HUD Archives: Fair Housing Month, April 2003

Fair Housing laws protect individuals and families who are seeking housing and home loans from discrimination. Do you ever wonder how and when the Fair Housing Act was passed? Do you know how it affects you, your family, and your friends? Come join HUD in a celebration and understanding of the Fair Housing Act during Fair Housing Month, April 2003.

Photo: American flag hanging from building

This is the 35th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. The events prior to the signing of the Fair Housing Act are remarkable. Martin Luther King Jr. fought to end housing discrimination and although Congress attempted to pass a fair housing bill for two years, it failed to gain the requisite votes to pass the bill. On April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated. Awakened by this tragic event, only seven days later, Congress passed the Fair Housing Act. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law. In celebration of the Fair Housing Act, HUD invites you to participate in several events during the month of April, which will be held in the HUD cafeteria. The Opening Ceremony will take place in the HUD cafeteria on April 2, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. and will feature Secretary Mel Martinez and guest speaker Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of President Lyndon Johnson. Secretary Martinez will sign a historic MOU with the leaders of the National Realtor Associations.

On April 16, 2003 at 5 p.m., HUD presents "A Tribute to Fair Housing" featuring the Theaterworks USA performance of The Color of Justice and a discussion by former Washington Redskin linebacker Ken Harvey of his book on neighborhood diversity.

On April 23, 2003, HUD will honor fair housing pioneers and present the Samuel J. Simmons Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of the first Assistant Secretary of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

Rounding out the month, on April 30, 2003 at 10:30 a.m., HUD welcomes the former Assistant Secretaries of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity to its "Fair Housing- Welcome Home!" event. The former Assistant Secretaries will discuss important Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity issues during their tenure and the steady advancement of equal housing opportunity.

HUD employees may learn more about these special events on HUD@Work. They will be broadcast on HUD TV, and those HUD partners and others interested in the events may watch them through a HUD webcast.

For questions regarding Fair Housing Month Events, please contact Lloyd Davis at (202) 708-0614, ext. 7038.

Fair Housing Month, April 2003 - Welcome Home!

Tuesday, April 01, 2003