Wayne County Joins City of Hamtramck Hamtramck to Celebrate Successful Completion to 56-year-old Housing Discrimination Lawsuit
HAMTRAMCK– Wayne County and the City of Hamtramck today commemorated a significant milestone in the community’s history with an Open House at 12085 Gallagher, celebrating the completion of the final three homes resulting from a landmark 1968 lawsuit. This event marked the culmination of a long journey initiated by Sarah Garrett and other plaintiffs who challenged discriminatory housing practices, leading to a court order for the construction of 200 homes within the city. The lawsuit represented a pivotal moment in the fight against racial inequality and segregation, and the completion of these last homes serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and equity in housing.
“Wayne County is the most diverse county in Michigan, and I have always said that our diversity is our strength,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “But that distinction has not come without its challenges such as discriminatory housing practices and other forms of discrimination, which is what led Sarah Garrett to file her lawsuit over a half-century ago. Today’s Open House is a celebration of the courage exhibited by Garrett and the other plaintiffs who fought for a more inclusive Wayne County. And they won.”
BACKGROUND
- A landmark 1968 class-action lawsuit was initiated by Sarah Garrett and a group of plaintiffs who alleged that the City of Hamtramck had violated the law by using federal funds to demolish three neighborhoods in the 1950’s and 60’s without providing adequate housing replacement. The lawsuit highlighted a grave concern: that local officials, aware of the racial dynamics at play, effectively allowed African American residents to bear the brunt of housing losses, in violation of the equal protection clause of the 14thAmendment. This case underscored systemic issues regarding race and housing policy in mid-20th century America, presenting a stark reminder of how federal initiatives intended to foster urban development often failed marginalized communities.
- Although Wayne County was not a direct party in the lawsuit, it nonetheless played a role in addressing the consequences of these past actions. The county effectively allocated over $4.1 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to construct 25 homes, demonstrating a commitment to rectifying historical injustices in housing practices.
- Funding for the final three homes in the development was allocated from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the amount of $900,000 from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP1). This investment not only highlights the federal government’s commitment to enhancing housing accessibility but also underscores the importance of community-focused initiatives aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods. By injecting these funds, HUD aims to foster sustainable housing solutions that cater to the needs of low- to moderate-income families.
