INGLEWOOD (2UG) – Inglewood nonprofit Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI) has been named the 2023 Nonprofit of the Year by Inglewood Assemblymember Tina McKinnor.
“The Inglewood renaissance is underway in large part because of incredible community partners and nonprofits like the Social Justice Learning Institute who work selflessly to meet the immediate needs of neighbors, while helping to build a new generation of young leaders,” said Assemblymember McKinnor. “For over fifteen years, SJLI has done the essential work necessary to build a vibrant community and I am proud to recognize them as the 2023 Nonprofit of the Year.”
SJLI was started by Dr. D’artagnan Scorza, and began as a tool to get residents to eat healthier food options.
Derek Steele, worked alongside Scorza, and took over as the nonprofit’s executive director after Scorza left in 2020.
Since Steele took over, they are focusing on bringing affordable housing to Inglewood and hosted a series of workshops on the topic in 2022 in conjunction with Venice Community Housing.
I can recall when SJLI’s signature program was giving away fruit trees at Morningside High School, then they spearheaded an initiative to bring rent control to Inglewood, which was successful. They spent hours feeding families during the COVID pandemic, in conjunction with the Inglewood Unified School District, and have much more on the horizon.
Congratulations Derek and the SJLI staff. This honor is well deserved!
