Modern Day Restrictive Communities – C. Imani Williams

Even though housing discrimination through Restrictive Racial Covenants have been illegal since the passing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, informal manifestations of discrimination such as steering and microaggressions from homeowner associations and residents are just as prevalent. These small, seemingly insignificant assaults take a toll over time.

In January 2020, The New York Times published an article outlining a study on racism conducted in Washington D.C. They collected data on 101 Black teens to find out how often they experienced racism and microaggressions. As suspected Black youth are being diagnosed with more anxiety and depression.

While moving into my new Las Vegas digs in the Arts District, my roommate – who is also black – and I were approached by a group of white women who showed no identification but claimed to be homeowners association (HOA) members. They then proceeded to shout at us that we couldn’t move in because they hadn’t reviewed our background report in the most condescending manner possible.

It was a typical 110-degree Summer day in Vegas, so I was already under a great deal of stress. I told them to take it up with my landlord. In fact, I told them their behavior was threatening, and I requested to see their background reports.

That wouldn’t be the last such incident. The microaggressions continued for three years. Some instances were beyond microaggressions, and in fact very direct and threatening. People destroyed the plants in front of my house; they parked in my assigned parking space, HOA members entered my apartment without permission, and people even stopped my washer or dryer in the communal laundry room mid-cycle. While not everyone has acted out of pocket to resist the black presence in their midst, the racist mob mentality that greeted me on day one persisted in different forms by some residents.

At first, I thought the microaggressions we were being subjected to was only because we were Black. However, I later learned that our sexual orientation was also compounding the problem. We were queer, and as is quite common, the racists and homophobes found common ground in harassing us. One day one of my neighbors stopped me on my way to my mailbox and informed me that she didn’t agree with the other neighbors. She said that her daughter’s best friend was black and that her nephew whom she loved, was gay.

I tried making sense of hate that we were being subjected to. I considered if it could be other lifestyle choices that annoyed my neighbors. But I couldn’t figure it out. I don’t party. I work. A night out for me is hitting a local open mic and taking the stage to spit some bars. Was their fear that the common courtyard would be invaded by Black men visiting my home, or that I would be throwing big gay parties? Unfortunately, it was the mere presence of brown skin and a different sexual preference in a once non-melanated, heterosexual space causing the commotion.

Some of the discrimination probably was directed at me because I was black, some were because I was queer. But did it really matter? It was all directed at me, the human being.

As I write I’m currently in the process of moving. I simply do not have the time or resources to file a formal complaint, so I write to ease my soul. Later, if my situation improves, I’ll seek the counsel of a housing discrimination attorney. Right now, like most in my position, I choose to satisfy my most pressing needs, survival, and mental health.

I just wanted to enjoy my corner unit, the swimming pool, sunlight, and the proximity to indie art.

If you experienced discrimination in your neighborhood, drop a comment. How did you handle it? Was there a resolution? In a country that promotes the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness, we should all work harder to create inclusive communities.

Photo Credits

Imani Williams

Wikipedia Commons