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.