Clinch River Habitat for Humanity celebrates Black History Month! Black history has too many achievements and great people to list, but here are a few; click on the link for their biography. (Click back to return to this page)
Bessie Coleman was an exceptional figure in aviation history, becoming the first African American woman and the first Native American to hold a pilot’s license. Born on January 26, 1892, in Atlanta, Texas, Coleman faced the dual challenges of racial and gender discrimination. Unable to secure aviation training in the United States, she learned French and moved to France, earning her pilot’s license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale on June 15, 1921. Coleman specialized in stunt flying and parachuting, earning her the nickname “Queen Bess.” Her pioneering achievements not only broke barriers for women and African Americans in the field of aviation but also inspired future generations to pursue their dreams regardless of societal limitations. Coleman’s legacy endures as a symbol of perseverance, courage, and the relentless pursuit of one’s aspirations.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a pivotal leader in the American civil rights movement, best known for his role in advancing civil rights through nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, King became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the struggle for racial equality in the United States from the mid-1950s until his assassination on April 4, 1968. His leadership during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, his founding role in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom are hallmarks of his legacy. King’s efforts led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, significantly contributing to the removal of legal segregation in the United States. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance, cementing his place as a profound advocate for justice and equality.
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, was one of the most celebrated and controversial sports figures of the 20th century. Renowned for his prowess in the boxing ring, Ali became the first fighter to win the world heavyweight championship on three separate occasions, a feat that he achieved over a span of 15 years. Known for his quick feet, powerful punches, and unparalleled charisma, Ali was also famous for his poetic trash talk and bold predictions before fights. Beyond the ring, Ali was a vocal civil rights advocate and anti-war activist, famously refusing induction into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War on grounds of his religious beliefs, which led to a three-and-a-half-year ban from boxing. His conversion to Islam and name change in 1964 marked a significant turning point in his life, reflecting his commitment to racial pride and religious faith. Ali’s legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements to embody the struggles, triumphs, and convictions that defined a generation.
Angela Davis is an influential American political activist, academic, and author, known for her significant contributions to the civil rights and feminist movements. Born on January 26, 1944, in Birmingham, Alabama, Davis gained national attention in the 1960s for her involvement with the Communist Party USA and her close ties to the Black Panther Party. Her activism for prison reform and racial justice led to her implication in a controversial case in 1970, resulting in her arrest, incarceration, and subsequent acquittal in 1972. Davis’s experience as a fugitive and prisoner highlighted issues of race, gender, and class in the American justice system, themes she has explored extensively in her academic work and public speeches. As a professor emerita at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Davis has continued to advocate for the dismantling of the prison-industrial complex and for social justice worldwide. Her enduring impact on American social thought and her ongoing activism make her a pivotal figure in contemporary social and political discourse.
Shirley Chisholm was a groundbreaking American politician and educator known for being a trailblazer in civil rights and women’s rights. Born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, Chisholm became the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968, representing New York’s 12th congressional district for seven terms from 1969 to 1983. With her motto “Unbought and Unbossed,” Chisholm was a co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971 and made history again in 1972 as the first African American candidate for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States, and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Throughout her career, Chisholm was an advocate for education, minority rights, and social justice, dedicating her life to breaking both racial and gender barriers. Her legacy as a pioneer and fighter for equality and justice continues to inspire generations.
Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove on December 23, 1867, in Delta, Louisiana, was a pioneering African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social activist. Recognized as the first female self-made millionaire in America, her wealth was built on the development and marketing of a line of beauty and hair care products for black women through the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, which she founded in 1905. Walker’s innovative business strategies included a comprehensive system of franchises, training programs for her sales agents, and direct marketing techniques that revolutionized the sale of products to African American women. Beyond her business acumen, Walker was also known for her philanthropy and activism, using her wealth to support numerous causes and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of African Americans and advocating for civil rights. Her legacy is celebrated for breaking racial and gender barriers in the business world and for her commitment to the empowerment of African American women.
Frederick Douglass was an iconic American abolitionist, author, and orator born into slavery around February 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland. He escaped from slavery in 1838 and rose to become a leading figure in the anti-slavery movement. Douglass’s eloquence and powerful writings, including his first autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” published in 1845, vividly detailed the horrors of slavery and played a pivotal role in exposing its cruelty to the wider American public and the world. His intellectual and oratorical prowess helped him gain significant influence, and he used this platform to fight for the abolition of slavery and later for the rights of African Americans and women’s suffrage. Douglass held several government positions after the Civil War, continuing his advocacy for equal rights under the law. His legacy as a champion for justice and equality endures, making him one of the most respected figures in American history.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is a prestigious organization founded in 1915 by the renowned historian, author, and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson, often referred to as the “father of black history.” ASALH’s mission is to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about black life, history, and culture to the global community. This organization is pivotal in the establishment of Black History Month in the United States, which originated as Negro History Week in 1926. ASALH continues to play a critical role in educating the public about the contributions of African Americans and their significant impact on the world. Through conferences, publications, and educational resources, ASALH fosters a deeper understanding of the African American experience and its invaluable contributions to all aspects of society.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is a vital cultural institution located in Kansas City, Missouri, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African American baseball and its profound impact on the social advancement of America. Founded in 1990, the museum is nestled in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, a significant area for African American culture. The NLBM offers an immersive experience that chronicles the history and heroes of the Negro Leagues, from its inception in the early 20th century through its decline after the integration of Major League Baseball. Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations, the museum highlights the talent, resilience, and determination of players who overcame racial segregation to play professional baseball. The museum not only honors legendary figures such as Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Jackie Robinson but also educates visitors about the leagues’ role in challenging and changing societal norms, making it a pivotal repository of American sports and civil rights history.
We follow all HUD Fair Housing and Equal Employment Opportunity Act guidelines! Because it’s right thing to do!
| HUD No. 24-020 HUD Public Affairs (202) 708-0685 |
FOR RELEASE Friday February 2, 2024 |
Fact Sheet: Under the Leadership of Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has Delivered for Black People
February 2024
HUD has Removed some Systemic Barriers to Homeownership and Supported Approximately a Quarter of a Million Black Homeowners Buy a Home with FHA Mortgages in the Last 3 Years.
- Since 2021, approximately 250,000 Black, homeowners have bought a home using a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage.
- FHA changed the way student loan debt is calculated in FHA underwriting, so qualified people with student loan debt are not at an unfair disadvantage when seeking an FHA-insured mortgage.
- FHA also changed its policy so that if people demonstrate a consistent record of on-time rental payments, it can boost chances of being approved for an FHA mortgage. This change contributed to an increase in approvals, particularly for single Black women.
- The percentage of FHA mortgages insured to Black and Brown borrowers outpaced the overall housing market. Since 2021, FHA has helped nearly 1.8 million people purchase a home. Over 83 percent, or 1.5 million of these homeowners were first-time homebuyers. As a percentage of its business, FHA serves Black borrowers at triple the rate of the rest of the market.
HUD helped over 160,000 Black homeowners Avoid Foreclosure and Stay in their Homes Since the Beginning of the Pandemic.
- As a result of foreclosure prevention measures that HUD put in place since the beginning of the pandemic, 160,000 Black homeowners with FHA mortgages were able to keep their homes during a time of financial distress.
HUD has Expanded Access to Housing Counseling to Help Black Families and Individuals Unlock the Wealth Building Potential of Homeownership.
- HUD has expanded the Office of Housing Counseling and invested in improving access points to housing counselors. In addition, Secretary Fudge has hosted various HUD House Parties in Washington D.C. and around the country to connect people to homeownership and wealth building resources.
- Last year, HUD launched the Let’s Make Home the Goal campaign to connect families and individuals to HUD-Certified housing counselors and help people set financial goals, navigate the homebuying process, and secure the keys to a home.
- HUD allocated nearly $1 million towards research focused on closing gaps in access to mortgage financing and homeownership.
HUD has Invested in Black-owned Small Businesses and Black Developers.
- Since 2021, HUD has supported the government-wide priority to advance equity in federal procurement by expanding opportunities for Small Disadvantaged Businesses – including Black small businesses.
- HUD has significantly increased its contracting to small and disadvantaged businesses and has made funding in community block grants easily accessible to be invested in low-income communities.
- Secretary Fudge convened Black developers on many occasions to discuss how HUD continues to reduce barriers to accessing funds.
HUD Continues to Invest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- HUD awarded more than $10 million in funding to HBCUs across the country to conduct housing and community development research that focuses on individual and community wealth building, housing affordability and stability, climate resilience, and economic opportunity.
HUD Remains Dedicated to Combating Racial Discrimination in Housing.
- HUD continues to work with real estate agents, appraisers, states, and communities to root out bias in the appraisal process and end the practice of “low-balling” once and for all.
- HUD is working on a final rule to meaningfully implement the Fair Housing Act’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing obligation to address significant disparities in housing needs for members of protected classes.
- In 2023 alone, HUD granted $30 million to fair housing organizations to fight housing discrimination.
HUD has Expanded Rental Assistance and Increased the Number of Housing Choice Vouchers to People with Low Incomes.
- In the last three years, HUD has awarded roughly 120,000 new incremental housing vouchers – the largest increase in vouchers in 20 years. Nationally, 48 percent of voucher holders identified as Black in 2023.
- HUD’s Emergency Housing Vouchers, the first-ever federal housing voucher program specifically targeted to addressing homelessness, is helping to address the racial inequities in homelessness. Approximately 37 percent of people experiencing homelessness are Black and more than 46 percent of households assisted by Emergency Housing Vouchers are Black.
- HUD has also advanced policies to make vouchers easier to use and more widely accepted.
HUD is Providing Second Chances in HUD-Assisted Housing for People Who Have Been Impacted by Prior Justice System Involvement.
- Secretary Fudge directed the agency to undertake a comprehensive review of HUD regulations, policies, and guidance to identify ways to reduce unnecessary and discriminatory denials and exclusions for people who have past criminal records but who pose no danger or risk to their communities.
- As a result of that review, HUD will amend HUD’s regulations governing housing vouchers, public housing, and HUD’s multifamily housing programs to ensure that applicants are not automatically denied simply because they have a criminal record, but instead are given a fair and full individualized review.
HUD and the State of Louisiana Reached an Agreement to Free 3,300 Louisianans from ‘Road Home’ Repayment Obligations 17 years after Hurricane Katrina.
- In February 2023, Secretary Fudge announced the closure of the ‘Road Home’ program, which freed 3,300 Louisianans from repayment obligations following debts incurred in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. With the State’s compliance with HUD’s corrective action, the State released unpaid judgments and payment plans against homeowners in April 2023.
- The end of the ‘Road Home’ program was life changing for people like the Saunders family, long-time residents of New Orleans who have lived in their home for 30 years. For more than a decade, the Saunders family feared for their future because they held a ‘Road Home’ debt of $30,000 – money they used for post-Katrina housing repairs and expenses. With this agreement, the full balance of $30,000 owed was cleared by the State and the family no longer owes that debt. The Saunders looked forward to sending their nephew to college that Fall.