the movement to end mass incarceration. But when she graduated from the University of Washington, no job like that existed. So, she says “I combined my abilities in writing and …
Charles Thomas, Jr. was born in Cincinnati, OH and moved to Detroit when he was 13. But it was his family roots in Selma, Alabama that gave him his life-long appreciation of the value of our vote. His grandfather was sharecropper in Camden, Alabama. When he raised enough money to …
VAAC member, Antoniese (Tony) Gant wants to inspire people to participate in our electoral process. He found his own inspiration when he saw the historic election of Barrack Obama from behind bars. Unable to vote, he knew the excitement he felt then would stay with him when he got his …
This month’s honoree is powerhouse E.B. Jordan. Her work with VAAC is driven by her passion to make sure that people know that they can vote even if with a felony. (Check her out in VAAC’s Yes, You CAN Vote video!) Determined not to let any barriers hold her back, E.B. founded her own non-profit in Detroit called S&D PJ Housing to provide much needed re-entry housing and services. She’s also a vocal advocate with Safe and Just Michigan striving to change the narrative about people who have been incarcerated.
Kathi Harris has always had a passion for helping others. She graduated from Grand Valley State in 1984 with a BA degree in Criminal Justice. After an internship as a Pre-Sentence Investigator, Kathi had a decision to make: work in the court system or work at a GM job where …
Kenneth Gourlay is a graduate student studying sociology. He also helps VAAC maintain their website. Learn more about him in this Member Spotlight.
As an active member of the Voter Access for All Coalition, Percy Glover offers expertise that is invaluable in the expansion of Vote by Mail in Jail’s programming as well as the implementation of jail voting in Michigan. His partnership with grassroot groups and non-profit organizations alike have inspired more …
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