The Indiana Civil Rights Commission, Indiana's fair housing enforcement agency, hosted a celebration to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act on Thursday, September 18, 2008, from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. at the Indianapolis City Market's Whistler Plaza, located at the corner of Delaware and Market Streets. Governor Mitch Daniels and Olgen Williams, Mayor's Deputy of Community Affairs with the City of Indianapolis kicked off the celebration with opening remarks. Other featured speakers were John Hall, HUD Indianapolis Field Office Manager, Tony A. Kirkland, Executive Director, Indiana Civil Rights Commission; and a representative from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. Additionally, the following organizations provided housing information:

• Indiana Civil Rights Commission
• American Association of Retired People
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development/FHEO and Single Family Division
• Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership
• Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority
• Indianapolis Housing Agency
• Momentive Consumer Credit Counseling
• Indiana Legal Services Housing Law Center
• Indiana Institute on Disability and Community

A local jazz band, Green Note Productions provided entertainment while the public was able to ask questions about fair housing and affordable housing of the organizations mentioned above.

(left to right) Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels Bob Spraggins, Single Family, HUD Indianapolis Field Office Beverly Noble, FHEO, HUD Indianapolis Field Office

The Fair Housing Act was signed by President Lyndon Johnson on April 11, 1968, just one week to the day after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. President Johnson viewed the Act as a fitting memorial to Dr. King's life work and utilized this national tragedy to urge the bill's speedy Congressional approval prior to Dr. King's funeral. The Act was the fulfillment of the constitutional property-right promise for all Americans. This Anniversary Celebration provides state and local leaders with an opportunity to inform Hoosiers of the many educational and affordable housing programs available to them. The Commission acts in accordance with statutory requirements of the Indiana Civil Rights Law and undertakes actions to regulate unlawful discrimination relating to housing in the State of Indiana.