National Fair Housing Alliance Statement Honoring Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2021
Contact: Izzy Woodruff | 202-898-1661 | IWoodruff@nationalfairhousing.org
National Fair Housing Alliance Statement Honoring Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Washington, D.C. — Lisa Rice, President and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), issued the following statement in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s civil rights and fair housing legacy:
“In the wake of white supremacist terrorists storming America’s seat of government, our nation finds itself at a crossroads as we celebrate and reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Americans from all backgrounds were heartbroken on January 6 at the sight of white supremacist terrorists rioting at the Capitol and overtaking our democratic symbol of freedom. While the last two weeks, and indeed the last four years, have often felt like one giant setback for our pursuit of Dr. King’s Dream for equality, we are reminded of his famous words: ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’
“In the spirit of honoring Dr. King and his legacy of service, NFHA pledges to keep his legacy alive by continuing our push to advance civil rights and equality for all — specifically the fight for fair housing.
“Let it not be lost on us all that the Fair Housing Act was signed into law one week after Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.
“Unfortunately, housing segregation remains the primary driver of inequality in America, where neighborhoods of color are more likely to have diminished educational opportunities; fewer healthcare facilities; more hazardous and toxic waste plants; polluted land, air, and water; fewer grocery stores and fitness centers; and fewer bank branches.
“As we remember Dr. King’s legacy, let us re-dedicate ourselves to realizing his Dream and work collectively to ensure all Americans have access to safe, affordable housing that is free from discrimination and violence.
“Ultimately, we will properly honor Dr. King’s legacy when our nation is fully committed to promoting fair housing and eliminating the structural racism that still persists today more than 50 years after the Fair Housing Act was passed in testament to Dr. King’s lifelong battle for equality.”
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About The National Fair Housing Alliance
Founded in 1988, NFHA is a consortium of more than 200 private, nonprofit fair housing organizations and state and local civil rights agencies from throughout the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NFHA works to eliminate housing discrimination and ensure equal housing opportunity for all people through leadership, education, outreach, membership services, public policy initiatives, community development, advocacy, and enforcement.