OUR STORY
The Detroit Economic Justice Coalition (DEJC) is a group of local advocacy leaders, business leaders, service providers, and funders who are committed to advancing structural reforms in Detroit and Michigan. We are intentionally a diverse, multi-sector coalition coming together to identify and advance shifts in policy and practice for all Detroiters.
We came to this table as individuals committed to economic justice for Detroiters, rather than representatives of the organizations and institutions we work for. As authors of this platform we, individually, endorse and support the policy ideas described here. Not all of us support or endorse all of the policy ideas described here. Our individual support of the policy ideas presented in this platform does not necessarily mean that the organizations we work at support any or all of the policy ideas represented here.
As a collective, we recognize that entrenched and racialized inequality and poverty in Detroit and in Michigan are the result of our systems which were designed to perpetuate inequity in outcomes and opportunities. Historic and current policies and practices have harmed too many individuals and families, kept too many people from opportunities, thwarted our growth as a city and state, eroded basic human needs and rights, and negatively impacted our communities. Collectively we promote targeted shifts in policy, practice, and systems to ensure that existing needs are met and those who are marginalized have equal and fair access to opportunity.
We seek to work collectively to support, promote, and advance policy, practice, and system change that:
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Equitably distributes opportunities in our city and state inclusive of education, workforce and economic development, housing, safety net, and wealth building opportunities.
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Promotes a fair and just economy that redistributes wealth, income, and power to ensure that everyone can thrive and have quality of life.
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Acknowledges and redresses historic and current economic harms.
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Allows people to have agency, choice, and freedom to self-determine and pursue a dignified and creative life.
Our Guiding Philosophy
As a table, we hold the following guiding values. These values are intended to support us in making decisions as a coalition, guiding us in establishing priorities, and acting as pillars when we have conflict, disagreements, or need checks and balances. We actively lean into these values in our process and in determining our policy priorities.
Abundance Mindset. An abundance mindset is the belief that there are enough resources, wealth, happiness, cooperation, collective imagination, care, and success in the world for everyone. This perspective encourages us to be optimistic and generous, and to approach policy, practice, and systems challenges and solutions with an orientation that resources and systems are not fixed. We understand and believe that the pursuit of policies, systems, and practices that enable everyone to thrive requires us to reimagine public resources, policies, practices, and systems from the perspective that everyone can thrive.
Address Anti-Black Racism Practices and Policies. Active process of identifying, interrogating, and challenging racism, white supremacy, and redistributing power in an equitable manner through changing policies, systems, and practices.
Democratic and Transparent. We strive to reflect, support, and advance democratic values that reflect freedom, equality, justice, and fairness. We believe in free and fair election processes. We strive to reflect, support, and advance transparent and open public systems and government and other institutions.
Holistic. We recognize that people, places, issues, and geographies are not siloed. We strive to support, advance, and promote policy, practice, and system changes that reflect the whole person. We will strive to understand and support policy, practice, and system change that is unsiloed.
JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)
Justice. Identifying and removing policy, practice, and systemic barriers that prevent diversity, equity, and inclusion of difference. Making fair and equitable decisions about the distribution of opportunities, power, and resources through interpersonal and institutional engagement.
Equity. Advancing policy, practice, and system change action to address (dis)advantages based on difference. Equity implies that an individual may need to experience or receive something different (not equal to or the same as something or someone else) to maintain fairness and access. Everyone has a fair opportunity to attain their full potential.
Diversity. Holding and honoring differences of people with respect to, but not limited by, race; ethnicity; color; religion; background; national or geographic origin; age; gender, gender identity or expression; socioeconomic status; language; sexual orientation; (dis)ability status; education; thoughts; political perspective; and skills, among others.
Inclusion. Deliberately and authentically welcoming and valuing differences. Different perspectives are respectfully heard and brought into all into processes, activities, leadership and opportunities, and decision/policy making. Every individual feels a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to participate.
Self-determination. We strive to be person, family, and community-centered. We seek to support, promote, and advance policy, practice, and system change that creates the conditions by which communities, families, and individuals can have choice, agency, and freedom.
Our Table
● Angie Reyes
● Branden Snyder
● Camarrah Morgan
● Chioke Mose-Telesford
● Dan Varner
● Danielle Atkins
● Danielle Atkinson
● Dwan Dandridge
● Hector Hernandez
● Jewel Knolton
● Leila Hilel
● Margo Dalal
● Margrit Allen
● Mark Crain
● Molly Sweeney
● MoReno R. Taylor, II
● Pat Cooney
● Scott Holiday
● Stephanie Chang
● Steve Tobocman
● Trina Shanks
