Exploring Systemic Racism in Alexandria- March Discussion

When Alexandria’s public housing agency opened its waiting list to potential applicants in January, 45,000 people signed on, hoping for help finding homes in the city. The situation is dire, particularly for Black Alexandrians.

On Thursday, March 18 at 7:30 pm we were joined by Krystyn Moon, historian and professor of history and American Studies at Mary Washington University and Gaynelle Bowden-Diaz, Director of Resident and Community Services for the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, who helped us understand how the confluence of a Jim Crow past, plus development and market pressures, constrained the options of Blacks seeking to live in the city.

Following the talk, there was a panel discussion with Helen McIlvaine, who heads Alexandria’s Housing Office, and Jonathan Frederick, CEO of the non-profit Alexandria Affordable Housing Development Corporation, discussing efforts to broaden housing access and answer questions. A video of the event is below: