Mary Turner Center for Advocacy

08/18/2025

The Mary Turner Center for Advocacy joins families and communities across Michigan in urging U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to immediately release Lue Yang, Khamsay Syrattanakoun, and other Hmong and Lao American refugees currently detained.

These individuals are parents, sons, daughters, small business owners, and community leaders. They came to the United States as refugees following the Vietnam War, many recruited by the CIA to fight on behalf of the United States during the secret war in Laos. Their presence in this country is a direct result of America’s involvement in Southeast Asia, and they have spent decades building lives, families, and communities here in Michigan.

We call on ICE to return them to their families and loved ones without delay.

👉🏽 Take action:

03/10/2025

Thank you to everyone who supported our community heroes awards reception yesterday! Fantastic keynote address by Gwen Winston. And congratulations to all the award winners! Here are some great photos from Valerie Jean.

04/01/2024

The Girls Making Change Fellowship application for 2024 is now open! Coming back for its 9th year, we are continuing to empower young girls of color to run for office, become community leaders, and change makers.

Please share and encourage any rising junior and senior girls of color you know to apply.

If you are interested and have any questions reach out to Tammi Cervantes at [email protected] or at 734-972-0122

Full program requirements are listed in the application which you can find following the link below https://forms.gle/pdWnma9c2d3G4q4r9

04/01/2024

On Saturday, March 9, The Mary Turner Center for Advocacy celebrated our annual heroes award ceremony.

During the ceremony there was a keynote address by Alice Jennings, and awards presentations.

Congratulations again to Shirley Girls, Detroit Jews for Justice, Hazel Perk Cafe, Eboni Taylor and Linda Wesley! We'll also honor our friend Samantha Woll posthumously with a Faith in Action award.

Thank you again for all of our attendees! We hope to see you again next year.

02/25/2024

Join us on Saturday, March 9 for our annual community heroes awards reception! We'll have a delicious catered lunch by Alma Kitchen, a keynote address by Alice Jennings, and awards presentations. Congratulations to Shirley Girls, Detroit Jews for Justice, Hazel Perk Cafe, Eboni Taylor and Linda Wesley! We'll also honor our friend Samantha Woll posthumously with a Faith in Action award.

Proceeds will support MTCA's programming such as the Girls Making Change fellowship, community baby shower and outdoor resource fair! Hope to see you on March 9 at 11:30 a.m. in Jefferson Chalmers!

Join us to celebrate the work of the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy, enjoy a delicious lunch, and acknowledge our community heroes!

02/27/2023

Mary Turner Center for Advocacy Community Heroes Lunch held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Azal Hall in Hamtramck.

* Photos provided by Hugh H. Hatten of Team 3 Productions Inc.

02/27/2023

On Saturday, the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy hosted our community heroes luncheon where several community leaders, organizations, and businesses were awarded for their service to Senate District 3. Thank you to all that attended. Please join us in congratulating our awardees.

Awardees Include:
- Community Ally Award Presented to Tonya Meyers Phillips of the Sugar Law Center
- Community Small Business Award Presented to Pilar Baron-Hidalgo and Naomi Khali and La Feria Detroit
- Community Small Business Award Presented to Lisa Ludwinski and Sister Pie
- Community Organization Award Presented to Lauren Thomas and Detroit Justice Center
- Community Organization Award Presented to Dessa Cosma and Detroit Disability Power
- Nida Donar Social Justice Award Presented to Congresswoman Rep. Brenda Lawrence

**Select photos provided by Hugh H. Hatten of Team 3 Productions Inc. and Nina Robinson.

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02/18/2023

In one week, please join us for our annual Community Heroes Awards Reception on February 25 in Hamtramck! Our keynote speaker is Justice Kyra Harris Bolden. We will be honoring Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, Detroit Disability Power, Detroit Justice Center, LaFeria, Sister Pie, and Tonya Phillips! All proceeds support the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy's community programming, including a community baby shower, housing summit, and Girls Making Change fellowship!

Join us for our annual Community Heroes Awards Reception to support the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy, our neighborhood service center!

02/28/2022

REMINDER: Join us on Friday, March 4th at 6 PM, in celebrating the work of the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy in 2021! We will be honoring several community heroes in Senate District 1. Proceeds will support community programming such as the Girls Making Change fellowship, community baby shower, outdoor resource fair, and much more.
Purchase Tickets Online: bit.ly/mtcaawards

Join us on Friday, March 4th at 6 PM, in celebrating the work of the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy in 2021! We will be honoring several community heroes in Senate District 1. Proceeds will support community programming such as the Girls Making Change fellowship, community baby shower, outdoor resource fair, and much more.

Purchase Tickets Online: bit.ly/mtcaawards

02/20/2022

Join us on Friday, March 4th at 6 PM, in celebrating the work of the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy in 2021! We will be honoring several community heroes in Senate District 1. Proceeds will support community programming such as the Girls Making Change fellowship, community baby shower, outdoor resource fair, and much more.
Purchase Tickets Online: bit.ly/mtcaawards

Join us on Friday, March 4th at 6 PM, in celebrating the work of the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy in 2021! We will be honoring several community heroes in Senate District 1. Proceeds will support community programming such as the Girls Making Change fellowship, community baby shower, outdoor resource fair, and much more.

Purchase Tickets Online: bit.ly/mtcaawards

01/18/2022

Join us on Friday, March 4th at 6 PM, in celebrating the work of the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy in 2021! We will be honoring several community heroes in Senate District 1. Proceeds will support community programming such as the Girls Making Change fellowship, community baby shower, outdoor resource fair, and much more.

Purchase Tickets Online: bit.ly/mtcaawards