Who We Are

About FHCMM

The Fair Housing Council of Metropolitan Memphis (FHCMM) is dedicated to ensuring fair, safe, and equitable housing for all individuals, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, or physical and mental ability. We firmly believe that access to equitable housing is a fundamental human right, and we are committed to eliminating the systemic barriers that perpetuate housing discrimination and inequality.

Our Calling

At the core of FHCMM is a steadfast commitment to advocacy, education, community engagement, and enforcement. We advocate for robust policies that uphold housing rights and work tirelessly to effect change that promotes inclusivity and fairness. Through comprehensive educational initiatives, we will empower Memphis individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the complex housing landscape and assert their rights. Our community engagement efforts are designed to foster collaboration and solidarity, bringing together diverse groups to address housing challenges collectively.

The Importance and Urgency of Our Cause

The issue of housing inequality has profound negative impacts on individuals and communities. Discriminatory practices in housing perpetuate social and economic disparities, leading to divisions and marginalization. The lack of safe and equitable housing can result in adverse health outcomes, limited access to education and employment opportunities, and overall diminished quality of life. By addressing these inequities, we aim to create a more just and inclusive society where everyone can thrive. In conclusion, FHCMM is unwavering in its dedication to ensuring that everyone has access to fair, safe, and equitable housing. Through our advocacy, education, and community engagement efforts, we strive to eliminate the obstacles that hinder housing equality and foster a community where everyone can live with dignity and security. We invite you to join us in this critical mission to make a lasting and impactful difference.

Who We Serve

We partner with tenants, homeowners, and home seekers, as well as professionals, companies and social agencies, to ensure they understand their fair housing rights and responsibilities, as well as those of the individuals they serve.

Counties Served

Tennessee

Fayette
Shelby
Tipton

Mississippi

Benton
Coahoma
DeSoto
Marshall
Tate
Tunica

Arkansas

Crittenden
St. Francis

History

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Fight for Fair Housing in Memphis

In the spring of 1968, Memphis became a battleground for civil rights as sanitation workers, predominantly African American, went on strike to protest deplorable working conditions and low wages. The tragic deaths of Echol Cole and Robert Walker, two sanitation workers crushed to death by a malfunctioning garbage truck, ignited the strike and drew national attention to the plight of African American workers in Memphis.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. heeded the call to support the striking workers, recognizing their struggle as a microcosm of the broader fight for racial and economic justice. His arrival in Memphis marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, as he stood in solidarity with the sanitation workers and called for an end to the systemic oppression that perpetuated poverty and inequality.

But the sanitation workers’ strike was not just about fair wages and safe working conditions—it was also about the right to live with dignity and respect. Housing segregation was rampant in Memphis, with African Americans facing discrimination in housing, education, employment, and virtually every aspect of life. Dr. King understood that housing discrimination was a form of structural violence that denied African Americans their basic human rights.

The effects of this strike were keenly felt in the predominantly African American neighborhoods, where garbage piled up for days, underscoring the stark disparities in treatment and resources between black and white communities.

Dr. King’s vision of fair housing was deeply intertwined with his broader civil rights agenda. He believed that true equality could only be achieved when every individual had the freedom to choose where to live, regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. His assassination on April 4, 1968, just one day after delivering his iconic “Mountaintop” speech in Memphis, was a stark reminder of the sacrifices made in the struggle for justice.

Today, the Fair Housing Council of Metropolitan Memphis (FHCMM) continues Dr. King’s legacy by advocating for fair and equal housing opportunities for all residents. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, FHCMM works to dismantle the barriers of discrimination and segregation that still persist in our communities. As we honor the memory of Dr. King and the sacrifices of those who fought for civil rights, let us recommit ourselves to building a society where everyone can live with dignity, equality, and justice.

Connect with Us

3355 Poplar Ave, Suite 112
Memphis, TN 38112

901-538-7700

The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under a grant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Government. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, familial status or disability. For more information, visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing.