Living the Legacy: Resources for Moving Toward a More Equitable Future

November 10, 2020

Redlining – the discriminatory practice by which banks refuse or limit mortgages to people of color, ethnic minorities, and low-income workers within specific geographic areas- still defines much of where we live or can live in Indianapolis. These federal government policies, established by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation in 1933, reinforced segregation and disinvestment in parts of the community, with ramifications felt today, particularly in black neighborhoods. 

This fall, the Indiana Historical Society held Living the Legacy, a series of interdisciplinary conversations looking at the legacy and ramifications of racist housing practices in Indianapolis. As the city began to commemorate its 200th birthday, this program series offered discussion with advocates, leaders, and scholars to examine the tangled roots of race, class, and housing.

Ultimately, we cannot address current inequalities in our city without an understanding of our past. Couched in history and supported by collections materials, these events placed Indianapolis’ housing story within the national context and grappled with its consequences as we aim to move forward toward more equitable solutions today.

Below you will find a toolkit with further reading, watching and listening suggestions to learn more about this topic from our local context. A longer list of resources, including those with nationwide context, will be available soon.

Looking to get started? Read this blog or access the recordings here, under the “Public Programs” tab. 

Organizations and Partners

Looking to learn more or get involved in  equitable housing solutions in Indianapolis? Find out how by getting involved with these organizations:

• Homes for All-Indy, hosted by the Kheprw Institute. Learn more about efforts to initiate a Community Land Trust system
• Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana is a non-profit fighting to ensure equal housing opportunities by eliminating discrimination.
• Kheprw Institute works to create a more just, equitable and human centered world by nurturing its community.
• People’s Planning Academy is an initiative from the Department of Metropolitan Development at the City of Indianapolis that demystifies the planning process and empowers neighbors to take an active role in their communities. A new session starts early 2021.
• Listen or watch the Home and Finance Show, where Diana Rice-Wilkerson and Janis Bradley demystify the home buying process for our entire community.
• Explore the Invisible Indianapolis project which explores race, heritage and community memory in the circle city.

Indianapolis Resources and Readings

Callie McCune is a fierce researcher, expert crafter, connoisseur of great ice cream, and a firm believer that Abraham Lincoln is from Illinois (despite the claims of everyone around her). She can usually be found at Indiana History Center planning public programs on the seedy, fascinating, delicious, and overlooked parts of Indiana’s history (often with matching earrings).

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