Many Americans lacked access to affordable, decent housing before the coronavirus pandemic, a challenge that has disproportionately affected communities of color whether as renters or would-be home buyers unable to secure quality credit.
Now, the situation is reaching crisis levels across the country, with millions of renters at risk of losing their housing when a federal moratorium on evictions expires this summer. That combines with the historically unprecedented high price tag for home purchases, which has effectively priced out large swaths of the American middle- and working-class. The intersection of housing policy with systemic racism is a coverage area in serious need of deep, nuanced journalism.
Join the National Press Club Journalism Institute and a distinguished panel for a discussion of how to cover these issues in collaboration with the people most affected.
Panelists include:
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Michael Brice-Saddler, who covers D.C. government and politics for The Washington Post’s Metro desk. He joined The Post in June 2018 as an intern after graduating from the University of Maryland. Before moving to local politics, he covered national and breaking news on the general assignment desk.
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Alexandria Burris, a business reporter for the IndyStar in Indianapolis, covers corporations, real estate, and development, and recently reported on racial bias in the home appraisal industry.
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Lauren Lindstrom, a reporter for the Charlotte Observer, covers housing and homelessness, including the region’s struggle to create and maintain affordable housing. She is a 2019 Report for America Corps member and previously reported on health at The Blade in Toledo, Ohio.
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Dan Reed is a writer, urban planner, and community advocate who works with communities all over the United States to make their streets safer, enjoyable, and equitable. Their writing has appeared in publications including Washingtonian Magazine, the New York Times, CityLab, Architect Magazine, and Shelterforce.
Registration is now open for this program, which will take place on Friday, July 23 at 11:30 a.m. The Institute is offering this program at no cost thanks to a generous grant from the Gannett Foundation.
If you have questions about this program, please email Julie Moos, Institute executive director, at [email protected].
