Honoring the past to make for a greater future. Together, we celebrate Black History Month.
Did you know that The Fair Housing Act, part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, signed by President Lyndon Johnson, was a follow-up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964? The 1968 Act expanded on the prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, (and as amended) handicap, and family status. Title VIII of the Act is also known as the Fair Housing Act (1968).
According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website, the Act was considered for a few years (1966-1967), but President Lyndon Johnson pushed the bill through for Congressional approval after the assassination of Dr. Luther King Jr., whose name was closely associated with the legislation. President Johnson viewed the Act as a fitting memorial to the Dr. King’s life work and wished to have the Act passed before his funeral in Atlanta.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we want to remember & recognize the courageous contributions of the trailblazers who have fought endlessly to provide fair housing opportunities for all. Over the years, the housing industry has come a long way, but plenty of work remains to be done. The real change comes from ordinary folks who stand up to injustice and help to push shifts for the better.
Read more about the History of Fair Housing at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/aboutfheo/history
