The Color Tax: Origins of the Modern-Day Racial Wealth Gap, is Episode 3 of the five-part documentary series, Shame of Chicago.

The Color Tax tells the story of how a system of predatory home contract sales during the 1950s and 60s plundered enormous sums of wealth from black families seeking the American dream of homeownership, but denied access to standard mortgages. In a compelling narrative format,

The Color Tax documents who peddled the contracts, how and why they were allowed to do it, and what happened when black families organized to fight back, in one of Chicago’s most heart-wrenching and perilous campaigns for racial and economic justice.

“If our nation is to realize the promise of equity—a just and fair society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential—we must acknowledge our racist past and make amends. The Color Tax lays bare the oppressive design of an economy that today leaves more than 100 million people behind. While this history is gut-wrenching, the resilience, courage, and strength of black families to end the predatory housing practices of the ‘60s provide hope for our nation’s future. The Color Tax is brilliant and a must-watch for anyone striving to achieve racial equity in America.”

“In a word, it was RAW, and A MUST SEE. This is a history I'm sure many of us have heard of, however, for me at least, a born and raised Chicagoan, NEVER, realized the cruelty of the system, nor the depth of the strengths and sacrifices of our parents, and their parents. This is important, not only for us, but equally for our children to see and gain a better appreciation for our varied struggles.”

Eugene Varnado, Trustee of Providence Bank and Trust

and Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago

Hyde Park Historical Society presents The Color Tax: Origins of the Modern Day Racial Wealth Gap