Wilmington Fines and Fees Justice Team: (l-r) Meryem Dede, Lynne Kielhorn, Shyanne Miller, Wilmington City Council Member Shané Darby, Ken Grant, and Christian Willauer (not photographed: Hannah Ashley) Photograph by Wilmington Mayor Michael Purzycki

Wilmington Fines and Fees Team recognized by Delaware Bar Association and Delaware Center for Justice for reform efforts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 8, 2024


WILMINGTON, DE - The Wilmington Fines and Fees Justice Team, a collaboration of community members pushing for reforms in Wilmington's fines and fees collections practices, is being recognized for its efforts by the Delaware Bar Association and the Delaware Center for Justice this week.


The Delaware State Bar Association’s Multicultural Judges and Lawyers Section has selected the Wilmington Fines and Fees Justice Team as the Haile L. Alford Community Service Award Winner.  The Community Service Award is given to an individual or organization who has exhibited a strong commitment and has made outstanding contributions to serving the community.  


The team is scheduled to be awarded at the Alford Memorial Breakfast on Thursday, May 9, which honors the life and legacy of Judge Haile L. Alford, the first African American woman appointed to serve on the Superior Court of Delaware. Judge Alford was an avid proponent of increased diversity in the Delaware Bar.


On Friday, May 10, the Delaware Center for Justice is holding its annual celebration and is recognizing the Wilmington Fines and Fees Justice Team with the 2024 Standing Up for What’s Right & Just (SURJ) Award, which honors those who have advanced the quality of criminal justice in Delaware in the previous calendar year.


The Wilmington Fines and Fees Justice Team has worked together with the city of Wilmington to address issues such as water billing and parking tickets, booting, and towing in the city.


"Our team is grateful for these recognitions from the Delaware Bar Association and the Delaware Center for Justice," said Shyanne Miller. "We're looking forward to continuing to work with the current administration, the next administration, and members of city council on fine and fee reform to advance racial and economic equity in Wilmington and promote sustainable budgeting practices."


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About the Wilmington Fines and Fees Justice Team: The Wilmington Fines and Fees Justice Team is a collaboration of community members and City Council members pushing for reforms in Wilmington's fines and fees and collections practices, with a focus on parking/red light tickets and water billing.


CONTACT: Ken Grant

ken.grant7@gmail.com

302-588-4151