On June 5, 2008, nearly 100 DC citizens gathered at the Thurgood Marshall Charter School in Anacostia, Washington, DC for a public hearing on racial discrimination in the District. The purpose of the hearing was for grassroots organizations and individuals to testify directly before the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Racial Discrimination, Mr. Doudou Diene. Washington DC was the last stop for Mr. Diene on his three-week inquiry throughout the United States.  Mr. Diene visited governmental agencies as well as civil society groups. During his time he has collected stories told and written as well as various reports that he will compie and ultimately write a report to the U.N. Human Rights Council. Both local and national advocates plan to use the report as a tool to push for spotlighting and turning around trends and policies that lead to racial discrimination whether intentional or indirect. 

NLCHP wanted to direct attention to racially disparate housing trends, such as gentrification taking place right here in DC due to development and the alarming overrepresentation of minorities, especially African-Americans that are homeless.  Through the help of other local advocay organizations and the courage of individuals to testify on a topi not often talked about in such a public setting, we had comprehensive testimony with concrete facts as well as moving, personal testimony.  View some of the testimony at youtube.com/nlchp

NLCHP and local orgainzations are currently awaiting Mr. Diene's report, but will again come together to discuss how to use his findings to push for change here in DC and on the Hill for national change. 

For other city stops, visit our current campaigns page or click on the city link below.

Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Omaha, San Juan, Puerto Rico