wayne county
For the people
Organizing to end mass incarceration and criminalization and to hold the Wayne County Prosecutor accountable for their role in it.
THE FACTS
Prosecutor Candidate Forum
Date: Sunday, June 28th @ 3pm EST
Criminal Defense Attorney, Victoria Burton-Harris
Incumbent Madame Prosecutor, Kym Worthy
Amidst a national uprising in response to the murders of Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, George Floyd, and Rayshard Brooks at the hands of police violence, the role of the prosecutor is more important than ever. They are the single most influential actors in our criminal legal system and have the power to press charges against officers for their brutality against Black people.
THE COALITION
The Wayne County For the People Coalition has been organizing to end mass incarceration and criminalization and to hold the Wayne County Prosecutor accountable for their role in it. During community listening sessions, people have shared their stories, concerns and ideas about the values and practices that should guide the office of the Wayne County Prosecutor.
The Coalition formed in 2019 when Michigan Liberation formed a partnership with Detroit Action and We the People Michigan. A few national organizations also joined the effort including The Mass Liberation Project, Color of Change, The Advancement Project, Movement Voters Project, FORCE Detroit, Moses Action and the Working Families Party. The Coalition has worked closely with communities that have been directly impacted and harmed by the criminal legal system and prosecutorial misconduct.
We believe those who are closest to the problem are closest to the solution and it is these people that we want to bring closer to the power and resources to make the changes they feel will be beneficial for both the community and the incarcerated population.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
Throughout time, the Wayne County Prosecutor has operated with a tough on crime approach and has a history of wrongful convictions, charging juveniles as adults and lack of accountability on police misconduct. During community listening sessions, community members and stakeholders expressed a desire for a county prosecutor that is not tough on crime but smart on crime. These community members expressed the resources that are needed to reduce violence and crime and save black bodies from going into the incarceral system. The community also expressed the need for a progressive prosecutor that can match the needs of the 21st century.
The Wayne County Prosecutor is elected every four years and runs an enormous office of over 180 assistant prosecuting attorneys, 24 investigators and 70 clerical and support staff. This office is responsible for over 52% of all felony prosecutions contributing to mass incarceration in the state of Michigan. Altogether, Wayne County is one of the top most incarcerating and criminalizing jurisdictions in the nation perpetuating the anti-Black racism and harm of the criminal legal system.
TAKE ACTION
Join the Coalition List
Share Our Platform on Social
COALITION MEMBERS








