CONYERS Condemns Insulting Statement By Carson On Slavery

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

The concepts of “choice” and “agency” seem lost to some officials of the Trump administration.

First, it was Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ insulting statement on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and now, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Ben Carson, epically fails to address the impact of slavery and discrimination on the history and lives of African-Americans.

Enslaved Africans did not choose to come to the Americas, they were brought here in chains against their will and once here, fought for freedom despite tremendous odds.

The failure of Trump administration officials to recognize and acknowledge these very real facts shows a profound ignorance and lack of respect for the Black American experience.

Ben Carson Refers to Slaves as ‘Immigrants’ in First Remarks to HUD Staff

“That’s what America is about, a land of dreams and opportunity,’’ he said. “There were other immigrants who came here in the bottom of slave ships, worked even longer, even harder for less. But they too had a dream that one day their sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, great-grandsons, great-granddaughters, might pursue prosperity and happiness in this land.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/06/us/politics/ben-carson-refers-to-slaves-as-immigrants-in-first-remarks-to-hud-staff.html?_r=1

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Conyers Encourages HUD Secretary Donovan to Expand Funding Streams for Housing Development & Stemming the Tide of Foreclosures

(DETROIT) – Tomorrow, Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) will meet with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and other Members of Michigan’s congressional delegation to discuss federal efforts to strengthen Southeast Michigan’s housing market and assist Detroit as it faces chapter 9 municipal bankruptcy. Prior to the meeting, Rep. Conyers issued the following statement:

U.S. Representative
John Conyers, Jr.

“I look forward to engaging Secretary Donovan about ways the federal government can work hand-in-hand with local housing agencies and housing advocates here on the ground in Southeast Michigan to stem the tide of foreclosures, expand access to affordable housing, and eliminate blighted properties that harm our community,” said Conyers.

“I am pleased that HUD recently announced an $8.5 million grant to the Detroit Housing Commission that will facilitate large-scale improvement projects in our city.  In conjunction with the recent release of federal funds for targeted blight remediation throughout the state, it is clear that there are significant new federal resources that can be leveraged to improve the safety of our community.  

“As we come together to discuss ways to buoy Detroit, I also support considering NAACP-Detroit President Reverend Wendell Anthony’s idea to make more federal funding programs available to Detroit to help it meet its financial challenges. All options are on the table as we work to strengthen Detroit, and I look forwarding to collaborating with Secretary Donovan to discuss a meaningful path forward.”

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Conyers Applauds Housing Anti-Discrimination Standards

New Department of Housing and Urban Development Rule Formalizes Disparate Impact Standard

U.S. Representative
John Conyers, Jr.

(WASHINGTON) – This afternoon, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a final rule formalizing, “the national standard for determining whether a housing practice violates the Fair Housing Act as a result of discriminatory effect.” After the announcement of this rule, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) issued the following statement:

“The issuance of this rule will bring important clarity to litigation around the Fair Housing Act.  At a time when families are trying to protect their rights in the wake of the financial crisis, this long overdue action by HUD should allow all parties to focus on remedying claims of discrimination, rather than wrangling about the scope of the law.”

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