, sponsored by Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), honoring June 23-29, 2024, as Grassroots Week in the state of Michigan.
“This week, we honor and celebrate grassroots movements and the opportunity for everyday citizens to be catalysts for change. Here in Michigan, we are proud of our deep history of successful grassroots movements, which have long made an indelible impact on our state’s progress. When local leaders mobilize their communities to participate in our democracy, some of our greatest changes are realized,” Sen. Cavanagh said. “This resolution serves as a symbol of appreciation and respect for Michigan’s grassroots organizers, precinct delegates and other local leaders, and the invaluable contributions they make to our great state.”
Sunday, June 23 commemorates the beginning of Grassroots Week in recognition of the 61st anniversary of the Detroit Walk to Freedom, when civil rights leaders joined Detroit city officials and community leaders to protest widespread racial injustice. Led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and then-Mayor of Detroit Jerome Cavanagh, grandfather of Sen. Cavanagh, the march was one of the largest civil rights demonstrations in not only Michigan history, but in our entire nation’s history, engaging an estimated 125,000 participants. During a time of tension and public opposition to the Civil Rights movement, Detroit grassroots leaders worked from the ground up to rise above the obstacles and bring community members together to advance their shared goal of equity and freedom.
Senate Democrats recognize Grassroots Week in celebration of victorious grassroots movements in Michigan’s past, present, and future, recognizing the power in collective action to build awareness and bring about fruitful change for the good of our communities.
Sen. Mary Cavanagh speaks on the Senate floor on June 20, 2024, in support of her Senate resolution recognizing Grassroots Week in Michigan.