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Racial Equity Team

The Racial Equity Team focuses on racial justice, racial equity, and Mount Olivet's role in systemic racism.

About

The Racial Equity Team devises plans and strategies to share with the Mount Olivet community and with our neighbors in Arlington and beyond.

Since the formation of this group, we have:

Weekly Resources

Week of:

August 2, 2026

Chicago Contract Buyers League

We know that redlining prevented Black would-be homeowners from obtaining conventional mortgages, but that did not necessarily end their dreams of buying a house. In this week's resources learn how unscrupulous people preyed on the fears of White homeowners, convincing them to sell at below-market prices and then reselling immediately to Black buyers at vastly inflated prices using a contract in lieu of a mortgage. The buyers built no equity but had all the obligations of ownership while the seller retained title and could evict the new owners for one missed payment. In the late 1960s the Chicago Contract Buyers League was created to fight back against the inequities of this system.

Clyde Ross "bought" his North Lawndale home on contract in 1961. He was able to keep it after joining the Contract Buyers League, which fought for legitimate mortgages by staging a payment strike. Credit: Photo by Sophia Nahli Allison
Clyde Ross "bought" his North Lawndale home on contract in 1961. He was able to keep it after joining the Contract Buyers League, which fought for legitimate mortgages by staging a payment strike. Credit: Photo by Sophia Nahli Allison
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Black History of Arlington

Consider walking in the footsteps of our neighbors by visiting a series of sites, memorials, and living testaments to the courage, resilience, and faith of our African American neighbors. There are two tours that seek to capture glimpses into the story of North and South Arlington. We pray they may serve as the first step in the long walk towards racial equity and justice in Arlington.

download north arlington tour bookletdownload south arlington tour booklet

Mount Olivet & Racism

Read a short report by Jim Dake on the history of Mount Olivet and racism within Arlington and the United Methodist Church.

Read the report

Get Involved

Start here to learn more about the Racial Equity Team at Mount Olivet, or browse current events to see what's coming next.