Denial of Housing to African Americans: Post-Slavery Reflections from a Civil Rights Advocate

Authors

Elaine Gross

Abstract

In this article, I draw on two decades of experience as a civil rights advocate to reflect on the denial of housing to African Americans in post-slavery America. I do so as Founder and President of the civil rights organization, ERASE Racism. I undertake historical research and share insights from my own experience to create and reflect upon six lessons related to understanding the systematic discrimination and segregation of African Americans. The lessons encompass: (1) the role of the federal government, (2) the role of municipal governments, (3) White supremacy ideation and actions, (4) legislative advocacy and legal actions, (5) modern ideological and political forces, and (6) indelible impressions. These lessons are offered in hopes that they will inform the work of other social justice advocates, including attorneys, to finally end structural racism in America.

Recommended Citation

Gross, Elaine (2022) "Denial of Housing to African Americans: Post-Slavery Reflections from a Civil Rights Advocate," Touro Law Review: Vol. 38: No. 2, Article 5.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.tourolaw.edu/lawreview/vol38/iss2/5