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John Cromer
Detroit
Hero Story
John W. Cromer, Jr. is a returning citizen who spent several years in prison (MDOC) for shoplifting. 1991-2004. was born and raised in Detroit MI.
Since his release from prison in September 2004, John has been an exemplary "example of second chances" and incredible advocate for re-entry efforts that remove barriers to employment and self-sufficiency for individuals with criminal records.
In February 2005, John spearheaded the BAN THE BOX ORDINANCE in the City of Detroit (eff: July 2012); requiring the criminal record question be removed from some job applications – this ordinance applies to city jobs and jobs that are offered by the (1000+) companies that have contracts with the city.
The City of Detroit joined other US cities that removed the criminal record question off their job applications to combat crime and recidivism.
John has spoken at churches, schools and community centers, as well as conducted employability workshops for local colleges and universities. When the City of Detroit got involved with helping the victims of the Katrina Hurricane, John organized one of the most successful jobs fairs that resulted in “on-the-spot-hiring” for many residents; featured in the Detroit News (9-27-05) and local TV News Programming.
John has formed relationships with employers that have resulted in thousands of jobs for people, including returning citizens, welfare recipients, youth, the homeless and other displaced individuals – to establish the support mechanisms that will keep them in the community, in jobs and contributing to society.
John has organized Community Outreach Forums entitled: "The Talk – My Life! Who's In Charge?” – encouraging people "that we can do better – as individuals and as people!” and that “black men are more than inmates and unwed fathers!!” He has been featured in local and national news, Street Beat – with Edward Foxworth, Jeffery Miller’s “Criminal Justice In America’- ‘Pipeline to the Abyss.”
President Barack Obama describes John as "a good example of what's possible" after prison.
John Cromer
Detroit
Hero Story
John W. Cromer, Jr. is a returning citizen who spent several years in prison (MDOC) for shoplifting. 1991-2004. was born and raised in Detroit MI.
Since his release from prison in September 2004, John has been an exemplary "example of second chances" and incredible advocate for re-entry efforts that remove barriers to employment and self-sufficiency for individuals with criminal records.
In February 2005, John spearheaded the BAN THE BOX ORDINANCE in the City of Detroit (eff: July 2012); requiring the criminal record question be removed from some job applications - this ordinance applies to city jobs and jobs that are offered by the (1000+) companies that have contracts with the city.
The City of Detroit joined other US cities that removed the criminal record question off their job applications to combat crime and recidivism.
John has spoken at churches, schools and community centers, as well as conducted employability workshops for local colleges and universities. When the City of Detroit got involved with helping the victims of the Katrina Hurricane, John organized one of the most successful jobs fairs that resulted in “on-the-spot-hiring” for many residents; featured in the Detroit News (9-27-05) and local TV News Programming.
John has formed relationships with employers that have resulted in thousands of jobs for people, including returning citizens, welfare recipients, youth, the homeless and other displaced individuals – to establish the support mechanisms that will keep them in the community, in jobs and contributing to society.
John has organized Community Outreach Forums entitled: "The Talk - My Life! Who's In Charge?” - encouraging people "that we can do better - as individuals and as people!” and that “black men are more than inmates and unwed fathers!!” He has been featured in local and national news, Street Beat - with Edward Foxworth, Jeffery Miller’s “Criminal Justice In America’- ‘Pipeline to the Abyss.”
President Barack Obama describes John as "a good example of what's possible" after prison.