Fair Housing Month

When people think of housing discrimination, their minds may drift to scenarios such as a black man who is told that a unit is no longer available once the property manager views the color of his skin or a disabled woman who is told that her guide dog violates the complex’s “no pets” policy.

However, there is another group that faces discrimination as well, but is often forgotten: parents, grandparents and (or) guardians. Under the Fair Housing Act, a person cannot be denied housing based on their familial status. This means, it is illegal for property owners to discourage or flat out refuse housing to someone who is pregnant or has children under the age of 18.

April is Fair Housing Month, and 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the Florida Commission on Human Relations. We encourage everyone to spend this month of reflection and celebration to learn their housing rights under state and federal civil rights laws. When individuals arm themselves with information, they are able to recognize unfair housing practices and they are equipped with the knowledge needed to end them. Join us in working toward a better Florida for all who live and work here!

 

 - Commissioner Watson Haynes

St.Petersburg

To learn more about Fair Housing and Commision events during this month of celebration, visit http://fchr.state.fl.us/about_us/40th_anniversary/fair_housing_month

2009 Elder Summit

In honor of Older Americans Month, the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs will be hosting the 2009 Elder Summit on Tuesday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tallahassee Senior Center (1400 North Monroe Street). The 2009 Elder Summit will address ageism and discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations for seniors and other issues older Americans face.

This event is open to the general public and will feature brief presentations from agency leaders followed by a panel discussion and a question and answer portion.

Advanced registration is required. There is a fee of $6 for food. Checks can be made out to the Tallahassee Senior Center. For more information, please contact Janine Rogers-Harris by telephone at (850)488-6680 or via email at communities@elderaffairs.org.

The Tuskegee Airmen: A Tribute to Blacks in Aviation

Join the Florida Commission on Human Relations, Tallahassee Community College, and Black Male Achievers to learn more about the lives of the Tuskegee Airmen. This event will be facilitated by Dr. Norm Jackson, and the special invited guests are former Tuskegee Airmen Lt. Titus Hall and Col. Willie Jenkins. For more information, please contact Cornelius Brownlee at cornelius.brownlee@fchr.myflorida.com or 850-488-7082.

When: February 24, 2009 from 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Tallahassee Community College

Student Union Ballroom

444 Appleyard Drive

Tallahassee, FL 32304