Film Screening & Discussion: "The Shame of Chicago"

"The Color Tax: Origins of the Modern Day Racial Wealth Gap" is Episode 3 of the five-part documentary series, The Shame of Chicago. The film tells the story of how a system of predatory home contract sales in Chicago during the 1950s and ‘60s plundered wealth from Black families pursuing the dream of homeownership. In a compelling narrative, “The Color Tax” documents who peddled the contracts, how and why they were allowed to do it, what happened when Black families organized to fight back and what it means for Chicago today.

This 90-minute program will include the episode screening followed by a conversation with Orenstein, Chicago Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara and CEO of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Michelle Mills Clement. Moderated by CAC Program Director Hallie Rosen, the group will discuss changes in housing policy and real estate practice implemented to address past injustices and work toward housing equity.