To assist the decline of redlining in Massachusetts I want to make an effort that is as impactful yet realistic to my community and break this cycle of discrimination in housing. With that being said I want to spread awareness around redlining through an Instagram account. With the help of social media, I can reach out and inform citizens of Massachusetts and just people all over the world about the disparities of Redlining. Not only would I be informing them but I would also allow them to sign petitions regarding redlining.
Secondly, I want to email Mayor Kim Janey and ask for her consideration of new guidelines that must be met by all bankers in Massachusetts. Bankers should be given the opportunity to express their bias when first admitted to their job because bias is inevitable and every human has it.They should sign an agreement that allows a client to appeal the decision of a banker if the client feels the decision was racially motivated. This rule would be written in the law, mandated and expected to be met by every bank. If necessary the client of the banker can claim the decision as racially motivated and automatically their loan will be in the hands of a supervisor.
The state senators of Redlined cities and towns should also be held to an agreement. When they are first admitted to their title they should be informed of the certain parts of their towns that are redlined. Their agreement would entail a commitment to fund government support services or community groups in the redlined areas, as well as improve the livelihood of certain parts of the neighborhood. This includes street maintenance, well-functioning public facilities, and adequate public transportation.
Lastly, I want to email Mayor Kim Janey and see if there are funds that can be used for the allocation of assets for Black families. I want to ask for equity in the form of possessions or money for the families and cities that need it most.
Below I have a prewritten letter that is ready to be sent to any senator or mayor of your choosing. The letter is asking for reinvestment in redlined neighborhoods and direct compensation to families that are victimized from it. What you can do to help is copy and paste the letter (or use it as a guide) and fill in the blanks with necessary information.
Dear Senator/Mayor _______
My name is ________ and I would like to commend and thank you for all you have done for the community and citizens. I am primarily concerned with the injustice of redlining and feel as if it is not seen as a true threat to equality. According to Business Insider, as of July 2020, Black mortgage applicants are upwards of 10 percent more likely to be denied loans than aspiring homeowners of other races. This is one of the many avenues institutionalized racism uses to affect Black Americans. To mend this disparity I would like to ask you to advocate for more funding and/or compensation to Black families who have been directly victimized by living in these redlined neighborhoods. This could include holding town hall meetings and discussing the ways in which money can be granted to those who suffer from redlining, or even tax cuts for Black families in redlined neighborhoods. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
___________