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CINCINNATI - The day after the nation commemorated Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., about 20 SPJ and community members were informed of the struggles that still exist for racial equality.

Jason Reece, a senior researcher for the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, said that despite 40 years since Congress passed the Fair Housing Act, disparities still existed and many followed racial lines. Reece said that housing determined access to schools, jobs and other neighborhood amenities.

Some gains have been made, he said. Home ownership has risen among blacks and Latinos. However, Reece said challenges like exclusionary zoning, subsidized housing policies and unfair lending practices have led to “very clear racial disparity” in urban neighborhoods.

Reece also warned that the current Sub-prime mortgage and foreclosure crisis that is currently unfolding will hit blacks and Latinos especially hard.
“That will complete erase a lot of gains,” he said.

Representatives at the event from Housing Opportunities Made Equal suggested that the media should share housing success stories, but not ignore the failures. They also said it would be beneficial to report on options for residents facing foreclosure and organizations that are present to help.