Racial Inequity and Housing Instability in Boston: Past, Present, and Future

Millions of Americans have long struggled to pay for housing, with communities of color additionally burdened by housing discrimination and historical race-based policies, such as legalized segregation, redlining, and mortgage discrimination. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis, the federal government instituted a moratorium on evictions that is currently set to expire on March 31, 2021. Despite this, the continuing public health emergency has exacerbated the national housing affordability crisis for people of color, who are more likely to have lost jobs and fall behind on housing payments as a result.

Organized by Harvard Radcliffe Institute, this panel of experts will explore these issues as they relate to Greater Boston, as well as the long history of community activism in the area. Join us as we consider solutions for a more equitable future of safe, stable, and affordable housing for all.

Panelists

• Tatiana Cruz, assistant professor of American history, Lesley University
• Lydia Edwards, Boston city councilor, District 1
• Lisa Owens, executive director, the Hyams Foundation
• Moderated by Chris Herbert, managing director, Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies

Register for this event on the Radcliffe Institute's website.