[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 101 (Tuesday, June 14, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H5489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LEGACY OF RUTH ELLIS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from
Michigan (Ms. Tlaib) for 5 minutes.
Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, during Pride Month, to honor
the phenomenal Ruth Ellis, a former Detroit resident who was the oldest
surviving open lesbian and an LGBTQ rights activist.
Born in 1899, and living until the age of 101, she came out as a
lesbian around 1915. She took in LGBTQ-plus youth experiencing
homelessness and displacement, and her home became known as ``the gay
spot.''
Not only did she give refuge to our youth, but she provided them
books, food, and even assistance with their college tuition. She was an
icon.
Still today, LGBTQ-plus youth experience homelessness at a
disproportionate rate. The Ruth Ellis Center in Highland Park was
created in the 13 District Strong and was named after and in honor of
Ms. Ellis. They provide safe, affordable, identity-affirming housing
for marginalized Black and Brown Detroiters, especially our LGBTQ-plus
youth. Join me today in honoring and recognizing Ruth Ellis and the
incredible advocacy of the Ruth Ellis Center and their incredible team.
Celebrating the Life of Greg Mudge
Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today, I celebrate the memory of Greg Mudge,
a longtime community advocate and businessowner in Detroit, who we
tragically lost last year. Greg was a beloved member of our community,
and his sudden death was a shock to us all.
When he first opened Mudgie's Deli back in 2008, Greg was already
considered a member of our community. A food service veteran himself,
he built and managed his own business with the heart and soul of
family. His approach was ``all hands on deck,'' and he never shied away
from any task and was always ready to give a helping hand.
Greg's commitment to serving homemade food, including incorporating
family recipes, made Mudgie's Deli a neighborhood standout. More than
that, Greg's enthusiasm and passion for his work shined through in all
that he did. Greg Mudge embodied the spirit of our beautiful southwest
Detroit community and our Corktown neighborhood. Please join me in
honoring his memory.
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