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Civil rights and race relations materials, 1957-1964

What You Can Do About Racial Prejudice In Housing Page 26

tion should be sought--even where the group has reason to feel pessimistic about the results. At least city officials can not then say they were not consulted when the Committee takes its case to the people in public discussion.
2. Planning of individual contacts with all residents in potential trouble areas. Such visits should, if possible, include a resident of the block or immediate neighborhood. It is also helpful to have a clergyman as well as a resident of an already integrated neighborhood take part in these door-to-door meetings. Block workers should be well supplied with literature to leave with those they call upon. As integration progresses, a more formal block organization may be set up to help maintain good neighborhood relations and to aid in establishing adequate standards of property care for all residents in the area.
3. Attempt to secure the friendly cooperation of real estate groups and individual realtors in your area. Courtesy as well as prudence would dictate that real estate groups be approached early in the operation of the committee, and in good faith. While real estate people have sometimes played a villain's role in housing integration, many have proved themselves willing to cooperate wholeheartedly. Do not assume bad faith without evidence. At the same time, be prepared to deal with unethical operators who attempt to use the arrival of Negro families to create fear and dissension in an area. Make certain that no realtor refuses to show housing to anyone because of race. Some groups have set up their own procedures to list houses for sale when realtors have proven to be uncooperative.
4. Examine the policies of banks and other lending institutions in your area concerning application for mortgages by Negroes. Should you suspect discriminatory practices, let these institutions know of your concern and make sure they are aware of the facts regarding the high reliability of Negroes as mortgage holders.
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tion should be sought--even where the group has reason to feel pessimistic about the results. At least city officials can not then say they were not consulted when the Committee takes its case to the people in public discussion. 2. Planning of individual contacts with all residents in potential trouble areas. Such visits should, if possible, include a resident of the block or immediate neighborhood. It is also helpful to have a clergyman as well as a resident of an already integrated neighborhood take part in these door-to-door meetings. Block workers should be well supplied with literature to leave with those they call upon. As integration progresses, a more formal block organization may be set up to help maintain good neighborhood relations and to aid in establishing adequate standards of property care for all residents in the area. 3. Attempt to secure the friendly cooperation of real estate groups and individual realtors in your area. Courtesy as well as prudence would dictate that real estate groups be approached early in the operation of the committee, and in good faith. While real estate people have sometimes played a villain's role in housing integration, many have proved themselves willing to cooperate wholeheartedly. Do not assume bad faith without evidence. At the same time, be prepared to deal with unethical operators who attempt to use the arrival of Negro families to create fear and dissension in an area. Make certain that no realtor refuses to show housing to anyone because of race. Some groups have set up their own procedures to list houses for sale when realtors have proven to be uncooperative. 4. Examine the policies of banks and other lending institutions in your area concerning application for mortgages by Negroes. Should you suspect discriminatory practices, let these institutions know of your concern and make sure they are aware of the facts regarding the high reliability of Negroes as mortgage holders. 26