State Rep. Cherry recognizes 70th anniversary of Center for Civil Justice

Thanking Michigan State Representative John Cherry (far left) for recognizing CCJ’s 70th anniversary were (l-r) Greg Abler, Kelly Bidelman, Antwan Edson, Jessica Flint, and Jean Doss.

Photo courtesy of Center for Civil Justice


Michigan State Representative John Cherry recognized the 70th anniversary of the Flint Center for Civil Justice (CCJ) at the Genesee County Bar Association meeting on October 18. 

CCJ was incorporated in Flint as the Genesee County Legal Aid Society in 1951 and the Society evolved into the Center for Civil Justice.  CCJ advocates for low-income people in Michigan to ensure greater access to basic needs and services. 

Cherry stated that he was proud to commend the success of CCJ over the years in fighting poverty and racism.  “CCJ has been at the forefront of public service for 70 years and its mission to advocate against policies that harm minorities and impoverished peoples is an indispensable one.”  Cherry said. “Having CCJ as part of the workgroup for House Bills 4298-4304, which provide necessary consumer protections for mobile homeowners and tenants in mobile home parks has been integral as the legislation advances.”

Kelly Bidelman, CCJ’s executive director, was joined by CCJ’s housing law attorney Greg Abler, health advocate Jessica Flint, board President Antwan Edson, and CCJ’s lobbyist Jean Doss from Capitol Services in thanking Cherry for the tribute.

Cherry is serving his second term representing the 49th House District, which comprises the cities of Flushing, Mount Morris, and Swartz Creek, and part of the city of Flint, and Flint and Mount Morris townships.

CCJ (http://ccj-mi.org) is a Flint-based non-profit law firm that advocates for low-income people in Michigan statewide who need help meeting their basic needs. 

Capitol Services (http://capitol services.org) is a comprehensive, bipartisan governmental affairs consulting firm in Lansing.