The current American housing landscape was built over the last century. Understanding its history is essential to address the root causes of the most complex housing problems we face today. The history of housing policy in the United States includes great achievements that helped millions find affordable housing and improve their dwellings, but it also… Continue reading
After a hard fought election the outsider with radical ideas won easily. He was a trial lawyer with a reputation for fighting for justice in and out of the courtroom, winning cases, and sticking to his principles even when it made him unpopular. For years he was a thorn in the side of corrupt politicians…. Continue reading
1. New York City considered seceding from the United States With Southern states declaring they were seceding from the United States in 1860-61, New York City boldly flirted with the idea as well. New York City did not support abolition of slavery and had strong commercial ties to Southern states. New York City’s mayor told… Continue reading
This past weekend, white supremacists, Neo-Nazis, and Klansmen marched in the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia to protest the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The images of young white men wielding torches and weapons, attacking peaceful protesters, and chanting their racist, anti-Semitic rhetoric shocked and disgusted the world (with one notable… Continue reading
In 1934, with Philadelphia amidst the Great Depression, a survey of the city’s households found an astonishing number of homes lacked electricity, water, and heat. An estimated 152,022 Philadelphians had no bathing facility, 39,239 people were living without a bathroom, and 28,000 families were sharing single-family dwellings with another family. Two thirds of the city’s… Continue reading