Dr. Martin Luther King would understand the dream of homeownership

Today my attention is focused on my hero, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He would understand the American dream of homeownership, as it represents more than a purchase to some American citizens. It is a representation of equality.

It wasn't until the Civil Rights Act of 1968 that housing discrimination was prohibited. The bill was passed a week after the assassination of Dr. King.   

Before the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, it was not illegal to:

• Refuse to rent/sell to a person based on race, color, origin or religion.
• Intimidate or interfere with a person who wanted to live in a particular area.
• Discriminate against a person in the terms of renting or buying a house.
• Advertise the sale/rental of a dwelling that included a preference in the home buyer or renter in terms of his/her race, color, origin or religion.

You do not have to be a minority to appreciate the concept of homeownership. 

It is something that anyone in this country, who is a legal resident and who works diligently, should hopefully be able to attain.   

It is an investment that in spite of the cyclical market, can be banked on long-term as a sure thing.

It is something that I will teach and pass along to my children--along with the wise words of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson