Through our Oral History project and limited series podcast, we had the chance to study the relationships between the wealth gap and an individual's availability to housing.
TERMS TO KNOW
Oral History: The collection and study of historical information using sound recordings of interviews with people having personal knowledge of past events.
Powered by Oxford DictionariesThis opportunity has allowed us to create and tell a story using thorough secondary research and primary research. Through the perspectives of our interviewees, we’ve come to the conclusion that- as of 2022- there is this founding idea behind the relationship of the wealth gap and housing: you either have it or you do not.
That is, without property to hold, it is difficult to build long lasting credit and wealth, yet, without having the money to support oneself, a person cannot buy/rent a house to build that wealth. The stories our interviewees shared with us give us a personal glimpse into how this foundational idea affects South Florida residents in real time. For example, David Ebanks (longtime South Florida resident) explained how the only way he was able to purchase his first home was through a favor of a long-time friend. Similarly, Fred Christian (longtime South Florida resident and community activists) shared his experience of facing some kind of obstacle at every stage of the housing process and explained how this is the sad truth for the disabled community. To round out our conversation, Councilwoman Linda Julien (longtime South Florida resident and official) provided us with her experience as both a South Florida resident and a local government official.
Regardless of where you are in the wealth gap, everyone has lived in place they call home. Whether you live in a mansion in Sunny isles, a two-bed apartment in Doral, or even a small efficiency in Hialeah, having a roof over your head gives you a place to rest, spend time with friends and lay the groundwork for future. Which is why the United Nations believes that housing is human right, rather than a luxury or tangible commodity.
"Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control."
It's important to know the ins and outs of complicated issue like housing. That way you can see issues that affect your local community. By helping friends and family, advocating for your neighborhood, or even voting local elections help make this world a better place not only for our self's, but for the generations after who see the work, that we all made for a better tomorrow.
Haven't catched up on Miami's Housing Crisis? CLICK HERE to see what your missing...
This project was in collaboration with Catalyst Miami and Florida International University, Miami's Housing Crisis was created to help the rising generation begin the conversation on the current housing crisis and urge our readers/listeners to get educated and involved in their community to close the gap. Miami's Housing Crisis includes interviews documenting the experiences of Miami-Dade residents facing the county’s persistent economic inequality (Click here to see full interviews). Participants include community advocates, members of Catalyst Miami programs, and local public officials. The narrators describe the interconnection between the wealth gap and issues of housing, business ownership, and the digital divide. FIU students conducted these oral histories during the Fall 2022 semester for the ENC4331 course Writing, Rhetoric, and Community, taught by Dr. Marta Gierczyk. The project focused on oral history as a research method to explore the concepts of narrative, authorship, voice, and justice. This project was completed with support from Catalyst Miami and FIU’s Digital Collections Center and the Digital Scholar Studio.
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