Step Into Justice is more than a celebration — it’s a call to action.
Each year, the Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities (MRJC) brings together community leaders, artists, advocates, and partners to honor our legacy and invest in the future of justice in Detroit and across Michigan. The Annual Tribute Community Dinner & Sneaker Ball is our signature gathering — a space where culture, community, and commitment come together.
In 2026, your ticket or sponsorship supports MRJC’s focused work through our Anchors of a Just & Beloved Community. Proceeds from this event provide critical unrestricted funding, allowing us to strengthen operations, invest in people and infrastructure, and respond to community needs with clarity and purpose. When you step into justice, you help power the work that makes justice real.
MRJC SNEAKER BALL TICKETS
Every ticket supports MRJC’s year-round work to build community power, develop youth leadership, create pathways for justice-impacted residents, and cultivate just and beloved communities across Michigan.
VIP JUSTICE LOUNGE EXPERIENCE
$150 | 1 Attendee | Limited Capacity
Includes exclusive access to the pre-event Justice Lounge and full admission to the Sneaker Ball.
Justice Lounge | 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Complimentary beer, wine, and signature cocktails
- Curated cultural installations
- Spotlight conversation
- Interactive exhibits and social activations
Sneaker Ball | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Strolling dinner
- Program and tributes
- Live DJ and cultural experiences
- Cash bar featuring signature Step Into Justice cocktails
GENERAL ADMISSION
$100 | 1 Attendee
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Strolling dinner
- Program and tributes
- Live DJ and cultural experiences
- Cash bar featuring signature Step Into Justice cocktails
COMMUNITY ACCESS TICKET
$75 | 1 Attendee | Limited to 50 Tickets
This reduced-price ticket makes the Sneaker Ball more accessible to community residents, grassroots leaders, students, and young people.
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Strolling dinner
- Program and tributes
- Live DJ and cultural experiences
- Cash bar featuring signature Step Into Justice cocktails
UNABLE TO ATTEND?
You can still Step Into Justice by making a tax-deductible contribution to support MRJC’s year-round work.
Special thanks to
Our Honorary Chairs
Dr. Herman Gray, Linda Forte & Saul Green
Our Planning Committee
Nick Lachappelle, Co-Chair
Joe Drew-Hundley, Co-Chair
Tiffany Albert, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Harold Love, Harold Love & Associates
David Rehrauer, KPMG
Damali Sahu, Bodman Law
Dennis Talbert, Be-Moor Radio
Consuela Barber-Lopez, AMANDLA
Steve Spreitzer, MRJC
Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur, MRJC
Special Thanks to our 2025 sponsors
Basha Diagnostics
Bob & Judy Bruttell
Bodman PLC
Citizens
DTE
First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham
Masco
Schoolcraft College
2025 Awardees
Tribute Dinner 2024
What an exciting and invigorating evening May 9, 2024, was. The Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities greatly appreciates everyone that came out in support of our 2024 awardees:
- Satori Shakoor – Delores Bennett Community Service Award
- Delisha Upshaw – Racial & Social Justice Champion of the Year
- Fifth Third Bank – Just Community Organization of the Year
- Danielle Atkinson – Ava Jo Silent Shero Award
- Nakia Wallace – Vijay Das & Ayisha Ashford Youth Leader Award
- All former MRDI Board Members who have contributed to us becoming a powerful racial and social justice organization – David R. Nelson Distinguished Past Board Member Award
Stellar Planning Committee
Thank you to our Planning Committee for making this night happen:
- Nick Lachappelle, Fifth Third Bank, Chair
- Tiffany Albert, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
- Opal Maye, Samaritas
- David Rehrauer, KPMG
- Dennis Talbert, Be-Moore Radio
- Lori Walker, Comerica Bank
- Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur, Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities
Special Thank you to Our Supporters
We also want to thank our proud supporters who helped to make this evening and the Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities’ work possible.
Community Ally
- Fifth Third Bank
Partners for Humanitarian Causes
- ACCESS
- Bob and Judy Bruttell
- Citizens Bank
Corporate Sponsor
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan
- Bodman Law, PLLC
- Comerica Bank
- First Independence Bank
- Henry Ford Health
- KPMG
- Masco Corporation
Base Supporter
- Association for Youth Empowerment (AYE)
- Deloitte
- Detroit Area Agency on Aging
- First Presbyterian Church Birmingham
- Mama Akua Community House
- Michigan Coalition for Human Rights
- Schoolcraft College
- Skillman Foundation
- State Rep. Stephanie Young
- Wayne State University
You can learn more about our awardees and their awards, our keynote, and our supporters in our 2024 Program Book.