Press Release
KALAMAZOO — More than 280 West Michigan residents got free or low-cost help toward clearing old items off their criminal record at an expungement fair held Saturday in Kalamazoo. A total of 286 people received screening to determine if they were eligible for an expungement, and 119 people at the fair got help in starting the expungement process. It was the 100th expungement fair hosted by Safe & Just Michigan, one of the sponsors of Saturday’s event, and the people assisted in Kalamazoo on Saturday brought the total number of people helped over the 100 expungement fairs to more than 13,000. Lume, a Michigan-based cannabis company, presented the expungement fair.
Michigan increased access to expungements in 2020 when it passed the Clean Slate package of laws. These laws widened the number of offenses available for expungements, increased the number of convictions a person could expunge, made most traffic offenses eligible for expungement, allowed for the expungement of most marijuana offenses and more. That was followed up in 2023 when Automatic Expungement was enacted, erasing more than a million old conviction records overnight. Getting an expungement is often a transformative event for a person, as many employers and landlords use a conviction — no matter how old — to rule out a person for a job or lease. But as a 2020 study from the University of Michigan showed, in the year after obtaining an expungement, people’s average wages rose by 23 percent.
“These expungement fairs are immensely rewarding — not just for the people who come here to receive help, but for the people who volunteer, too,” said Kamau Sandiford, Safe & Just Michigan’s Clean Slate Program Manager. “I’ve seen people come into an expungement fair looking anxious and worried but leave feeling hopeful about their future — maybe for the first time in years. Nothing compares to being able to help someone like that.”
Sandiford has helped partner organizations across the state find venues, brought in state agencies like the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and brought in volunteers from regional legal services and law schools to help staff the events. At many of the events, community charities and nonprofits also showed up to offer information on utility assistance programs, back-to-school backpacks, community health information and more.
“Partnering on this event is about more than just showing up—it’s about showing up with purpose,” said Doug McLaughlin-Williams, Senior Territory Manager at Lume Cannabis Co. “At Lume, we believe in second chances and we’re proud to help remove the barriers that have held people back for far too long. It’s an honor to stand alongside Safe & Just Michigan in creating real change, right here in Kalamazoo.”
Lume’s first expungement fair partnership was also held in Kalamazoo in 2022 in collaboration with another Michigan nonprofit. More than 30 lives were directly impacted through onsite assistance, and over 150 DIY expungement packets were distributed. Lume’s commitment to second chances is further reflected in its ongoing community partnerships, workforce initiatives, and statewide presence in disproportionately impacted communities.
Media Contact:
Doug McLaughlin-Williams
Senior Territory Manager
Lume Cannabis Co.
Email: douglass.mclaughlin-williams@lume.com
In addition, Kamau Sandiford is also available to speak for interviews about expungements and upcoming fairs. To request an interview, please contact him at 517.273.9561 or by email at kamau@safeandjustmi.org.
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Safe & Just Michigan (www.safeandjustmi.org) advocates for evidence-based policies that reduce the harms of the criminal legal system and promote justice, community safety and healing. We partner with Michigan organizations and leaders from across the political spectrum, including business and community leaders, faith communities, crime survivor organizations, formerly and currently incarcerated people and their families, as well as Michigan taxpayers statewide.
About Lume Cannabis Co.
Lume is Michigan’s leading vertically integrated cannabis company, operating over 38 locations statewide and employing more than 1,200 team members. Recognized three consecutive years as a Gold Level company by the CRA’s Social Equity All-Star program, Lume proudly supports initiatives that promote equity, access, and inclusion. Through its Lume CARES program, the company donates time, resources, and financial support to local causes—from food drives and scholarship funds to veteran support and Pride events—working directly with municipalities and nonprofits to create long-lasting positive impact across Michigan.
