LANSING, Mich. (June 18, 2025) — Yesterday, the Michigan Senate voted to pass Senate Resolution 60, championed by Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), which commemorates Grassroots Week in the state of Michigan from June 23-29, 2025.
“I’m proud to come from a long line of dedicated activists and public servants who used their voices to mobilize their communities and advocate for justice and equity for all. This week, we recognize and celebrate the power of all grassroots organizers who work together to bring about meaningful change for our Michigan communities,” said Sen. Cavanagh. “The progress we can achieve through grassroots movements is more important now than ever. This resolution serves as a symbol of gratitude and respect for all of our state’s organizers and advocates who courageously stand up and speak out day in and day out, even in the face of inequity and injustice.”
Sunday, June 23, marks the start of Grassroots Week in recognition of the 62nd anniversary of the Detroit Walk to Freedom — when civil rights activists joined Detroit city officials and community leaders to protest widespread racial and social injustice. Led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and then-Mayor of Detroit Jerome Cavanagh, grandfather of Sen. Cavanagh, the Detroit Walk to Freedom was one of the largest civil rights demonstrations in not just Michigan history, but in the entire history of the United States. During a time of rampant civil unrest and public opposition to the Civil Rights movement, Detroit grassroots mobilizers worked from the ground up to rise above the tension and opposition, bringing the collective together to move forward their shared goal of freedom and progress.
Michigan Senate Democrats celebrate Grassroots Week in honor of successful grassroots movements in our state’s past, present, and future, applauding the power of community action to build public awareness and enact meaningful change.