City to host symposium focused on land ownership among Black residents

The city’s Housing Department will host a “Black Land Matters” symposium on June 14. The event will focus on efforts to prevent displacement and ways to “promote, secure and preserve landownership among Black Americans” and help families maintain their property and close the racial wealth gap, according to a press release from the city. “We are thrilled to host this symposium for a second year in Austin. These conversations are important to have as we seek to reduce displacement of families by highlighting the challenges of Black land loss and sharing information on the tools and resources available to keep their homes,” Mandy DeMayo, interim director of the Housing Department, explains in a statement to the press. “These discussions can also help us identify where to focus potential resources for future programs and services.” This event is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be provided. Anyone interested in attending can RSVP here.