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I am glad to see BLM Edmonton helping these families.
In short: Black and racialized families are losing their homes due to the actions of Habitat for Humanity.
I want to highlight one heartbreaking story to show you why this story is unjust. https://twitter.com/blmyeg/status/1276229667649810433
In short: Black and racialized families are losing their homes due to the actions of Habitat for Humanity.
I want to highlight one heartbreaking story to show you why this story is unjust. https://twitter.com/blmyeg/status/1276229667649810433
First, some background.
57 low income families are being evicted by Habitat for Humanity Edmonton ( @Habitatedm).
The specifics are complicated but in short, Habitat went back on their promise to these families. Read this article to understand the case. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/judge-donated-to-habitat-edmonton-1.5626235
57 low income families are being evicted by Habitat for Humanity Edmonton ( @Habitatedm).
The specifics are complicated but in short, Habitat went back on their promise to these families. Read this article to understand the case. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/judge-donated-to-habitat-edmonton-1.5626235
Now let me tell you the story of just one of those families.
They did the one year "live as a tenant" obligation under the program. They were on track to get the house but Habitat told them to wait.
That was in October 2018 -- the husband was working at the time.
They did the one year "live as a tenant" obligation under the program. They were on track to get the house but Habitat told them to wait.
That was in October 2018 -- the husband was working at the time.
In April 2019, the husband has a massive heart attack. He goes on disability.
In September 2019 Habitat informs them of the new model. They demand they qualify for a mortgage for half the house or they're out. No home.
In September 2019 Habitat informs them of the new model. They demand they qualify for a mortgage for half the house or they're out. No home.
They are unable to qualify because he is on disability. The husband dies in the fall of 2019.
Habitat goes to the widow - who is in shock - and says that her and her children are out of the program because your husband died and there is no income coming in.
Habitat goes to the widow - who is in shock - and says that her and her children are out of the program because your husband died and there is no income coming in.
The widow has never missed a payment. She had kids.
The family is Pakistani Muslim. Most of the other families are either Black or racialized.
When we speak about systemic racism this is what we mean. The issues are often more complicated then an insta post but they matter.
The family is Pakistani Muslim. Most of the other families are either Black or racialized.
When we speak about systemic racism this is what we mean. The issues are often more complicated then an insta post but they matter.
Please do this call to action. These families deserve justice. https://twitter.com/Reakash/status/1275297603253493761
A reflection:
This story showcases my concern with this moment. I am frustrated to see so many suddenly become interested in racial justice because it seems they just want to shout general slogans or post #BlackLivesMatter
.
They make it an aesthetic rather than a movement.
This story showcases my concern with this moment. I am frustrated to see so many suddenly become interested in racial justice because it seems they just want to shout general slogans or post #BlackLivesMatter
.They make it an aesthetic rather than a movement.
All this does is ease white people of their guilt and to make them feel like they're doing something. It also provides an opportunities for grifters to come in and personally benefit.
In reality, issues of racial justice in Edmonton are complicated. They are hard to understand.
In reality, issues of racial justice in Edmonton are complicated. They are hard to understand.
This is by design. Organizations that uphold systemic racism intentionally hide data and gaslight people / families that are seeking justice.
Unfortunately, this means that community members have to do long difficult work just to prove these problems are real.
Unfortunately, this means that community members have to do long difficult work just to prove these problems are real.
This is why I trust groups like @blmyeg and @BWUnitedYEG . They have been doing the work for years and have a track record of tackling those complicated systemic issues.
Issues that most vanilla advocates or grifters would rather ignore because they are "controversial."
Issues that most vanilla advocates or grifters would rather ignore because they are "controversial."
This is why my advice for every person that reached out to me was to maintain their energy long term. The groups doing the work to make systemic change need time to organize.
They are not used to this sudden attention. They are often use to doing this work with little support.
They are not used to this sudden attention. They are often use to doing this work with little support.
This is what I mean't by waiting. Use the energy you had weeks ago now. Use it to follow the call to action above.
Then - when you're done - continue staying informed. Dismantling systemic racism takes commitment and time.
Then - when you're done - continue staying informed. Dismantling systemic racism takes commitment and time.
This is what I mean btw. This person would probably tweet #BlackLivesMatter but then acts like this when an actual case of systemic racism happens.
All vague racial justice movements do is support things like this. People being defensive when something real is challenged.
but then acts like this when an actual case of systemic racism happens. All vague racial justice movements do is support things like this. People being defensive when something real is challenged.
