Black History Month Trivia Week 2

THE FAIR HOUSING ACT OF 1968

Emerging from the Civil Rights Movement and the collaborative efforts of Black and White leaders, activists, and lawmakers, the The Fair Housing Act addressed widespread housing discrimination. Amid national unrest following Dr. King’s death, President Johnson and Congressional leaders appealed to reason, persuading the House to approve the legislation. The Senate quickly followed, with Senator Edward Brooke, the first African-American elected by popular vote, sharing his personal experience of being denied housing as a WWII veteran. His heartfelt advocacy underscored the Act’s urgency.

The federal Fair Housing Act, signed into law on April 11, 1968, marked the end of a challenging legislative journey. Between 1966 and 1967, Congress repeatedly considered the bill but failed to secure sufficient support for its passage. The tragic assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4, 1968, galvanized momentum. President Lyndon Johnson called on Congress to honor Dr. King’s legacy by swiftly passing the Act before his funeral.  The Fair Housing Act became a landmark law, symbolizing a commitment to remedy racial inequities and honoring Dr. King’s life’ work.  History of Fair Housing – HUD.gov

Must answer all questions correctly:

1. Which federal department is responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act?
2. Did you know the Fair Housing Act of 1968 was a bipartisan effort to combat housing discrimination? Identify the two U.S. Senators—one Republican and one Democrat—who introduced this landmark legislation before Congress.

See last week’s answers here.