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Why Should I Vote? Join the Collective Voices Panel on June 24
A powerful community conversation on voting, justice, and reclaiming our voice. At VAAC, we believe every voice matters—and every vote counts. But for too many people impacted by the criminal legal system, the question isn’t just how to vote—it’s why to believe their voice still matters at all. That’s exactly what we’ll be unpacking at…
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A Massive ICE Detention Center Just Opened in Michigan. Here’s Why That Matters for All of Us.
This week, the North Lake Correctional Facility in Baldwin, Michigan, officially reopened—not as a prison, but as one of the largest ICE detention centers in the country, with 1,800 beds. This is a huge expansion of Michigan’s immigration detention system, and it’s happening in a facility run by GEO Group—a private prison corporation with a…
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Linkage Community Launches as Independent Organization
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On August 1, Linkage Community will begin operating independently from the University of Michigan’s Prison Creative Arts Project, where the group got its start as a space for formerly incarcerated creatives to thrive during the transition from prison back to their Michigan communities. This is a major milestone, marking growth of the group beyond its…
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Rank MI Vote
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An exciting new Michigan constitutional amendment is being proposed that could change the way we vote in elections. Rank MI Vote wants Michigan to allow a fairer, more sensible option to elect the best candidates. This option is called ranked choice voting. What is Ranked Choice Voting? Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is a way to…
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Making Legislative Change
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Take a look at this video featuring our friends Josh Hoe and Kandia Milton, and produced by Dream.Org, providing a peak into how legislative change actually happens. Meeting with legislators is a key way to influence policy. If you are interested in getting more involved with advocating for legislation for your community, and you want…
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This Week: VAAC Friday Community Meeting Focuses on Jail Voting
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Join us for a powerful conversation about voting rights behind bars and what’s being done to protect them We bring together directly impacted people, organizers, advocates, and community members across Michigan to talk about voting access, the criminal legal system, and the issues shaping our lives and communities. Each week, we focus on timely topics…
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VAAC Celebrates Juneteenth at the Womb Liberation Festival
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Connecting community power with voting rights and reentry justice in Detroit VAAC showed up strong at this year’s Juneteenth Celebration hosted by Wisdom Institute at the Tindal Activity Center in Detroit! As part of the Womb Liberation Festival, our team spent the day connecting with community members about voting rights, civic engagement, and the importance…
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Honor our History and Demand a Future Rooted in Equity and Justice
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Juneteenth marks a delayed freedom and a reminder that access, dignity, and full participation are still not guaranteed for many. Building power through voting is one way we honor our history and demand a future rooted in equity and justice.
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Unlocking the Vote: Jail Voting and the Power of Civic Engagement
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Join VAAC and Michigan Roundtable for a Critical Conversation on Expanding Access Behind Bars Voting is a fundamental right—and no one should be denied participation in democracy simply because they’re incarcerated pretrial or serving a misdemeanor sentence. Yet, across Michigan, access to the ballot is still blocked by logistical barriers, misinformation, and systemic neglect. At…
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We Remember, We Resist: Scenes from Silence the Violence Detroit
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VAAC stands in solidarity with those impacted by gun violence and the communities fighting for healing and change This past Saturday, VAAC joined Detroiters at the annual Silence the Violence march and press conference, hosted by Church of the Messiah and B.L.V.D. Harambee. For 18 years, this community space has honored lives stolen by gun…
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Show Up IRL: Celebrate Juneteenth and Justice at These In-Person Events Across Michigan
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From expungement help to dancing in the streets — these community events are all about action, celebration, and connection. This summer, let’s show up together. In-person events are powerful spaces for celebration, healing, and progress. Whether you’re seeking resources, culture, or community, there’s something happening near you — and we want to see you there.…
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Celebrate Juneteenth in Style with Detroit’s Finest!
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Join the 2025 Juneteenth Gala — a night of Black excellence, legacy, and joy, hosted by the legendary Coco the Comic. Mark your calendars! Our Own Wall Street is pulling out all the stops for this year’s Juneteenth Gala, and you’re invited. Get ready for a night of celebration, unity, and unforgettable energy in the…
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Stay Engaged from Anywhere: Don’t Miss These Powerful Virtual Events This Week
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Join VAAC partners online as we dive into justice reform, public safety, and freedom — all from the comfort of your screen. No matter where you are, you can show up for justice. This week, three incredible virtual events offer a chance to learn, grow, and take action — all on Zoom. Whether you care…
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Celebrate Black Joy and Liberation This Juneteenth
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Join MI Liberation for a powerful day of freedom, culture, and community healing in Oak Park. Juneteenth is more than a holiday — it’s a celebration of survival, resistance, and the ongoing fight for collective liberation. This year, MI Liberation invites you to an unforgettable day rooted in Black joy, justice, and remembrance, and everyone…
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