Fair housing issues affect everyone and that’s the message the Richland County Community Development Department wants residents to rally around as it prepares to mark National Fair Housing Month with a two-day event in April.
The department, along with several community partners, will hold a fair housing conference at Edventure Museum with panel discussions and more. The day before the conference, a series of continuing legal education classes will be held at Earlewood Park. The events make up a two-day observance under the theme, Civil Rights: It Still Matters.
Organizers emphasize the issue of fair housing extends beyond racial discrimination. For example, families with children, people with disabilities or those whose religious beliefs require a specific type of clothing or head covering, also face discrimination when trying to buy or rent a place to call home.
Both fair housing events are free to the general public, but pre-registration is required. Following is more information on each event:
· Continuing Legal Education Classes: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, April 8 at Earlewood Park. The event is free to attendees not seeking CLE credits. Participants receiving CLE credits must pay a class fee of $80. All participants must pre-register. Bagged lunches will be provided.
· Fair Housing Conference: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 9 at Edventure Museum. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. The event will include a free luncheon with the meal provided by Blue Marlin Restaurant. The winner of the new Modjeska Monteith Simkins Award will be announced at the luncheon.
The Simkins award recognizes residents’ efforts in the areas of civil rights and social justice and honors the legacy of Simkins who became one of the state’s leading civil rights activists from the 1930s until her death in 1992.
The deadline to pre-register for both events is Thursday, March 31.
For more information about the Fair Housing Month events or to pre-register, visit www.rcgov.us and search “Community Development” or look under the “Events” section. Residents also may contact Jocelyn Jennings at 803-576-2055 or jenningsj@rcgov.us.