Since 1968, April has come to be regarded as a time to remember the FHA and reflect on the rights it gives citizens. But why April?
It is a known fact that the Fair Housing Act (FHA) became law in April 1968, as Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, a landmark piece of legislation. But the link with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is the reason we celebrate Fair Housing Month in April. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the FHA into law one week after the assassination of the civil rights icon, who fought for equality in housing.
This is why, every April, we come together as a state and as a nation to celebrate the anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act and recommit to that goal which inspired us in the aftermath of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination in 1968: To create equal opportunity in every community and eliminate discrimination. This means that each one of us, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability, has access to neighborhoods of opportunity, where our children can attend quality schools, our environment allows us to be healthy, and economic opportunities and self-sufficiency can grow.
Fair housing is an integral part of building strong, vibrant communities.
At the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, our commitment to fair housing is ongoing and enduring.
Are you a landlord or property manager in need of some quick guidance on how to comply with fair housing law? Just want to know more?
Check out the YouTube video series, "Fair Housing Tips in Less Than a Minute," which covers topics ranging from understanding protected classes to banning pets at an apartment. You can view each short video individually by following the links below:
