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COMMUNITY OP-ED JANUARY 26, 2024 | The Indian Eye 14

Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy by Fighting

for Fair Housing in New York City

New Yorkers are still living under zoning laws written more than 60 years ago.

Many who pushed for these laws aimed to promote racial segregation. As a result of these laws, New
Yorkers of color have suffered from a housing crisis for decades

ERIC ADAMS

his week, we celebrate the life
of one of our greatest Ameri-
Tcan leaders, Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. This is a moment to honor his
accomplishments, but it’s also an op-
portunity to reflect on what he fought
for and to carry his legacy forward. We
must find new strength to continue his
work by breaking down barriers and Many forget that Dr. King called out discriminatory practices by landlords and realtors who were keeping
building true equality — here in New Black Americans out of certain neighborhoods (File photo)
York City, and all across this nation.
That means fighting for fair hous- zoning laws written more than 60 years to carry its fair share of the housing ments at NYCHA developments, and
ing and building a city where working ago. Many who pushed for these laws crisis. It will pave the way to con- established the NYCHA Trust to un-
people can afford to stay and thrive. aimed to promote racial segregation. verting unused offices into houses; lock billions more for repairs.
This is one of the major issues that As a result of these laws, New Yorkers help families add space for parents, For so many New Yorkers, this is
Dr. King fought for during his lifetime of color have suffered from a housing children, and caregivers; and give personal. I know what feels like to live
and it remains urgent in 2024. crisis for decades. Costs are too high, our houses of worship the flexibility without the security of housing. I grew
Many forget that Dr. King called and too many parts of our city are “off to use their property to build homes up on the edge of homelessness. My
out discriminatory practices by land- limits” to housing opportunity. This and generate income. siblings and I had to take trash bags
lords and realtors who were keep- is a direct cause of gentrification and When we came into office two full of clothes to school because we
ing Black Americans out of certain soaring rents, and it’s driving New years ago, we had a mission: protect didn’t know where we would sleep the
neighborhoods. He also advocated Yorkers away from family, community, public safety, revitalize the economy, next night. That’s no way to live. You
for the Fair Housing Act to make and jobs. These outdated and unfair and make this city more livable for cannot plan for the future if you are
those discriminatory practices illegal. zoning laws must be changed, and hardworking New Yorkers. Making worried about today.
This landmark legislation was finally they must be changed now. our city more livable means building We cannot say “no” to our neigh-
passed by Congress the week after Dr. That’s why our administration more housing for more people, espe- bors and our fellow New Yorkers. We
King’s assassination. has put forward our “City of Yes cially people of color. must be a “City of Yes”: “yes” in my
Here in New York City, we have for Housing Opportunity” proposal, We delivered on that promise by backyard, “yes” on my block, “yes” in
much to be proud of about our civil which will promote new housing in creating the second-highest number my city. We must say “yes” to housing
rights record. But there is a dark side to every neighborhood. And it is why of new affordable homes in one year, opportunity, and we must continue
our history that has yet to be reckoned we’re calling for action in Albany this and the highest number of homes for Dr. King’s legacy through action, not
with — a deep legacy of discrimina- session to deliver the housing afford- formerly homeless New Yorkers. Us- just words.
tion and segregation that we must dis- ability New Yorkers need. ing CityFHEPS vouchers, we have Together, we can build a fairer,
mantle in order to finally build more Our “City of Yes” plan delivers connected more New Yorkers than more equitable New York City.
housing and create an equitable city. on the promise of the Fair Housing ever before to permanent housing, Eric Adams is the Mayor of
New Yorkers are still living under Act. It calls for every neighborhood made record investments in improve- New York City, NY

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