Civil liberties fans and supporters are spread out all over Michigan. Many parts even have a volunteer-led branch that acts as a watchdog for civil liberties issues affecting local communities and spread the word through events, know your rights presentations and more in communities across the state.

Every winter, the ACLU of Michigan Metro Detroit Branch kicks into high gear, holding their popular Thanksgiving Day Parade Party as well as celebrating the Bill of Rights Ratification in style. Not just friendly social events, the branch also dives into the hard issues impacting the Detroit area, like racial profiling and police militarization.

New Police Techniques: The Impact on Minority Youth
Thursday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium, Wayne State University Law School
471 West Palmer, Detroit

How does the increasing militarization of local police departments impact minority youth in Michigan? Join us to consider the question with a distinguished group of panelists, including:

  • Congressman John Conyers

  • Shelli Weisberg, Legislative Director of the ACLU of Michigan

  • Mark Fancher, Racial Justice Staff Attorney of the ACLU of Michigan

  • Anthony D. Holt, Wayne State Associate Vice President and Chief of Police

The panel will be moderated by Bob Ackerman, Wayne State Law Professor. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Metro Detroit Thanksgiving Party
Thursday, November 27th
Doors open at 8:15 a.m.
ACLU of Michigan Offices, 2966 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

Even with Woodward under construction, the street in front of the ACLU of Michigan office is one of the best views of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Join your fellow civil liberties fans and families for a delicious brunch, hot coffee, drinks for the adults and other treats from the warmth of our first floor conference room.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for youths 6-16 and free for kids under 5.

Bill of Rights Day Celebration
Monday, December 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Swords into Plowshares Peace Center
33 East Adams Street, Detroit
Free attended parking at the rear of the Gallery.

As director of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights, Peter Hammer has spent years working to improve access to true justice for all members of society. For his passion and dedication, we're proud to honor him at annual Bill of Rights Day Celebration at the Swords to Plowshares gallery on Monday, December 15th. Tickets include wine and hors d’oeuvres. $25 in advance, $30 at the door.