The Community Economic and Equity Development Law Clinic (CEED) is part of the development team for two transformational District of Columbia developments: the Lincoln Congregational Temple United Church of Christ and the Alexander Crummell School. Both are historic properties and the students will be exploring a variety of financing opportunities including low income housing tax credits and historic preservation tax credits. In each of these projects, students are providing key legal and strategic advice on zoning, funding, community engagement, and advocacy before decision-making bodies.
Lincoln Temple
Lincoln Temple is the oldest Black Congregational church in the District of Columbia. Situated in the heart of the Shaw and U Street community, Lincoln Temple was founded in 1869 by the American Missionary Association to provide shelter, industrial training, and religious instruction to people of African descent, newly freed from slavery. The church held its last worship service in 2018 and is planning to redevelop the building into affordable housing and space for community based organizations. Lincoln Temple is part of a cohort of churches working with the Enterprise Community Partners Inc. in the Faith-Based Development Initiative to reimagine church spaces for a variety of uses, including housing.
Crummell School
CEED is also partnering with Empower DC in the development of the Alexander Crummell School in Ward 5 in the District of Columbia. The Alexander Crummell School was built between 1910 and 1911, extended in 1932, and functioned as a school until 1977. DC’s Mayor Bowser recently allotted $20 MM for redevelopment of the Crummell School as a community center. The school was named in honor of Alexander Crummell, the noted African American clergyman, activist, educator, and founder of the American Negro Academy.
CEED and Empower DC are working to enhance community engagement and advocacy in the development process by educating community members and advocating with the DC government for a larger role for the community in the decision making and in the building process.