The People’s Voice

April Newsletter

Introducing the Squad

Director’s Corner

Autumn Butler - Executive Director

autumn@mioaklandforward.org

Housing is more than just a basic necessity—it is a foundation for economic stability, educational opportunity, and overall well-being. Yet, systemic barriers such as discriminatory lending practices, redlining, and gentrification have long denied marginalized communities access to fair and affordable housing. Ensuring fair housing is not just a housing issue; it is central to the broader fight for social and economic justice.

When people have access to stable, affordable homes, they are better positioned to secure employment, pursue education, and participate fully in their communities. Children in stable housing situations perform better in school, and families experience less financial strain, reducing the risk of poverty. Fair housing policies help break cycles of generational disadvantage, creating more equitable opportunities for all.

Moreover, the fight for fair housing is deeply connected to racial and economic justice. Historically, discriminatory housing practices have reinforced segregation and wealth disparities, limiting access to resources such as quality schools, healthcare, and transportation. Advocating for fair housing means addressing these structural inequalities and ensuring that every individual—regardless of race, income, or background—has the right to live in a safe and thriving community.

Fair housing is not just about where people live; it is about the opportunities they have to succeed. By pushing for stronger protections, equitable policies, and community-driven solutions, we can build a future where housing is a right, not a privilege, and where justice is reflected in every neighborhood.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is widely known for his leadership in the civil rights movement, but his fight for racial justice extended beyond voting rights and desegregation—he was also a fierce advocate for fair and open housing. Toward the end of his life, King focused heavily on economic justice, recognizing that racial equality could not be achieved without addressing housing discrimination and economic disparities.

Dr. King’s assassination on April 4, 1968, served as a catalyst for the passage of the Fair Housing Act, which was signed into law on April 11, 1968. The act was designed to prohibit housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin. It was one of the last major legislative victories of the civil rights movement and a testament to King’s tireless efforts.

While the Fair Housing Act was a significant step forward, King’s broader vision of economic justice remains unfinished. Discriminatory housing practices, gentrification, and wealth disparities continue to impact marginalized communities today. Honoring King’s legacy means continuing the fight for truly fair and open housing for all.

Join Oakland Forward this month as we begin a community conversation on housing. We will be having a panel discussion with activists, elected officials, and community members on the expansion of fair housing rights in Pontiac and throughout the state through the enactment of a local human rights ordinance and through an amendment to the Michigan Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Legislation.

A Community Conversation on: Housing

Monday, April 14th, 2025

52 Bagley St.

Pontiac, MI 48341

Questions or need more information? Sicoya Howard sicoya@mioaklandforward.org

Add registration link

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Announcements

Oakland Forward is excited to share some important updates and transitions within our organization. Our very own Kermit Williams has announced his candidacy for Mayor of the City of Pontiac. We’re proud of Kermit for stepping into this next chapter and pursuing his passion for public service.

As a nonpartisan organization, and to maintain transparency and avoid any appearance of conflict, Kermit has transitioned into the role of Training Director as of March 2025. In this new capacity, he will focus on providing organizational coaching and training to both our organizers and the broader community.

With that, we’re also pleased to announce that Autumn Butler now serves as the sole Executive Director of Oakland Forward and the Oakland Forward Action Fund. Rounding out our leadership team, Tameka Ramsey will step in as Interim Managing Director.

We are incredibly excited about the strength of our team and look forward to continuing our mission to engage, equip, and empower residents and communities across Oakland County.

Organizer’s Take

Fair Housing: A Cornerstone of Social and Economic Justice

Sicoya Howard, Housing & Youth Organizer

sicoya@mioaklandforward.org

Fair Housing Month: Progress, Challenges, and New Resources for Affordable Housing

April marks Fair Housing Month, a time to reflect on the strides made in ensuring equitable access to housing while recognizing the ongoing challenges that demand even greater effort. While we have come a long way in fighting housing discrimination, the reality remains that affordable housing is becoming increasingly out of reach for many. As we navigate these challenges, it is essential to explore new resources and policy changes aimed at expanding housing access for all.

One such critical development is Michigan’s recently enacted source of income anti-discrimination law. Effective in 2024, this legislation prevents landlords from rejecting rental applicants based solely on their lawful income sources. This means that housing vouchers, disability benefits, Social Security income, veterans’ benefits, and other non-traditional income sources must be treated equally alongside employment wages.

The Impact on Oakland County Residents

This law carries significant weight for communities like Pontiac, where a large portion of residents rely on alternative income sources to secure housing. Previously, some landlords could legally refuse to rent to individuals using Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other forms of public assistance. With this new protection, tenants in Pontiac and throughout Oakland County now have a stronger legal foundation to fight against discriminatory housing practices.

Under Michigan’s new law, a lawful source of income includes:

Wages and Salaries – Earnings from traditional employment.
Social Security Benefits – Including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Veterans’ Benefits – Compensation for military service members.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) – Federal assistance for low-income renters.
Public Assistance Programs – Such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and unemployment benefits.
Child Support and Alimony – Court-ordered financial assistance.
Retirement and Pension Income – Payments from 401(k) accounts or similar retirement programs.

This expansion of protections is crucial for Pontiac’s low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities who have long struggled with barriers to stable housing.

What This Means for Renters and Landlords

For renters, the new law and available resources provide greater access to housing options without fear of discrimination. If a landlord refuses to rent solely because an applicant uses a Housing Choice Voucher or another lawful income source, legal action can now be taken.

For landlords, while the law does not mandate acceptance of all applicants, it does require them to evaluate renters based on financial stability rather than the source of their income. This fosters a more inclusive rental market, benefiting both tenants and property owners by promoting stable housing environments.

Looking Ahead: The Work Continues

As we observe Fair Housing Month, it is essential to acknowledge the progress made while recognizing that much work remains. Affordable housing is increasingly out of reach for many, making these new protections and resources all the more critical. By staying informed, advocating for fair housing policies, and utilizing the available support systems, we can continue pushing toward a future where safe, stable, and affordable housing is accessible to all.

As Michigan moves forward with these changes, it is up to residents, policymakers, and advocacy organizations to ensure these protections are enforced and that no one is denied housing based on their income source. Fair housing is a right—not a privilege—and we must keep working to make it a reality for everyone in Pontiac and beyond.

We Did That

· We graduated our inaugural cohort of Campaign Training entitled “We Run This,” teaching neighborhood leadership how to get involved in local and state elections.

We Run This

· Pontiac Advisory Group (Oakland Forward works in collaboration with the Transforming Communities Initiative - Pontiac group to foster policy, systems, and environmental change in Pontiac around priorities areas: Housing, Safety & Security, Trust & Transparency, and Youth Organizing. TCI- Pontiac is a collective effort of Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA), Trinity Health, Michigan Public Housing Institute and Formative Evaluation Research Associates (FERA)