April 28, 2021
The Color Tax: Origins of the Modern Day Wealth Gap (Virtual)
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
3:00-4:30 PM (Eastern)
The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, with community partners Kheprw Institute and Indiana Legal Services, presents The Color Tax: Origins of the Modern Day Wealth Gap.
The Color Tax: Origins of the Modern-Day Racial Wealth Gap, is Episode 3 of the five-part documentary series, Shame of Chicago. The Color Tax tells the story of how a system of predatory home contract sales during the 1950s and 60s plundered enormous sums of wealth from Black families seeking the American dream of homeownership, but denied access to standard mortgages. In a compelling narrative format, The Color Tax documents who peddled the contracts, how and why they were allowed to do it, and what happened when Black families organized to fight back, in one of Chicago’s most heart-wrenching and perilous campaigns for racial and economic justice.
The event is part of our work to spread information and awareness about housing rent-to-own, contract for deed, and land contracts. The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana has filed two federal court actions to date alleging fair housing violations as part of these transactions. We will show the short film and then have a panel discussion with local advocates and the film’s producer, Bruce Orenstein, on the continued impact and use of modern day rent-to-own housing transactions and land contracts.
SCHEDULE (eastern):
3:00 PM: Live Event Begins with Opening Remarks
3:03 PM: Viewing of The Color Tax film
3:40 PM: Panel Discussion Begins
4:30 PM: Event ends
REGISTRATION: This event is FREE, but registration is required. Register here.
CONTINUING LEGAL CREDITS: This training has been approved for 1.5 CLEs for Indiana practicing attorneys. The FHCCI will be providing a form during the panel for those seeking credits to complete.
“If our nation is to realize the promise of equity—a just and fair society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential—we must acknowledge our racist past and make amends. The Color Tax lays bare the oppressive design of an economy that today leaves more than 100 million people behind. While this history is gut-wrenching, the resilience, courage, and strength of black families to end the predatory housing practices of the ‘60s provide hope for our nation’s future. The Color Tax is brilliant and a must-watch for anyone striving to achieve racial equity in America.”
Michael McAfee, President & CEO
PolicyLink
“In a word, it was RAW, and A MUST SEE. This is a history I’m sure many of us have heard of, however, for me at least, a born and raised Chicagoan, NEVER, realized the cruelty of the system, nor the depth of the strengths and sacrifices of our parents, and their parents. This is important, not only for us, but equally for our children to see and gain a better appreciation for our varied struggles.”
Eugene Varnado, Trustee of Providence Bank and Trust and Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago
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