ACPL Sheds Light on Housing Discrimination with “Unwelcomed” Exhibit
The Allen County Public Library’s (ACPL), in partnership with the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), will host an interactive, traveling exhibit called “Unwelcomed: A Fair Housing History of Sales & Lending Discrimination.”
The exhibit will be on display in the Great Hall of the Main Library through March 3,
coinciding with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and will be on display through Black
History Month to draw attention to the intersections of housing discrimination and
racism throughout history.
This multi-panel exhibit educates participants on the historical and systemic barriers that have impacted today’s neighborhoods through the use of redlining, racial covenants, steering, neighborhood intimidation, and other forms of housing discrimination
Modern- day forms of housing discrimination in sales and lending are also highlighted in the exhibit. The exhibit presents historic documents and news stories, as well as interactive QR codes with additional information and links for the viewer to explore.
“Every February, we strive to celebrate the contributions and successes of Black leaders and the Black community, while also drawing attention to racial injustices that still exist,” said ACPL Director of Community Partnerships and Programs Beth Boatright. “When the FHCCI approached us about the exhibit, we knew it would a perfect complement to our Black History Month programming for 2025.”
What: “Unwelcomed: A Fair Housing History of Sales & Lending Discrimination”
When: January 9 through March 3, during normal library hours
Where: Allen County Public Library Main Library Great Hall, Plaza Entrance
Cost: Free and open to the public To date, a mix of government agencies, religious organizations, and businesses have hosted the exhibit to bring needed awareness and to open dialogue on how Hoosiers may come together to advocate and challenge housing barriers and inequities.
Those interested in hosting the exhibit in the future, should contact the FHCCI at
info@fhcci.org.
About the Allen County Public Library The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) has fostered lifelong learning and discovery in northeast Indiana for more than 125 years. The ACPL consists of fourteen branches throughout Allen County, serving more than one million visitors per year. The ACPL’s collection includes more than 2.7 million items, with a circulation total of 4.2 million items borrowed annually. It also houses The Genealogy Center, the nation’s largest public genealogy research center, and The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, consisting of more than 30,000 artifacts related to President Abraham Lincoln.
About the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) is a private, nonprofit fair housing organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The mission of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) is to facilitate open housing for all people by ensuring the availability of affordable and accessible housing; promoting housing choice and homeownership; advocating for an inclusive housing market; working toward stable and equitable communities; and eradicating discrimination within Central Indiana, the State of Indiana, and nationally. For more information, visit: www.fhcci.org
The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported in part by funding
under a grant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The
substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. The author and
publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations
contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Government.