Overview
This lecture discusses the history and continuing impact of racially restrictive housing policies in the United States, focusing on Levittown, NY, and the systemic exclusion of African Americans from home ownership.
Historical Background of Levittown
- Levittown, founded in 1947, was one of the first mass-produced American suburbs.
- Original deeds for 17,000 Levittown homes included a clause prohibiting sales or rentals to African Americans.
- The federal government required and approved these racially restrictive clauses in the deeds.
Impact of Discriminatory Housing Practices
- These exclusionary housing policies set a precedent for suburbs nationwide, promoting segregation.
- The racist covenants are still present in deeds today, even though they are no longer legally enforceable.
- African American families, such as the Quintines, were directly denied home ownership in Levittown during the 1960s.
Personal Testimonies
- Delores Quintine’s family faced overt racial slurs and rejection when attempting to buy a Levittown home in 1961.
- The experience contradicted their expectations, especially as veterans and residents of New York.
- Descendants reflect on the lasting emotional and economic harm caused by these policies, stressing the persistence of segregation and economic disparity.
Legal and Ongoing Repercussions
- The 1968 Fair Housing Act nullified the enforceability of racist covenants but could not remove them from deeds.
- Many homes across the U.S. still contain these non-enforceable, discriminatory clauses in their deeds.
- Nassau County legislators are working to make deed information more accessible, so homeowners can check for racist covenants.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Redlining — A discriminatory practice where services (like mortgages) are denied to residents of certain areas based on race.
- Racial covenant — A clause in property deeds restricting ownership or occupancy based on race.
- Fair Housing Act (1968) — Federal law prohibiting discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch the full series report airing at 6 pm for more personal stories and context.
- Check if your own or family’s property deed contains restrictive covenants, especially using upcoming Nassau County database resources.