Preservation of Affordable Housing Through Racial Equity and Afrofuturist Lenses
This initiative aims to confront racial inequities in the preservation of affordable housing and community development, particularly focusing on neighborhoods suffering from historical disinvestment. The objectives of the project included collaborating with Philadelphia communities, especially those in North Philadelphia—a region marked by high rates of concentrated Black poverty and housing challenges, including high rates of eviction and displacement —to devise strategies that uphold economic and racial diversity. Our approach prioritized stabilizing families and neighborhoods, integrating communities, and enhancing local access to opportunities. These strategies are essential in areas experiencing the pressures of gentrification and redevelopment.
PROBLEM ANALYSIS
Our efforts encompass extensive research and policy advocacy, providing data-driven support to the housing movement and its associated infrastructure. A unique aspect of our work is the application of an Afrofuturist lens, reimagining housing as a tool for liberation rather than a component of the oppressive systems currently in place.
A significant project under this initiative involves examining the impact of eviction records on housing access and building policy solutions to address these challenges. Key activities included:
Conducting interviews with tenants who have eviction records, exploring the challenges these records pose in securing future housing.
Highlighting the disproportionate effect of eviction records on Black and Latinx women, reinforcing our commitment to racial equity and combating racial discrimination in housing.
This project not only addresses the immediate concerns related to housing inequality but also contributes to a broader dialogue on redefining housing systems through an Afrofuturist perspective, where equitable access and community empowerment are central.
Impact
The project began at Community Legal Services (CLS), marked a significant milestone in coalition building and capacity enhancement. We were able to support members of the coalition in getting training on storybanking and narrative strategy. This foundational work led to comprehensive interviews with tenants impacted by eviction records, enabling us to engage in effective story banking and narrative collection.
I successfully met all of the goals for the project, and that can primarily be attributed to the robust partnerships and collaborations we fostered with community members, stakeholders, and directly impacted individuals. Our emphasis on relationship building with local community organizations has not only created new opportunities and resources but also cemented the project's community-centered and community-led strategies. This approach is pivotal, especially in contexts where our physical presence is limited, allowing us to engage deeply with the community.
My tenure at CLS was marked by significant achievements that aligned with our overarching goals. Notably:
Development of litigation strategies leading to a civil rights complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, aimed at preserving affordable housing for a community predominantly comprising African-American, senior, and disabled tenants.
Resolution of housing discrimination cases based on age, disability, race, and source of income discrimination, resulting in substantial settlements, exemplified by a $20,000 settlement for clients.
Creation of a practical screening tool and workbook for community members, facilitating an assessment of housing needs and envisioning future community developments.
At the exhibition and visioning sessions, I collected over 50 responses to oral history/oral futures questions and stories, and to the workbook that I developed.
Community Futures Lab and Black Space Agency Exhibition
The project's approaches transcended traditional advocacy, incorporating arts and cultural strategies to reimagine community engagement and narrative-building. A key milestone was the second iteration of the Community Futures Lab project, which blended into the Housing Futures Visioning Sessions and the Black Space Agency exhibition. These events weren't just gatherings; they were transformative spaces where community voices were amplified and expansive futures were envisioned. At the core of these sessions was an interactive engagement model that encouraged participants to contribute to a dynamic discourse on housing and community futures.
The Black Space Agency exhibition, in particular, served as a catalyst for over 50 in-depth oral history and future-oriented discussions. This format not only allowed participants to reflect on their past experiences but also to actively participate in shaping future narratives. The content of these sessions significantly enriched the workbook I developed, turning it into a living document that captures the hopes, challenges, and aspirations of the community. This workbook is more than just a collection of responses; it is a testament to the power of integrating artistic expression with community activism. It serves as a tool for ongoing dialogue and a roadmap for future advocacy efforts, ensuring that the voices of the community are not just heard but are central to the development of strategies and solutions. https://www.blackquantumfuturism.com/black-space-agency
Legislative Achievements and Ongoing Advocacy
Our coalition's efforts led to a report called Breaking the Record: Dismantling the Barriers Eviction Records Place on Housing Opportunies in November 2020, and eventually culminated in the passage of the Renters Access Act (RAA) in Philadelphia in May 2021. The RAA is groundbreaking legislation supporting individuals with eviction records in accessing housing. The RAA has set a precedent, serving as a model for similar legislation in other states and cities, addressing tenant screening concerns related to eviction records and credit reporting.
My advocacy for this law at the White House and other forums has been a cornerstone of my work at PolicyLink, which I continue after my transition from CLS. Together with CLS, PolicyLink recently released a publication on eviction records called Advancing Pennsylvania’s Housing Futures: Sealing Eviction Records for Housing Stability and Economic Prosperity, incorporating insights from the project's interviews and research. https://www.policylink.org/resources-tools/advancing-pennsylvania-housing-futures
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