Anchor Organization(s): Othering and Belonging (UC Berkeley) & Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC)
Harms of Housing: A California Reparations Task Force Sponsored Virtual Listening Session
Background
For the first time ever, our California State Legislature is trying to repair the harms of slavery experienced by Black people living in California. This state-level process began in September 2020 when Assembly Bill 3121 was enacted and the “Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans, with a Special Consideration for African Americans Who are Descendants of Persons Enslaved in the United States” was born.
There are nine members of the Task Force and they are responsible for learning about reparations for African Americans and making recommendations for how the State should remedy the harms of slavery. One of the most important ways that this group learns about reparations is through hearing stories from people whose ancestors were enslaved and from people who have experienced harm related to the legacy of slavery.
What’s the Listening Session all about?
The purpose of the Listening Session is to come together and share stories about the hardship of seeking and maintaining housing as a Black person living in California. Housing policies and restrictions based on racial identity are part of the legacy of slavery in California. This session will focus on hearing from people who have personally experienced hardship while seeking housing – this means renting an apartment, maintaining a place to live, securing a mortgage, purchasing a home, or any other hardship.
Who should register?
Listening session participants should have direct and personal experience with these issues.
Sponsors
This event is sponsored by The CA Reparations Task Force and the UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center and hosted by The Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley.
Limitations
This event is limited to 40 participants. This event will take place on zoom. You must have a phone or a computer that will allow you to participate. The session will be recorded