The Royall House & Slave Quarters is co-sponsoring the panel discussion “Racial Inequity and Housing Instability in Boston: Past, Present, and Future,” part of the presidential initiative on Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery, a university-wide effort housed at Harvard Radcliffe Institute.

Millions of Americans have long struggled to pay for housing, with communities of color additionally burdened by housing discrimination and historical race-based policies, such as legalized segregation, redlining, and mortgage discrimination. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis, the federal government instituted a moratorium on evictions that was set to expire on March 31. Despite this, the continuing public health emergency has exacerbated the national housing affordability crisis for people of color, who are more likely to have lost jobs and fall behind on housing payments as a result.

The panel of experts will explore these issues as they relate to Greater Boston, as well as the long history of community activism in the area, and consider solutions for a more equitable future of safe, stable, and affordable housing for all.

Panelists will be Tatiana Cruz, assistant professor of American history, Lesley University; Lydia Edwards, Boston city councilor, District 1; and Lisa Owens, executive director, the Hyams Foundation.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. Register through the Radcliffe website: https://harvard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__PEuVT-lR9GOjMWbZwF2fA