Richard and Leah Rothstein "Just Action" Book Launch Event Recap

We hosted a conversation and book signing on June 1, 2023 featuring Richard Rothstein, distinguished New York Times bestselling author renowned for his groundbreaking work on race and segregation in America. Rothstein's earlier book, "The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America," is widely considered one of the most important and influential works on the subject. He was joined by his daughter and co-author of his latest book, “Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law," Leah Rothstein, a highly respected housing policy consultant. 

Richard and Leah's new co-authored book, “Just Action" provides a crucial blueprint for action for concerned citizens and community leaders alike. Their new work describes dozens of tangible strategies that readers and supporters can undertake in their own communities to make their commitment real, producing victories that might finally challenge residential segregation and help remedy America's profoundly unconstitutional past. Richard and Leah were joined by City of Chicago Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara. 

Watch a Recording of the Event

Recording of event on June 1, 2023 at Chicago Cultural Center.

VIew Photos from the evening

Chicago Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara speaks to the crowd.

Chicago Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara sits next to Leah and Richard Rothstein. Richard Rothstein speaks into a microphone.

Chicago Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara sits next to Leah and Richard Rothstein. Richard Rothstein speaks into a microphone.

Leah Rothstein speaks into a microphone while sitting in front of a screen with the National Public Housing Museum’s logo on it. Richard Rothstein sits next to her.

Leah Rothstein speaks into microphone.

ASL interpreter Makeda Duncan, Leah Rothstein, Richard Rothstein, and Marisa Novara sit in a row in front of a screen. They face a large crowd.

Leah Rothstein, Richard Rothstein, and Marisa Novara sit in a row.

ASL interpreter Makeda Duncan, Leah Rothstein, and Richard Rothstein sit in a row in front of a screen at the Chicago Cultural Center.

ASL interpreter Makeda Duncan, Leah Rothstein, Richard Rothstein, and Marisa Novara sit in a row in front of a screen. The screen has a photo of the book “Just Action” on it along with logos for the National Public Housing Museum and btcRE.

A crowd sits in the Chicago Cultural Center’s G.A.R. Hall, an ornate room with soaring ceilings and large windows.

Richard Rothstein speaks into a microphone while seated.

ASL interpreter Makeda Duncan, Leah Rothstein, Richard Rothstein, and Marisa Novara sit in a row in front of a screen. They face a large crowd.

Noor Shawaf of Seminary Co-op Bookstores leans across a table and pulls up a payment portal on her cell phone. Another person stands across the table with a mask on and their credit card in their hands.

Richard and Leah Rosthein sit at a table and sign books for people standing on the other side of the table.

Richard and Leah Rosthein sit at a table and sign books for people standing on the other side of the table.

Authors Richard and Leah Rothstein stand next to co-founder of btcRE, M. Ryan Gorman, the sponsor of the event. They all stand in front of a branded white banner with small National Public Housing Museum logos repeated across it.

Authors Richard and Leah Rothstein stand with National Public Housing Museum Associate Director Tiff Beatty, Executive Director Lisa Yun Lee, and Board Member Deborah Bennett. They all stand in front of a branded white banner with small National Public Housing Museum logos repeated across it.

Authors Richard and Leah Rothstein stand in front of a branded white banner with small National Public Housing Museum logos repeated across it.

This event was sponsored by btcRE LLC and was in partnership with Seminary Co-op Bookstores and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

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