Upcoming Events

Past Events

Watch the full recording and view photos from the judicial forum hosted by the Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency (CCJT) on October 23rd at the Douglass Community Association. The event featured a comprehensive lineup of local judges, including Honorable Curtis J. Bell, Honorable Kenneth N. Barnard, Honorable Namita Sharma, Honorable Christine A. Morse, Honorable Alisa L. Parker-LaGrone, Honorable Tiffany A. Ankley, and Honorable Becket J. Jones. The gathering was distinguished by a youth-led panel featuring two youth leaders who gave young people the unique opportunity to directly question the bench, followed by an official judicial forum moderated by Mrs. Nkenge A. Bergan. The goal of the event was to bridge the gap between the judiciary and the community, particularly its younger members, by fostering direct dialogue, demystifying the role of the courts, and ensuring that judicial officials remain accessible and accountable to the people they serve.

2025 Kalamazoo Black Arts Festival

A community event hosted by CCJT and Now Kalamazoo, featuring the Kalamazoo County Defender's office (KCD) and community member Jeff Pryde, was held to educate the public on "Resisting and Obstructing" (R&O) charges under Michigan law. The purpose of the event was to clarify how these felony charges arise, empower individuals with knowledge to prevent unnecessary legal consequences, and foster trust between the community and the justice system.

A panel discussion hosted by the Advisory Committee for Police and Community Relations (ALPACT) featured judges, the Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorney, the Public Defender, and court administrators who explained the various diversion and problem-solving court programs available in the Kalamazoo County justice system. The goal of these programs is to address the underlying issues—such as substance abuse or mental health challenges—that lead to criminal behavior, thereby rehabilitating individuals and reducing recidivism.

A presentation by Carlton T. Mayers, II, Esq., a national expert on community development and safety, detailed the sweeping impacts of recent federal funding cuts on public safety initiatives and social support networks, with a specific focus on Kalamazoo. The discussion analyzed how new legislation and budget reductions from the Department of Justice will directly affect local gun violence intervention, youth services, mental health support, and victim advocacy programs. The goal was to establish a new baseline for community stakeholders by explaining the impending fiscal challenges and offering proactive strategies to ensure community development and safety in a new era of reduced federal support.

CCJT 2025 Judicial Forum

2024 CCJT Annual Gala