Redlining to Resilience: A Screening and Community Conversation
Apr 22 (Wednesday) , 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
To commemorate passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the ongoing work to ensure equal access to housing for all, the City of Bellingham will present a film screening followed by a panel discussion at Mount Baker Theatre’s Harold and Irene Walton Theatre.
The film, Decade of Fire, is a powerful documentary set in the 1970s that shines a light on a time that a borough in the South Bronx experienced a plague of fires which destroyed much of its housing stock and displaced nearly half a million Black and Puerto Rican residents. The film explores the role of systemic neglect and discriminatory practices, including redlining, in shaping these conditions.
Now, Bronx-born Vivian Vázquez Irizarry exposes the truth about the borough’s untold history and reveals how her community chose to resist, remain, and rebuild.
Following the screening, attendees are invited to stay for a live discussion led by City of Bellingham staff with leaders from Bellingham and Whatcom County. The panel discussion will focus on the history and ongoing impacts of redlining, restrictive covenants, historic disinvestments, and other impacts on individuals and the housing system by connecting these themes from the movie with realities in our own region, providing insight and local context.
While the event is free, registration is required.
This event is the first of two we are hosting this April in recognition of Fair Housing Month. The second, on April 28, will provide an overview of new rental regulations – learn more here. You can learn more about Fair Housing Laws and other protections on our website.
