The Justice League of Greater Lansing MIchigan has awarded 10 Reparations Scholarships totaling $25,000 to college-bound students. The recipients were selected based on their essays, academic performance and interviews.
The students were tasked with writing about how America’s racial wealth gap or generational wealth has affected them and their families. Eligible applicants are descendants of enslaved African Americans and residents of Ingham, Eaton or Clinton counties.
Three of the winners’ essays are included below. All of the winners and their essays can be found at www.JusticeLeagueGLM.org.
Wealth passed down by grandmother, mother extends far beyond financial stability
The ways I have benefited from generational wealth come from the strength and accomplishments of both my grandmother and my mother. Even though they faced challenges, they worked hard to earn college degrees and stable jobs. Their determination gave me a strong foundation and a life full of opportunity. Because of them, I have grown up in a safe, clean, and supportive neighborhood. I’m surrounded by people who are successful in different ways. I’ve made friends whose parents are doctors, lawyers, professors, and other professionals, many of whom have become mentors who encourage me to be the best version of myself. This environment has helped shape my goals and pushed me to aim high…