
AG Nessel Challenges DOE Order
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2025
Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167
Attendees participate in activities at the Michigan Education Trust’s 13th annual Pizza Party on the Michigan State Capitol Lawn on Wednesday, June 18. The pizza party raised $13,000 to help make the dream of a college education possible for students enrolled in Michigan colleges and universities who have experienced foster care. (Photo: Christopher Bryant/Michigan Department of Treasury)
LANSING, Mich. – The more than 300 people who attended the Michigan Education Trust’s 13th annual Pizza Party on the Michigan State Capitol Lawn got their fill of pizza and helped fill the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, which awards scholarships to students enrolled in Michigan colleges and universities who have experienced foster care.
The $13,000 raised at the Wednesday, June 18, pizza party fundraiser will help make the dream of a college education a reality for students who otherwise might lack resources to pursue higher education when they age out of the foster care system.
For a minimum donation of $10, attendees received a slice of pizza, dessert and a drink.
This year, the Michigan Department of Treasury’s Black History Committee partnered with the Fostering Futures Scholarship to hold a celebration in honor of Juneteenth.
Students who receive this scholarship can use the money for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses. Funds raised through the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund provide scholarships to young adults who have experienced foster care and are enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university. Awards are paid to the students’ college or university for expenses.
Approximately10,000 youth are currently in Michigan’s foster care system. Nationally, fewer than 10% of former foster youth enroll in college after high school, and only 3% earn a degree. The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, established in 2012, has raised more than $1.4 million through events and contributions.
In addition, over 140 pillows and more than 200 pillowcases were collected during the pizza party for The Pillow Effect, a Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI) project. Because children entering foster care often don’t have their essential personal items with them, donations will benefit counties across Michigan, including Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Ionia and Shiawassee.
The Pizza Party on the Capitol Lawn is sponsored by Hungry Howie’s, Park West Foundation, Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, Michigan College Access Network, LAFCU, Güd Marketing, Michigan First Credit Union, WKAR PBS, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, WLNS-TV 6, and MSU Federal Credit Union, with support from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and MYOI.
Couldn’t attend and want to make a difference?
Donate or register online using a credit card, or to make a donation by check, complete and submit the Fostering Futures Scholarship Contribution Form along with a check made payable to the State of Michigan — Fostering Futures Scholarship.
Contributions made by Dec. 31 are eligible for a tax deduction on federal and state income tax forms in the year they are made. MET’s Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is an IRC Section 170(c) organization, making all donations tax deductible.
To learn more about the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund or to donate, go to www.michigan.gov/
About MET
Administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, MET is the state’s Section 529 prepaid tuition program, which allows for the purchase of future college tuition credits based on today’s rates. MET, Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) and MI 529 Advisor Plan (MAP), Michigan’s three Section 529 college savings programs, offer Michigan taxpayers a state income tax deduction on contributions and potential tax-free growth on earnings if account proceeds are used to pay for qualified higher education expenses.
More information about MET is available at www.michigan.gov/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2025
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist Honor Juneteenth National Independence Day in Michigan
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day in Michigan to honor African American history, celebrate the journey and achievements of African Americans while also commemorating the end of slavery in America.
“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom where we recognize our nation’s past, celebrate the progress we’ve made, and recommit ourselves to building a better, brighter future for our all kids,” said Governor Whitmer. “In Michigan, we are proud to honor Juneteenth not only through our words, but with our actions. We come together to uplift Black voices and double down our mission year-round to invest in every region of the state, knock down barriers to opportunity, and ensure everyone, no matter who they are, has a fair shot at a more prosperous future.”
“Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the Black community,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “As we honor Juneteenth, let us recommit ourselves to fighting for justice, opportunity, and dignity for every Michigander. This day is about truth, resilience, and progress. It’s about understanding the pain of the past and keeping faith in the promise of the future. Let us keep Standing Tall for equality and justice for all.”
June 19th commemorates the day in 1865 when Union Army General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas and read General Order #3, stating that all enslaved people were free, and that former masters and enslaved people were absolutely equal in personal and property rights. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 in the United States, reflecting its importance in the nation’s history and the ongoing pursuit of equality. This day has since evolved into a celebration of African American culture and heritage, recognizing the struggles and honoring the contributions of Black Americans throughout history.
“Today we remember the day that gave a blessing that rendered Black individuals free — an awaited day that came far too many years delayed,” said state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. In this day and age, we’ve witnessed hate continue to rise. With diversity, equity and inclusion blatantly under attack and attempts to erase Black history mounting, we must all do our parts to continue combatting division in our state and country. As we remember the past, we must all find strength to channel nonviolence, kindness and perseverance to free our society from the systemic and systematic oppression that continues to pull down Black and Brown people. Today we remember and we continue to rise above the tribulations that remain.”
“We recognize the diligence of our ancestors who made the ultimate sacrifice by building this country through blood, sweat, and tears, and acknowledge our contributions to civilization,” said DeWaun Robinson, Chair of 53rd annual Traditional Flint Juneteenth. “Juneteenth signifies the trials and tribulations of African Americans, but also highlights the strength of our culture to advance this nation. The blood of our people is embedded within the soil of this country. For Black history is American history. Our story is not lost; everything is aligning through spiritual divinity. The time is now to stand on the right side of the struggle. Be bold, live diligently, and stay strong in the fight.”
“Juneteenth is not just a celebration—it’s a charge. A charge to dismantle the remnants of slavery still laced in our laws, our schools, and our streets,” said Byron D. “MoSoul” Brooks, BLAC Member. “Freedom did not ring once—it must keep ringing, until every Black soul is fully seen, fully free, and fully Liberated.”
“When people are allowed to show up as their authentic selves they will always authentically perform at the highest level of proficiency and productivity,” said Minister Teferi Brent, BLAC Safety & Justice Chair. “This act not only benefits the employees directly impacted but it also benefits employers.”
“Juneteenth marks the true end of slavery in the United States, a painful and pivotal chapter in our nation’s history,” said Harold A. Pope, President of NAACP Lansing Branch. “As Ida B. Wells said, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” Celebrating Juneteenth is a way to keep that light of truth shining.”
“For me, Juneteenth is a sacred reminder that while freedom was delayed, it was never denied,” said Dr. Shawnrece Butler, Assistant Vice President, Office of Opportunity, Empowerment, & People at Northern Michigan University. “I carry the hope and courage of those who came before me—and I work each day to make space for those yet to come.”
Building the most inclusive government in Michigan history
To view the proclamation, click here.
LEFT: Sangamitra Sivachandran Narmadha, Ella Bunao, David Coulter, Shiv Lohia, Kairav Joshi and Zuri Earth
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County is proud to announce the winners of its first Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest, recognizing student creativity and reflection on the theme, “Juneteenth: What does Freedom and Equality mean to me?” The contest is part of the county’s annual Juneteenth Celebration, which took place today near the south entrance of the Oakland County Circuit Court building in Pontiac.
The event commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, and the ongoing pursuit of equality for all. The event commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, and the ongoing pursuit of equality for all. Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter joined community leaders, residents and students for a vibrant festival featuring live music, food trucks, speakers, games and the raising of the Juneteenth flag under the theme “Stronger Together: Celebrating Freedom & Community.”
“This celebration reflects Oakland County’s deep commitment to inclusion, belonging and a future where every resident is valued and welcome,” said Coulter. “The insight and heart in these student essays and artworks are powerful and inspiring.”
Winners were announced at the Juneteenth Celebration today and received a $150 gift card.
2025 Oakland County Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest Winners
Art Category Winners
Essay Category Winners
Here are some essay highlights:
Ella Bunao (Grades 8–12) of Athens High School explored the significance of Juneteenth and how freedom and equality must be actively pursued. She wrote, “Freedom means being able to live your life without fear, to speak your mind, and to make your own choices. Equality means that everyone, no matter their skin color, background, or beliefs, should be treated with the same respect and given the same opportunities.
Kairav Joshi (Grades 4–7) from West Bloomfield Middle School highlighted the power of young voices in building a more inclusive and respectful society. “Freedom lets me be myself… Equality makes sure no one is left behind,” he wrote.
Shiv Lohia (Grades K–3) of Brookfield Academy compared fairness to cookie-sharing and equality to an egg experiment in school. He wrote, “If there is freedom and equality everywhere, there’ll be no more wars. Everyone will be happy and that’s the kind of world that will be beautiful and peaceful.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167 Pizza with a purpose: 13th Annual Pizza Party fundraiser to help foster youth achieve their college dreams coming to Capitol lawnSavor a slice and support a scholar — June 18 event
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