The year 1968 was significant for many reasons, some historical, some tragic, some inspiring, all memorable. While our individual memories may differ, it was a significant year for all Americans. Now — fifty years after the passing of Martin Luther King Jr., the signing of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, increased troops in Vietnam, and protests across major US cities – AARP invites Angelenos to join a discussion of the past, present, and future of our shared history.
On April 21, AARP– the state’s leading advocate for the 50-plus population with more than 3.3 million members in California – hosted the Remembering 1968: LA Town Hall. This intergenerational discussion focused on civil rights and financial security in recognition of the significance of the year 1968 as well as the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose call for economic justice was as unequivocal as it was prescient.
“AARP is proud to participate in activities nationwide that celebrate and remember the significance of 1968,” said Rawle Andrews, AARP Regional Vice President. “We’ve come a long way in this country; but we still have a ways to go to ensure equal access to social and economic justice is a reality for all. It is only through education, participation and partnerships like the one we have with the Watts Labor Community Action Committee that working together we continue improving the quality of life for people who are 50+ and their families.”
The conversation was anchored by data from a recent AARP study, which put a particular spotlight on Black Angelenos. The survey, titled “California Dreaming…or Struggling: Gen X and Boomer Financial Security,” reveals that for the most part Black Angelenos are not ready for retirement; and while they remain optimistic, many are struggling with issues of housing affordability and difficulty in saving for retirement.
The study, conducted statewide, interviewed adults ages 36-70 in the workforce in California’s major metro areas. The results from across the state found that issues of affordable housing and retirement savings go hand-in-hand among Gen Xers and Boomers. This feeling of financial insecurity is particularly pronounced with Black Angelenos. Many rate their housing expenses as a “major” obstacle to saving for retirement, and half of those polled have considered leaving the state due to the high cost of living.
AARP California State Director, Nancy McPherson, said the research reveals that housing affordability in Los Angeles has reached a crisis level. “According to our research,” she said, “a broad base of support exists for legislation that addresses access to affordable housing and retirement savings. And approximately 78 percent of Black Angeleno survey respondents believe their elected officials should support legislation increasing access to affordable housing in California.”
“Many Black Angelenos are unprepared for a major financial setback,” said Jennifer Hopson, AARP California Associate State Director for multicultural outreach. “This study tells us about three in ten (29%) could not withstand a financial expense of $1,000 or more, and 14% could not afford an emergency expense of $100 or more. It is essential for us to delve deeper into the conversation about economic equity and housing.”
The town hall provided an opportunity to discuss relevant issues with a variety of experts and leaders. The event featured keynote speaker Valeisha Butterfield Jones of Google, as well as a panel discussion with Lori R. Gay, brand strategist, Sheila Coates, financial psychologist, Anita R. Johnson, AARP California’s associate state director for multicultural outreach, Jennifer L. Hopson and urban planning scholar Andre Comandon. NABJ – LA Vice President Jarrett Hill served as emcee and moderator.
Event attendees had the opportunity to see a preview of “Telling the Story of Civil Rights in Los Angeles”, a short video series featuring conversations with prominent storytellers, artists leaders and activists from organizations like the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Public Library, the Los Angeles Urban League, Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, and the J.L. Edmonds Project. The video series will be released on social media in the coming months. The event will conclude with a historic Civil Rights tour at the Watts Community Action Center following the town hall.
