Predatory Lending and the Destruction of the African-American Dream

Authors

Janis P. Sarra, Allard School of Law at the University of British ColumbiaFollow
Cheryl L. Wade, St. John's University School of Law

Author Notes

Emeritus Faculty [Janis P. Sarra]

Files

Description

Since the Great Recession of 2008, the racial wealth gap between black and white Americans has continued to widen. In Predatory Lending and the Destruction of the African-American Dream, Janis Sarra and Cheryl Wade detail the reasons for this failure by analyzing the economic exploitation of African Americans, with a focus on predatory practices in the home mortgage context. They also examine the failure of reform and litigation efforts ostensibly aimed at addressing this form of racial discrimination. This research, augmented by first-hand narratives, provides invaluable insight into the racial wealth gap by vividly illustrating the predation that targets African-American consumers and examining the intentionally obfuscating settlement terms of cases brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, states attorneys, and municipalities. The authors conclude by offering structural, systemic changes to address predatory practices. This important work should be read by anyone seeking to understand racial inequality in the United States.

[From Predatory lending and destruction african american dream | Socio-legal studies | Cambridge University Press]

ISBN

9781108811583

Publication Date

2020

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Keywords

Area Studies, Socio-Legal Studies, American Studies, American Government, Politics and Policy, Law, Politics and International Relations

Disciplines

Law