[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 181 (Thursday, November 2, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE WORK OF THE JUSTICE LEAGUE OF GREATER LANSING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 2, 2023

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to a Lansing, Michigan-
based organization that is creating innovative partnerships to improve 
the future for Black residents by assisting them with the cost of 
higher education, starting a small business, or purchasing a home.
  Officially launched in 2022, the Justice League of Greater Lansing 
has worked tirelessly to engage the faith community in the area in 
dialogue over the historic harms done to African Americans through the 
institution of slavery in this country, and to foster greater 
understanding of its structural and systematic aftermath.
  Since the program's launch, ten churches in Greater Lansing have 
either committed a percentage of their endowment funds, a lump sum 
donation, or regular contributions from the congregation as a whole 
and/or individual members to the effort. To date, the League has 
received more than $350,000, making it one of the most successful 
programs of its kind in the nation. That money will be used to provide 
scholarships for college-bound students, home loans for first-time 
buyers, and financial assistance for local entrepreneurs.
  Among the churches the League has successfully engaged, many of whom 
have been involved since the organization's infancy, are First 
Presbyterian Church of Lansing; Edgewood United Church of Christ, East 
Lansing; All Saints Episcopal Church, East Lansing; First Presbyterian 
Church, Holt; and Red Cedar Friends Meeting, Lansing.
  I have had the pleasure of attending meetings of the Justice League 
of Greater Lansing, and its board members regularly participate in 
roundtables I host for faith leaders on gun violence prevention and on 
many other topics related to the betterment of the community. I applaud 
this organization's commitment to justice, equality, and positive 
change through meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding. At a time 
where so many look to further tear the fabric of our society, I am very 
grateful for their thoughtful efforts to repair and strengthen it. I 
look forward to seeing how this project will continue to take root in 
the community.

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