Detroit Holds Ex-Cons-Only Jobs Fair

So Detroit recently held a job fair strictly for ex-cons. More than 200 jobs were available, and no one who had not been convicted of a felony was eligible to attend.

"That group (ex-convicts) has difficulties finding jobs," City Council President Charles Pugh said in an interview with Detroit Public Radio. "A lot of times, folks who come out (of jail) and get roadblock after roadblock and door closed, they give up and some of them re-commit crimes because they feel that's their only option."

The "Offenders Only" fair was held at the East Lake Church. Violent offenders, sex offenders and people who had committed crimes against children were not allowed to participate.

According to The Grio, more than 1,200 attended and many wound up with employment.