Dear friends,
This past weekend, we received an incredible honor. DJJ accepted the "Unsung Hero" award from our local National Lawyers Guild at their 82nd Anniversary Dinner. It was surreal: listening to Julie's glowing introduction, hearing Rashida's appreciation, and witnessing a standing ovation... can it really be that in a few short years we have earned this kind of respect from Detroit's justice community?
You can listen to Julie and my remarks here. (yes, that's us with Congresswoman Tlaib and Michael Moore!)
It was so powerful to accept this award surrounded by some of DJJ's most dedicated leaders. It was especially meaningful that Eleanor Gamalski stood with us, our former Director of Organizing, as she deserves so much of the credit for getting us to this point. Just this week we posted a job description -- we're hiring! We decided not to attempt to replace her (because that would be impossible) but to take the opportunity to restructure staff and leadership responsibilities so that our work can be increasingly healthy, effective, and joyful. Do you know someone who would be a good fit?
Or perhaps you know someone who is interested in becoming active in DJJ in other ways? Point them to our New Leader Orientation this Tuesday May 21st from 6-8PM. RSVP here.
Taking time out to celebrate hard work and reaffirm our commitments is critical. That's why we're taking a lesson from the NLG and planning our own awards event. Keep an eye on your inbox next when when we'll announce DJJ's inaugural Myra Wolfgang Awards Evening. We hope you'll join us, and also consider giving a gift to support the full-throated song and joy that is DJJ.
Onward,
r.a.a.
