Eviction Uniquely Shapes The Lives of Black Women

Better Life Lab senior writer and editor Julia Craven was on Vox’s The Weeds to discuss the impact of evictions on Black women and the need for urgent policy changes to address it. In the episode, Craven and host Jonquilyn Hill discuss the importance of establishing a comprehensive universal paid family and medical leave and a universal care infrastructure that includes universal childcare for children aged zero to five and universal summer school and afterschool programs for school-age children. The importance of robust rental assistance programs is emphasized alongside a guaranteed basic income system and the immediate sealing of eviction records. After a deep discussion about the history that created this inequity, the conversation ends on a positive note, with Craven asserting that people have the power to create a world where everyone, especially the most vulnerable, is cared for.

“The most important thing I want people to know is that in America, evictions and poverty [are] cruel and most importantly … unnecessary,” said Craven. “During the early years of the pandemic, we had proof that this does not have to be the reality for the millions of people who are threatened with an eviction every year. It doesn't have to be like this. I know it seems like there aren't any real ways to mitigate this problem, but we literally have seen that there are feasible solutions.”

Listen to the conversation in full below: