NBCI endorses Joyce Marie Griggs in Georgia's 1st District race

By AI, Created 11:16 PM UTC, June 02, 2026, /AGP/ – The National Black Church Initiative has endorsed retired Army Lt. Col. Joyce Marie Griggs for Georgia’s First Congressional District and urged voters in the district to back her. The group says Griggs brings military, legal and leadership experience it believes would make her effective from day one in Washington.

Why it matters: - The National Black Church Initiative backs a candidate it says can represent Georgia’s First Congressional District immediately and effectively. - NBCI represents 150,000 African American and Latino churches and says its network reaches 27.7 million members nationwide. - The endorsement adds faith-based support for Joyce Marie Griggs as she seeks a seat in Congress.

What happened: - NBCI endorsed retired Lt. Col. Joyce Marie Griggs for Congress in Georgia’s First Congressional District. - NBCI urged members, congregants and voters in the district to support Griggs with their vote. - Rev. Anthony Evans, NBCI president, called Griggs a strong Christian woman, a strong Democrat, a proven leader and a patriot. - Evans said Griggs wore the uniform of the United States for 33 years and received the Bronze Star.

The details: - Griggs served 33 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. - Griggs worked as a Military Intelligence Officer with one of the nation’s highest security clearances. - Griggs advised at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq and helped develop agreements between the United States and Iraq. - Griggs holds a Juris Doctor degree. - NBCI says Griggs has a record of uniting communities and delivering results. - NBCI says Griggs is prepared to serve immediately on behalf of people in Georgia’s First Congressional District. - Griggs is seeking to fight for working families, veterans, seniors, small businesses and communities across the district.

Between the lines: - The endorsement frames Griggs as a candidate who combines military service, legal training and faith-based values. - NBCI is using its large church network to influence voters in a competitive congressional district. - The message centers on leadership, discipline and judgment rather than policy specifics.

What’s next: - NBCI is asking its network and district voters to support Griggs in the election. - Griggs is positioned to continue her public service in Congress if she wins the race.

The bottom line: - NBCI is putting its church coalition behind Joyce Marie Griggs and casting her as a ready-made leader for Georgia’s First Congressional District.