Black leaders have identified housing discrimination as a key source of the wealth gap between Blacks and Whites in America.

Economic equality means reversing the impact of that discrimination. Over the past 40 years, gentrification has reduced the Black population in Seattle’s Central District from 85% to 15%. The Nehemiah Initiative is a collaboration between Black churches in the CD and the University of Washington School of Architecture. It aims to stabilize the Black population in the CD through the creation of affordable housing and opportunities for home ownership. Through its connection with BJBBC, The Nehemiah Initiative is seeking the support and partnership of the Jewish community in this venture.