Happy Juneteenth! Today honors the day in 1865 when the last remaining slaves were notified of the end of America’s Civil War and learned that they were free. This was two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation officially ending the war. On Juneteenth, we celebrate a significant turning point for freedom and equality in our nation’s history along with the achievements of Milwaukee’s Black community
It is documented that in Milwaukee, the first Juneteenth celebration was organized by Northcott Neighborhood House and held on June 19, 1972. Its significance extends beyond simply marking a historical date. Here, Juneteenth celebrations have also provided opportunities to raise issues relevant to the Black community, highlighting the persistent struggle for equal opportunity.
March on Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s housing story isn’t one of equal access. Decades of discriminatory policies, often enforced through redlining (denying loans or services based on race), concentrated Black residents in North Side neighborhoods, while white residents resided on the South Side of the city. This segregation fueled the historic March on Milwaukee in 1967. For 200 consecutive nights, activists marched for fair housing, demanding an end to discriminatory practices and the freedom to choose where they lived. Their unwavering commitment ultimately influenced the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a landmark piece of legislation that continues to shape housing rights today.
This fight for fair housing holds particular significance within the context of Juneteenth. While Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery, the legacy of segregation in housing continues to impact Black communities. The March on Milwaukee became a crucial step towards dismantling these barriers, allowing Black families the opportunity to build wealth and stability through homeownership – and today Acts Housing is continuing the work towards closing the Black homeownership gap.
Acts Housing: Celebrating Milwaukee’s Black Homeowners
This Juneteenth, there’s much to celebrate when it comes to Black homeownership in Milwaukee! Over the last five years, we’ve had the privilege to walk with over 500 Black families on their path to homeownership, and celebrate with them on closing day. That’s over 1,500 people…848 children…who are reaping the benefits of stable, affordable homeownership.
This is just the beginning. Acts Housing is committed to helping more Black families achieve the dream of homeownership. By providing financial education, down payment assistance, and other resources, Acts is working to create a more equitable path to homeownership in Milwaukee.
- If you are interested in celebrating Juneteenth in Milwaukee check out these events: https://www.milwaukeemag.com/9-events-to-celebrate-juneteenth-in-milwaukee-2024/
- Help close the Black Homeownership Gap. Learn more about how you can support Acts here.
- Want to start the homebuying process? Start Here
