"Slavery by Another Name" panel discussion connects with current fair housing issues

The second part in a series of panel discussions focusing on modern-day slavery will take place April 28, with topics pulled from Douglas Blackmon's book and documentary film, Slavery by Another Name.

"We want to educate people about our history and how it's still affecting us today," says Lydia Morgan, event coordinator. "That part of our history is affecting black men and minority men in general. I think a lot of people who have watched that documentary or read the book are totally shocked about what went on."

Slavery by Another Name focuses on issues around the idea of forced labor after most people assumed that slavery ended with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The book/documentary follows the re-enslavement of black Americans from the Civil War to World War II and discusses how forced labor made its way into modern day society. 

The event is free and open to the public and is presented by Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) of Cincinnati. The discussion comes after the U.S. Housing and Urban Development announced that turning down tenants or buyers based on their criminal records may violate the Fair Housing Act, Morgan says.

Do Good:

• Register to attend the Slavery by Another Name discussion at 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 28 at United Way of Greater Cincinnati, 2400 Reading Road in Walnut Hills.

• For more information, contact Chloe Gersten.

• Stay up-to-date on recent discussions on Facebook.