Fair Housing: A Cornerstone of Social and Economic Justice

Vol 1: 2025

Introducing the Squad

Oakland Forward Staff

Director’s Corner

Autumn Butler - Executive Director

autumn@mioaklandforward.org

Housing is more than just a basic necessity—it serves as the foundation for economic stability, educational opportunity, and overall well-being. However, systemic barriers such as discriminatory lending practices, redlining, and gentrification have long restricted marginalized communities' access to affordable housing. Ensuring fair housing is not only a housing issue but a central component in the broader fight for social and economic justice. When families have access to stable, affordable homes, they are better equipped to secure jobs, pursue education, and fully participate in their communities.

The connection between fair housing and racial and economic justice is undeniable. Historically, discriminatory housing practices have reinforced segregation and wealth disparities, limiting access to resources like quality schools, healthcare, and transportation. Advocating for fair housing addresses these structural inequalities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of race, income, or background, can live in a safe and thriving community. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrated, the fight for racial justice extends beyond voting rights and desegregation—housing equality is crucial to achieving full justice.

On Monday, April 14th Oakland Forward began a community conversation on housing. We hosted a panel discussion with activists, elected officials, and community members about expanding fair housing rights in Oakland County and across the state. This includes advocating for a local human rights ordinance and an amendment to the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, advancing Dr. King's vision of equitable housing for all.

Community Conversation on Housing

April 2025 - Pontiac

Announcements

Oakland Forward is excited to share some important updates and transitions within our organization. Our very own Kermit Williams has announced his candidacy for Mayor of the City of Pontiac. We’re proud of Kermit for stepping into this next chapter and pursuing his passion for public service.

As a nonpartisan organization, and to maintain transparency and avoid any appearance of conflict, Kermit has transitioned into the role of Training Director as of March 2025. In this new capacity, he will focus on providing organizational coaching and training to both our organizers and the broader community.

With that, we’re also pleased to announce that Autumn Butler now serves as the sole Executive Director of Oakland Forward and the Oakland Forward Action Fund. Rounding out our leadership team, Tameka Ramsey will step in as Interim Managing Director.

We are incredibly excited about the strength of our team and look forward to continuing our mission to engage, equip, and empower residents and communities across Oakland County.

Organizer’s Take

Sicoya Howard, Housing & Youth Organizer

sicoya@mioaklandforward.org

Fair Housing Month: Progress, Challenges, and New Resources for Affordable Housing

April marks Fair Housing Month, a time to reflect on the progress made in ensuring equitable access to housing, while recognizing the ongoing challenges we still face. Although strides have been made to combat housing discrimination, affordable housing is increasingly out of reach for many. To address these challenges, new resources and policy changes, such as Michigan's recently enacted source of income anti-discrimination law, are key steps forward. This legislation, effective in 2024, ensures that landlords cannot reject rental applicants based solely on their lawful income sources, including housing vouchers, disability benefits, and other forms of non-traditional income.

This law is especially impactful for communities like Pontiac, where many residents rely on alternative income sources for housing. In the past, landlords could legally refuse tenants who used Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) or other public assistance. With this new protection, tenants in Pontiac and across Oakland County now have a stronger legal foundation to challenge discriminatory housing practices. The law ensures that sources of income such as wages, Social Security benefits, veterans' benefits, and public assistance are treated equally in housing decisions.

While Fair Housing Month highlights progress, it also underscores the need for continued work. The new law provides more opportunities for renters to access housing without fear of discrimination, while encouraging landlords to evaluate applicants based on financial stability rather than the source of income. As Michigan moves forward with these protections, it is essential for residents, policymakers, and advocacy organizations to ensure their enforcement, creating a future where safe, stable, and affordable housing is accessible to all

We Did That

January - March 2025

· We graduated our inaugural cohort of Campaign Training entitled “We Run This,” teaching neighborhood leadership how to get involved in local and state elections.

We Run This

· Pontiac Advisory Group (Oakland Forward works in collaboration with the Transforming Communities Initiative - Pontiac group to foster policy, systems, and environmental change in Pontiac around priorities areas: Housing, Safety & Security, Trust & Transparency, and Youth Organizing. TCI- Pontiac is a collective effort of Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA), Trinity Health, Michigan Public Housing Institute and Formative Evaluation Research Associates (FERA)

Transforming Communities Initiative

Lansing, MI - Oakland Forward at Black Voters Matter Capitol Day because We Won't Back Down and It's About Us.

Black Voters Matter BVM Capitol Day

A policy conference for Black women. We were proud to have multiple members of the Oakland Forward and Black Youth Votes team attended.

Black Womens Roundtable (Washington DC)

Oakland Forward & MEJC Visit Rep. Haley Stevens’ Office

Standing for Education Equity

We were honored to join forces with Black Youth Vote at Identify Your Dream's 7th annual Strike Out Violence event!

Standing Together: 7th Annual Strike Out Violence with Identify Your Dream

Oakland Forward had the honor of attending the MLK Memorial for Democracy and Awards Ceremony, hosted by Michigan United.

MLK Memorial for Democracy and Awards Ceremony

Literacy is Liberation

Oakland Forward was so happy and grateful to spend March - Reading Awareness month at Walt Whitman Elementary, Frost Elementary, Pontiac Middle School and Alcott Elementary.