Foreclosure fighter honored

Attorney Vanessa Fluker

Attorney Vanessa Fluker, a leader of the Moratorium NOW! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures, Evictions and Utility Shutoffs, was honored at a brunch held Feb. 20 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit. The Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan presented Fluker with its prestigious Harriet Tubman Award for her legal services on behalf of children victimized by lead poisoning as well as her work representing homeowners fighting foreclosures and predatory lending. Coalition members and several of Fluker’s clients were among the hundreds who attended the BWLAM program.

“For every home we are able to save there are a thousand families who are put out on the street. If you think this doesn’t affect you, think again. Have your home appraised and see what it’s worth,” said Fluker. “The federal government is paying the banks to toss people out of their homes. Everyone must take up the fight for justice against the banks and lenders who continue to get billions in our tax dollars.”

Judge Deborah Thomas received the Torch Bearer of Justice Award for her civil rights advocacy and leadership in demanding representative juries in Detroit, a majority African-American city. Fluker and Thomas were also presented with citations from several dignitaries, including U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr.