Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) Executive Director Angela Davenport has submitted a resolution to the Detroit City Council on behalf of the organization JustUsNow that would formally recognize the third Saturday in June each year as Returning Citizens and Detroit Second Chance Day in the City of Detroit.
The resolution recognizes the contributions returning citizens make to Detroit as parents, caregivers, workers, entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, mentors, faith leaders, and community builders. It also acknowledges the role that successful reentry plays in supporting family stability, economic opportunity, public safety, and stronger communities.
The resolution has been submitted to the Detroit City Council and is awaiting further consideration.
If adopted, the resolution would:
• Recognize the third Saturday in June as Returning Citizens and Detroit Second Chance Day in the City of Detroit
• Honor the contributions of returning citizens to Detroit’s civic, cultural, social, and economic life
• Encourage residents, businesses, faith communities, educational institutions, labor organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies to support restoration, opportunity, and successful reentry
• Recognize returning citizens as valued members of the Detroit community whose experiences, leadership, talents, and service help shape the future of Detroit
• Commend JustUsNow and its community partners for their leadership in establishing and sustaining Returning Citizens Day
The resolution also recognizes that 2026 marks the Third Annual Returning Citizens Day celebration in Detroit, bringing together residents, families, employers, advocates, faith leaders, service providers, elected officials, and community organizations in recognition of the positive impact returning citizens have on communities throughout the city.
This year’s Returning Citizens Day celebration will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Spirit Plaza, located at 2 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit.
The event will feature community resources, vendors, food trucks, music, speakers, and opportunities for community members to connect while celebrating the accomplishments, leadership, resilience, and contributions of returning citizens.
Voting Access For All Coalition will be participating in this year’s event by providing voter education and voter registration information for eligible community members.
Returning citizens are directly impacted by decisions made by elected officials at every level of government. Access to civic education and voter registration helps ensure that people returning home have opportunities to participate in public life and engage with issues affecting their families and communities.
VAAC encourages community members to attend Returning Citizens Day and join in recognizing the leadership, resilience, and contributions of returning citizens across Detroit.
Full Resolution Text
The following resolution was submitted to the Detroit City Council by VAAC Executive Director Angela Davenport and is awaiting further consideration by the Council.
CITY OF DETROIT
DETROIT CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING
RETURNING CITIZENS AND DETROIT SECOND CHANCE DAY
WHEREAS, the City of Detroit recognizes the dignity, resilience, leadership, and contributions of returning citizens who strengthen families, neighborhoods, workplaces, faith communities, and civic life throughout our city; and
WHEREAS, returning citizens contribute to the social, cultural, civic, and economic vitality of Detroit as parents, caregivers, workers, entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, mentors, faith leaders, and community builders; and
WHEREAS, Detroit has long been a city defined by perseverance, determination, and transformation, and returning citizens embody these values through their commitment to rebuilding lives, supporting families, serving communities, and creating opportunities for future generations; and
WHEREAS, successful reentry promotes public safety, family stability, economic opportunity, and stronger communities while demonstrating the power of restoration, healing, and second chances; and
WHEREAS, communities across the nation and the State of Michigan have recognized the importance of second chances through proclamations, resolutions, and initiatives that acknowledge the dignity, value, and potential of formerly incarcerated individuals; and
WHEREAS, Returning Citizens Day was established through the leadership of JustUsNow and community partners to celebrate the accomplishments, leadership, resilience, and contributions of returning citizens and to promote restoration, opportunity, and community healing throughout the City of Detroit; and
WHEREAS, 2026 marks the Third Annual Returning Citizens Day celebration in Detroit, bringing together residents, families, employers, advocates, faith leaders, service providers, elected officials, and community organizations in recognition of the positive impact returning citizens have on our communities; and
WHEREAS, the continued growth and success of Returning Citizens Day reflects the importance of honoring returning citizens and recognizing their essential role in building a stronger, more inclusive Detroit; and
WHEREAS, the Detroit City Council recognizes that returning citizens are not defined by past involvement with the criminal legal system, but by their humanity, leadership, resilience, contributions, and commitment to strengthening our city;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Detroit City Council hereby formally recognizes and honors the Third Saturday in June of each year as Returning Citizens and Detroit Second Chance Day in the City of Detroit; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Detroit City Council encourages residents, businesses, educational institutions, faith communities, labor organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies to participate in activities that celebrate the achievements and contributions of returning citizens and support restoration, opportunity, and successful reentry; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Detroit City Council recognizes returning citizens as valued members of the Detroit community whose experiences, talents, leadership, and service help shape the future of our city; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Detroit City Council commends JustUsNow and its community partners for their leadership in creating and sustaining Returning Citizens Day and for their ongoing efforts to support, uplift, and advocate for returning citizens throughout Detroit; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be presented to JustUsNow in recognition of the Third Annual Returning Citizens Day celebration and in honor of all returning citizens whose resilience, leadership, and contributions continue to strengthen the City of Detroit.
Adopted by the Detroit City Council this _____ day of ____________________, 2026.
Sponsored By: __________________________________
Co Sponsored By: _______________________________
Attested By: ___________________________________
Detroit City Clerk
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