[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S7320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL OF COLUMBIA SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Columbia 
Savings and Loan Association on its 100th anniversary. It gives me 
great pleasure to honor this remarkable organization and to commemorate 
this historic milestone.
  Founded by Ardie and Wilbur Halyard in 1924 in Milwaukee, WI, 
Columbia Savings and Loan is the first--and currently only--African-
American owned bank in Wisconsin. For 100 years, Columbia has been 
dedicated to supporting and uplifting the Milwaukee community, 
primarily serving low- and moderate-income families in Milwaukee. Now 
led by Ernest Jones and Will Martin, who continue to uphold the values 
of its founders, Columbia celebrates its centennial anniversary.
  When the Columbia Savings and Loan Association was first founded, the 
beginnings of discriminatory redlining practices were emerging in 
Wisconsin. Thousands of Black families were forced to live in the so-
called ``black belt'' in Milwaukee, with similar situations occurring 
across the United States. These communities struggled to build wealth 
as insured mortgages were not available to them. However, during that 
dark time, Columbia Savings and Loan was steadfast in turning the tides 
and to supporting the African-American community in Milwaukee.
  One of the many lasting impacts that Columbia has etched into 
Milwaukee's history is the rise of the Halyard Park area, in the heart 
of the city. After the construction of Interstate 43, many homes were 
demolished, displacing many residents. At a time when banks still 
practiced discriminatory mortgage policies against African Americans, 
fair housing advocates Ardie and Wilbur Halyard focused on financing 
for Black individuals and families to revitalize the neighborhood with 
backing of the Columbia Savings and Loan. Throughout the years, Halyard 
Park grew and is now a cornerstone of the city of Milwaukee, from 
hosting various music performances and art shows to being home to some 
of Milwaukee's well-known restaurants. Without the help of Columbia and 
its founders, Halyard Park would not be what it is today. While other 
neighborhoods have seen high population turnover and decreased home 
values, Halyard Park residents have stayed and have boasted higher 
valued homes.
  After the savings and loans crisis in the 1980s and 1990s, hundreds 
of savings and loans organizations were impacted across the Nation, 
with many having to close. But Columbia survived, is thriving, and is 
one of the only left in Wisconsin. I applaud their hard work and 
dedication to serving the Milwaukee community over the last 100 years. 
Countless people and families have had their lives changed because of 
the Columbia Savings and Loan Association. I look forward to the 
association's continued success in the years to come.

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