NSLS Honors Black History Month

This month, we recognize the achievements and contributions of Black Americans. While this is a time to celebrate progress, we must also acknowledge the glaring disparities that Black families still confront. These disparities, rooted in our nation’s history, have been highlighted by the COVID-19 crisis. Black and Latinx families have disproportionately born the health and economic impact of the pandemic. The latest census data put the consequences in stark relief:

• Last month in New York, 15% of homeowners were behind on their mortgage payments. For Black homeowners, the rate was over 37%.
• 20% of New York renters were behind on rent in January. The rate was over 35% for black renters. (Census Household Pulse Data, January 6-18.)

As Thurgood Marshall, our first Black Supreme Court Justice taught, “[t]he measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis.” NSLS will continue to fight for justice for Black families and others who face losing their homes as a result of our ongoing crisis.