HUD Commemorates National Fair Housing Month 2023

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development • April 6, 2023

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) kicked off Fair Housing Month 2023, commemorating 55 years since the Fair Housing Act was signed into law. This year’s Fair Housing Month theme, Choices for All Voices: Building an Equitable Future, underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing equity in housing, combating discrimination in housing, and protecting fair housing rights for all who call America home.


“This April, we commemorate the Fair Housing Act, the landmark civil rights law that guarantees the right to housing of your choice, free from discrimination,” said Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “Though it has been 55 years since the Fair Housing Act was passed, we are still working tirelessly to fight housing discrimination. Today, we recommit to our mission to provide equality and opportunity to every person who calls America home, regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), disability, or familial status.”


"On the 55th anniversary of the signing of the Fair Housing Act, we reflect on the efforts HUD has made to deliver on the promise of the Act,” said Demetria L. McCain, Principal Deputy Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “This month and every month, HUD is taking meaningful action to end housing discrimination and segregation while helping to ensure true housing choice. We are committed to eliminating discrimination and disparities in housing in every American community.”


Each April, HUD, local communities, fair housing advocates, and fair housing organizations across the country recognize Fair Housing Month by hosting events that underscore the impact and significance of the Fair Housing Act. Throughout the month, HUD and its partners will host activities that enhance public awareness of fair housing rights, highlight fair housing enforcement efforts, and emphasize the importance of creating diverse and inclusive communities.


Secretary Fudge will commemorate Fair Housing Month with an Opening Ceremony on April 11th at 1:00 P.M. (EDT) that will also feature HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Demetria McCain and Lee “the Mother of Fair Housing” Porter, and the Texas Southern University Debate Team. The event will showcase HUD’s efforts to advance and protect fair housing rights to ensure that all people have the right to obtain the housing of their choice, free from discrimination. Register to attend the Fair Housing Month Opening Ceremony here. There is no cost to register.


HUD will close Fair Housing Month with a national activity, Building an Equitable Future: A Housing Policy Conversation with Gen Z College Students. On April 26 at 2:00 P.M. (EDT), HUD will host a virtual conversation with Gen Z college students and young adults on the importance of advancing fair housing protections for the next generation of housing consumers. Register to attend this free virtual event here.


In fiscal year 2022, HUD and its Fair Housing Assistance Program partner agencies received more than 11,000 complaints alleging discrimination based on one or more of the Fair Housing Act's seven protected classes: race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, and familial status.


For a complete listing of HUD Fair Housing Month events and activities, visit: https://www.hud.gov/FHM. Follow the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity on Twitter and Facebook for additional news and updates.


People who believe they have experienced discrimination may file a complaint by contacting HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (Relay). Housing discrimination complaints may also be filed by going to hud.gov/fairhousing.

Older Americans Month Celebrated Across East Texas

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • June 3, 2026
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
Champion Your Health poster with older adult holding a child on a purple background

Area Agency on Aging to Host Three Community Events Celebrating Older Americans Month

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • April 30, 2026
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations across the nation in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM), led by the Administration for Community Living, honoring the important contributions of older adults in our communities. This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” encourages older adults to focus on the steps they can take to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while highlighting the resources and community connections that help people age well. In recognition of Older Americans Month, AAA will host three special events at community locations across East Texas to celebrate older adults and share information about programs and services available to seniors and caregivers. Throughout the month of May, the Area Agency on Aging will also participate in additional events that promote the mental and physical health of our communities and recognize the many contributions older Americans have made, and continue to make, across the country. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary this year, Older Americans Month also offers an opportunity to reflect on the generations of older adults whose service, leadership, and life experiences have helped shape our nation, our state, and our local communities. “Older Americans Month is an important time to recognize the lasting contributions of older adults and the many ways they strengthen our communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. “This year’s theme, Champion Your Health, reminds us of the importance of supporting healthy aging by connecting older East Texans with resources, services, and opportunities that help them live well and remain engaged.” The following OAM celebration events are free and open to the public and will feature information on services and supports available to East Texas seniors: Friday, May 15 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM First Christian Church 1920 Beaumont St. Jacksonville, Texas 75766 Wednesday, May 20 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Marshall Convention Center 2501 E. End Blvd S. Marshall, Texas 75672 Thursday, May 21 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM First Methodist Church of Athens 225 Lovers Lane Athens, Texas 75751 The AAA is the region’s leader in advocacy and services for older adults, providing support such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, and the Ombudsman program for people living in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their homes and communities for as long as possible. For questions about the events, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at (903) 218-6500.
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