The National Association of Real Estate Brokers celebrated 71 years of amazing housing advocacy work and commemorated 50 years of the Fair Housing Act this past weekend in Atlanta, GA. The energy was palpable as we discussed the work that still needs to be done to ensure Democracy in Housing for all, especially the state of housing in Black America!
Present at the conference were civil rights icons Xernona Clayton and C.T. Vivian, and fair housing stalwarts Henry McKinley ‘Mickey’ Michaux and William T. Robie. The conference was 3 days of energized conversation and practical next steps to ensure we are not having the same conversation in 50 more years. Because make no mistake, we are actually worse off than before. Prior to the passing of the FHA, black homeownership was at a low of 42%.
What is really the problem?
As of the first two quarters of 2017, the rate was slightly over 42%*. The question was asked, was it really legislation that needed to be changed? Or the mindset of our society and the persistent engrained racism that perpetuates itself in the disenfranchisement of an entire race of people? That was a question that I had never pondered. Yes, we need laws in place to ensure racism is dealt with on a federal and local level. All things considered, changes really need to happen in the hearts of people. These numbers clearly reflect this. Also, even with laws in place, the numbers haven’t changed. Even with laws in place for 50 years, we have seen no significant change.
Read the State of Housing in Black America, this report gives a clear picture of the history of the state of black housing since the passing of the FHA and the many economic shifts that have affected black wealth and in turn, black homeownership. Contact Bascomb Real Estate Group for all your real estate needs, we are here for you! #2Mn5, #democracyinhousing, #bascombrealestate
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