DBC Unveils New York Housing Data, Citing Threat to Representation

Last week, the Dubois Bunche Center, led by Chair, Dr. Zulema Blair, unveiled crucial data, which showed how the political and social representation of black communities is threatened by the lack of affordability in New York State. This convening was held at Medgar Evers College at the Edison O. Jackson Auditorium and welcomed everyday community members.

Dr. Blair kicked off the convening highlighting the 2020 Census and 2021 – 23 Redistricting Cycle impact on historical neighborhoods for people of African Descent which have declined and noted that “we saw a loss of majority-minority districts, although we were able to continue representing these districts. It is apparent that People of African descent are not just relocating, they are still losing their homes either through lack of affordability or through theft,” she added.
“As the population decreases in historically black and brown communities, our political representation is threatened, our generational wealth is lost, our educational and cultural institutions are lost. This means no elected representative of choice and that responsiveness to our communities needs agendas and policies are lost,” said Dr. Blair.

The data highlighted by the survey was stark and spoke to economic circumstances of Black households, and the lack of readily available homeownership solutions. According to the Dubois Bunche Center’s statewide survey, only 30 percent of respondents owned their home and the majority of respondents at 41% have household incomes below $50k. Nearly 22% of the group have income between $50k and $99k and only 19% have an income of 100k or more. Additionally 71% of the respondents did aspire to have their own home. Loss of homeownership means loss of neighborhoods with Affinity.

“When it comes to the opportunity for black communities to afford staying and building in New York, we are at a deficit. This data is an important step in showcasing where we are at and what is missing, so that we can comprise viable solutions to keep black communities in the state,” said Dr. Blair.

“There is so much work that needs to be done and every month over this coming year we are going to be supporting gaps with credit counseling, financial building, housing prevention opportunities and much more because 57% of our respondents should not strongly to somewhat agree that housing costs force them to sacrifice necessities,” added Dr. Blair.

She closed by noting, “We are losing ground for representation in black communities and if we don’t open up pathways to build for our own, who will?”