OLIVER GANTT 

ACTIVIST • SPOKESPERSON • VISIONARY LEADER 

Oliver Gantt is a well-known Detroit-based community activist, paralegal, and spokesperson with over a decade of hands-on advocacy for justice, police accountability, and meaningful community reform. He has been a powerful voice for families impacted by police misconduct and reckless policing, as well as in other tragic, high-profile cases — including Damon Grimes, Theo Gray, Wynter Cole Smith, and survivors like Brittny Turner and his own family. Oliver organized and led two days of widely covered vigils for Wynter, one for the city of Detroit and the next day for the family, drawing significant attention from major media outlets.

As the founder of ThousandsStrong, Oliver has developed transformative programs such as “Think Before You Act: Understanding Gun Violence” and “G.A.N.G. for Success” — innovative initiatives designed to address mental health, conflict resolution, and street-to-leadership transitions for youth. These initiatives can and shall be implemented in every organization that aims to help teens and young adults who are on a path toward prison or early graves.

Oliver’s work has been featured in Fox 2 Detroit, WDIV Channel 4, WXYZ Channel 7, CBS Detroit, the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, and across multiple podcast interviews. He has been a go-to spokesperson on topics ranging from police brutality and youth violence to tenant rights and social justice. One of his widely recognized efforts included helping a Detroit family of seven who were forced to live in a burned-out home — helping raise awareness and funds so they could rebuild and regain stability.

A Union Steward for IBEW Local 17 – Universal Contracting Services, certified paralegal, certified phlebotomist, drug and alcohol screening collector/trainer, and small business owner, Oliver has used every skill at his disposal to empower his community. He has also completed collegiate coursework in Political Science/Pre-Law at the University of Detroit, strengthening his understanding of law, governance, and public policy. He owns Gantt Document Prep, LLC, providing legal document preparation services. He is also co-owner of Young & Gantt Logistics, former owner of Ele’Gantt Cuts & Styles, and the voice behind the WAKE UP Radio Show’s “Keeping It In Perspective” segment.

Now, as a Write-In Candidate for Police Commissioner – District 3, Oliver is taking his activism to the next level. His campaign, rooted in Justice, Accountability, and Real Change, seeks to ensure community control of policing, responsible public safety policies, and a voice for those long silenced by the system.