City of South Bend to discuss racial wealth equity during two events

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The City of South Bend will discuss racial wealth equity in the community during two events in September.

“Through our research, we are crafting a more equitable future and acknowledge the incredible strength of South Bend residents,” said Assistant Director of Business Development Antonius Northern. “Specifically, for the Black communities located in the LaSalle and Kennedy Park neighborhoods, our research has brought forth an astonishingly rich story of tenacity and trailblazing spirits.”

On September 13, Indiana University South Bend's Civil Rights Heritage Center will host the Boosts and Blocks visual narrative and open house event.

The event will give a visual outline of the challenges and victories South Bend's Black residents have faced in achieving financial equity.

The event will run from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Civil Rights Heritage Center, located at 1040 W. Washington St.

On September 15, the Racial Wealth Data Panel will give residents the opportunity to speak with a panel of local experts about the current and past state of banking, housing, and the financial health of South Bend's Black community.

This event will run from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Century Center Recital Hall, located at 120 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Both events will end outlining empowerment strategies for the future.

Research for these events was made possible through the city's participation in the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund's CityStart initiative, which helps local leaders develop strategies to help their communities become more financially stable.