June 4, 2024
General Meeting May 8, 2024
Held at Park Ridge Community Church
Meeting called to order at 7:03 pm by Nan Parson
Kate Kerin introduced the program. The group decided to watch and discuss the first episode of the WTTW docu-series “The Shame of Chicago”. The episode is called “The Color Tax”. The series is an exposé of the ways in which segregation was brought about and is maintained in the Chicago area. It was created by Bruce Orenstein, a long-time friend of Action Ridge.
Summary of film
In the 50s the economy was in good shape. Home ownership had become an important way for people to create a better life. It became the American dream to own a home, But, for the Black community, the dream was challenging. Many Blacks began relocating to the north from southern states expecting to find employment. When they sought to purchase a home, however, they found quickly that they were restricted to the Black Belt. They contracted for what they thought was a route to home ownership.
In fact, they signed housing contracts which offered an overpriced building with large payments often to a syndicate operation. They were told the contract was a mortgage, but instead it was “rent to own” contract. If a family missed one payment they were evicted, with nothing to show for their down payment and monthly payments and with no resulting equity. Then the building was resold to take advantage of another buyer.
The same process was being repeated in other northern cities with buyers working 2-3 jobs just to make the large payments. Purchases in the suburbs were also not possible and banks did not offer funds to most blacks and their neighborhoods. Of 243 banks, only 1 would lend to blacks.
Eventually the residents fully realized the system was flawed and wasn’t working. Services were not being provided as they were in white neighborhoods. Because of excessive monthly fees, buildings were suffering from neglect. Buyers met with the building contractors asking that their contracts be changed to FHA typical mortgages. Those requests were ignored. At the same time, Martin Luther King was assassinated and there was unrest. The residents formed the Contract Buyers League. As a result, 40 contracts were renegotiated.
Residents decided as a group to stop paying their monthly fees under risk of being evicted. In fact, many were evicted; but neighbors helped them move back in as the sheriff’s department continued with evictions for years. Eventually, 400 contracts were renegotiated, and the press began exposing the groups of doctors. lawyers, real estate agencies and banks who were abusing the process.
Though contract buying is outlawed today, the impact of these and other injustices are still felt. The average black family has $1,700 in family net worth while the average white family has accumulated $117,000.
At the conclusion of the film a panel was convened which included
Brandis Friedman, WTTW
Bruce Ornstein, Creator and Director
Beryl Satter, Historian, Rutgers University
Adam Green, Historian, University of Chicago
Mary Partillo, Sociologist, Northwestern University
Their discussion included their own experiences with researching and learning about the issue. Bruce, as a community organizer, observed the remnants of the system which he now addresses in his films. Beryl explored the records of her attorney father who sought to address the injustices. Mary reviewed how history often repeats itself as in the sub-prime crisis of 2008. Even today private funding is inadequate for Blacks who often must seek assistance through non-profit options. Adam noted “Evidence of things unseen” and how unseeing results in systemic racism. Their discussion noted the ongoing effects of practices in the 60s, 70s and even the 80s.
Discussion
Attendees expressed their sadness in watching the film. Though most were aware of redlining they were not aware of the full system of dishonesty. Some had thought that individual segregation had bad results but didn’t know about the carefully constructed and developed housing contracts schemes. A few expressed anger as a result of what they had viewed.
One participant, who was the only black attendee, shared her experiences on moving to Park Ridge. She was nervous and fearful and understood that fellow residents were feeling the same on her family’s arrival. She had a few problems and now is welcomed in the community as she and others got to know each other, but she knows that not all Blacks experience a warm welcome.
A few questions were considered:
How did this make you feel? Were you surprised?
Feelings of sadness and outrage were expressed. Each wondered what could be done now.
The book, Caste, was mentioned. The author, Isabel Wilkerson, examines the different caste systems around the world and indicates that, in the USA, Blacks are the lowest caste and are easily discriminated against because they are segregated.
Potential minority residents don’t settle here because of fear of not being accepted.
The idea of reparation was mentioned. Some attendees felt that reparation is necessary to help close the economic gap between Whites and Blacks. Evanston has adopted a reparation plan. In order to receive the grants, recipients must show that their ancestors suffered from unfair housing practices.
An idea was expressed that high school students should see this film/series. Previous efforts to introduce sources about equity, etc, have been dismissed because of curriculum concerns. Perhaps a D207 board member might be contacted. One participant said that she would ask the President of the 207 Board if the series could be added to the social studies’ curriculum.
Future Meetings
Nan and Liz asked what the group thought about cancelling meetings for the summer. Several in the group suggested that one more meeting be held to watch and discuss the 4th episode of “Shame in Chicago”. The group agreed to add that meeting on June 12th.
Committee Reports:
Gun Violence and Prevention
Karen Banks-Lubicz reminded the group to take action by using the link in the AR Update to support Karina’s bill. The bill is named for domestic violence victim Karina Gonzalez who was shot by her husband. The measure would require law enforcement officers to quickly remove guns from people who have orders of protection against them.
Environment/Sustainability
Chris Parson reminded the group about the Go Green Park Ridge and Maine East Native Plant Sale & Park Ridge Park District Compost Giveaway (byo bucket) at Maine East HS - Dee and Dempster Lot May 10 from 4-6pm May 11 from 9am-12pm
Adjournment 8:58 pm
Respectfully submitted by Kathy Rolsing and Nan Parson