50th anniversary Gala video, photos, and journal

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran speaking with Long Island Housing Services Executive Director Ian Wilder and Board President Connie LassandroCounty Executive Laura Curran speaking with Long island Housing Services Executive Director Ian Wilder and Board President Connie Lassandro
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran speaking with Long Island Housing Services Executive Director Ian Wilder and Board President Connie Lassandro

 

Long Island Housing Services honoree Maxine D. Wilson, PhD.
speaking about being a client and activist.

Dr. Wilson undertook a fourteen year legal battle against housing discrimination, fighting for fair housing and social justice; resulting in a settlement.  Realizing serious abuses involving a network of discriminatory, racist, fraudulent, and unscrupulous real estate developers, builders, brokers, and finance companies, Dr. Wilson staunchly refused to accept improper terms and treatment.  Instrumental in her efforts was the support and technical guidance provided by Long Island Housing Services, as well as in-depth coverage through Newsday.

Dr. Wilson remained steadfast in her values and commitment to her family and the many other hard-working families aspiring to achieve homeownership and seek equity.  She was not deterred by governmental interference, pronouncements of insufficient proof, threats of family harm or attempts to bribe her indifference.  Constitutional and Civil Rights were at stake.  Unwillingness to disallow further race discrimination, fraud, government inertia, veiled and apparent threats of harm are some of the untold obstacles faced which only served to strengthen her resolve to seek justice. Her determination and tireless efforts to winnow the truth, organize, discover and build evidence ultimately led to a successful challenge in Federal Court in a 400-member class action affecting 257 homebuyers in Long Island and Staten Island.

Celebrating 50 years of Long Island Housing Services’ Fair Housing Advocacy

Long Island Housing Services, Inc.  held a October 2, 2019 Gala to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of this principal Fair Housing agency to recognize our extraordinary contributions as a pillar of the Fair Housing movement. Long Island Housing Services’ 50th anniversary journal 2019. Also please see the  Long Island Housing Services 50th Anniversary Retrospective video

HONOREES:

  • Civil rights super attorney Frederick K. Brewington

  • LIHS’ Builders: The Greene Family & Maxine D. Wilson, PhD.

More information about the Gala can be found at Sponsor LIHS’ 50th Anniv Gala on 10/2/19

Ahmad Ali playing during the cocktail hour
Ahmad Ali playing during the cocktail hour

 

Long Island Housing Services Board President Connie Lassandro presenting outgoing Board President Linda Hassberg with a plaque in appreciation
Long Island Housing Services Board President Connie Lassandro presenting outgoing Board President Linda Hassberg with a plaque in appreciation.

 

Gala committee co-chair Jennifer Martin welcoming guests.
Gala committee co-chair Jennifer Martin welcoming guests.

 

Rev. Jeanne Baum providing the opening blessing. Baum is an Honorary Gala committee member and a former Long Island Housing Services volunteer and staff member.
Rev. Jeanne Baum providing the opening blessing. Baum is an Honorary Gala committee member and a former Long Island Housing Services volunteer and staff member.

 

String Trio playing during dinner.
String Trio playing during dinner.

 

Long Island Housing Services Executive Director Ian Wilder presents Deputy Director Marian D. Reid a plaque thanking her for 25 years of service.
Long Island Housing Services Executive Director Ian Wilder presents Deputy Director Marian D. Reid a plaque thanking her for 25 years of service.

 

Honoree civil rights attorney Frederick K. Brewington speaks.
Honoree civil rights attorney Frederick K. Brewington speaks.

 

Barry Greene speaks about his parents agency co-founders Claire Greene and Joseph Greene, Jr. who were honored posthumously
Barry Greene speaks about his parents agency co-founders Claire Greene and Joseph Greene, Jr. who were honored posthumously.

 

Nicole Greene Christensen speaks about her parents agency co-founders Claire Greene and Joseph Greene, Jr. who were honored posthumously
Nicole Greene Christensen speaks about her parents agency co-founders Claire Greene and Joseph Greene, Jr. who were honored posthumously.

 

Long Island Housing Services honoree Maxine D. Wilson, PhD. speaking about being a client and activist.
Long Island Housing Services honoree Maxine D. Wilson, PhD. speaking about being a client and activist.

 

David Berenbaum providing the closing blessing. Berenbaum is an Honorary Gala Committee member and a former Long Island Housing Services Executive Director.
David Berenbaum providing the closing blessing. Berenbaum is an Honorary Gala Committee member and a former Long Island Housing Services Executive Director.