Lessons learned from Richard and Leah Rothstein

Housing segregation and economic inequity are widespread problems in this country — and they didn’t happen by accident. That’s why the tools to address these issues must be systemic in nature.

Earlier this month, Civic Commons and Black Home Initiative were proud to sponsor an author presentation by Richard Rothstein and his daughter and co-author Leah Rothstein. Richard, who wrote the 2017 book “The Color of Law,” laid the groundwork for the work that’s currently underway in the Puget Sound region. In a second book, “Just Action,” Richard and Leah outline tangible steps and strategies for local groups and communities.

Richard and Leah also appeared on a recent episode of the We Belong Here podcast, where they drew parallels between building belonging and integrating our neighborhoods.

“You can’t create a biracial movement if Blacks and whites don’t know each other,” Richard said in the episode. “The first step has to be a reinvigorated civil rights movement.”

For Civic Commons, the ideas presented by the Rothsteins show there is hope and tangible steps our region can take to close the racial wealth gap and make the dream of homeownership possible for people from all backgrounds.

“Our ultimate goal is a region where everyone has the opportunity to belong to a community, and a housing system that unlocks prosperity and well-being for people of all backgrounds,” Michael Brown, civic architect of Civic Commons, wrote in a Seattle Times op-ed that published shortly before the Rothsteins’ visit.

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