Taking action on property covenants
Homeowners in six metro-area cities including Minneapolis can now take action to remove discriminatory language from their property titles with help from the new Just Deeds Coalition.
Building on data from Mapping Prejudice, a University of Minnesota Libraries project, the coalition provides free legal and title services to help homeowners find discriminatory covenants and discharge them.
UMRA members learned about Mapping Prejudice in a presentation by Project Director Kirsten Delegard for UMRA A.M. on October 13, 2020. Delegard shared the history and tragic impacts of these covenants, which restricted home ownership to whites and enabled segregated neighborhoods, redlining, and limitations on economic growth for communities of color. Although no longer legal or enforceable, these covenants remain associated with many properties.
“We have seen a tremendous awakening around this history in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder,” Delegard said when asked about the Just Deeds Coalition. “Mapping Prejudice seeks to do more than build a new dataset. Our project is designed to spur action. We are so grateful to our volunteers and community partners for connecting the past to the present in ways that will power meaningful change.”
—Wendy Pradt Lougee, University librarian and dean of libraries (retired)
News
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The University plans to remove retirees from the @umn.edu internet identity domain on December 7. UMRA has advocated for ensuring continued access to this identity (including email, Google Workspace, and associated services), citing University retirees’ enduring contributions to and engagement with the University. Thus far, our efforts have not prompted any change of plans.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore your photographic interests, hone your photographic skills, and hear what other retirees are up to, the UMRA Photo Club is a great place to be. We have fun! And whatever your skill level, there is room for everybody.
Leading the online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays has been a labor of love for Kris Bettin. Alas, a change in family needs has necessitated her retirement. So, JOIE is seeking a new leader to join a savvy editorial committee of five and bring fresh ideas for continued development of the UMRA-sponsored journal.
Soon you will receive an email or letter inviting you to renew your UMRA membership for the 2024–25 year. Please renew before you get busy with your summer activities. Your support helps to make our programs and many other member benefits possible!
This will be a new regular column where you can find organizational tasks that need your help! We are currently looking for help researching a new UMRA Membership Database and URVC volunteer database, and a co-producer for UMRA's Zoom webinars. See more details: