In today’s day and age, it’s not unlikely to hear unfortunate stories about housing discrimination when it comes to Black folks. But it becomes especially egregious when that discrimination happens to well known public figures like The Wire, Elsbeth and Power Book III: Raising Kanan star Wendell Pierce.
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The veteran actor recently took to social media to share his unfortunate run in, alleging that his renter’s application for an apartment he was renting for a relative of his in Harlem was denied due to racism. Local New Yorkers or outsiders looking to move to the historic neighborhood have long been vocal about the rapidly increasing cost of living in recent years. The once predominately Black area has also seen a demographic change over the years and an increase in luxury buildings which make it prime real estate for notable celebs and people with influence—but it also hikes up the prices and makes for highly-competitive market though inventory keep declining.
“For those of you who don’t understand my righteous anger; I’m on 2 TV series, ELSBETH and RAISING KANAN. I’m filming SUPERMAN. Two years ago, I finished the fourth season of JACK RYAN. Last year I finished a run on Broadway in DEATH OF A SALESMAN. Even with my proof of employment, bank statements and real estate holdings, a white apartment owner DENIED my application to rent the apartment…..in Harlem, of all places,” Pierce wrote on X/Twitter. “Racism and bigots are real. There are those who will do anything to destroy life’s journey for Black folks. When you deny our personal experiences, you are as vile and despicable.”
When he appeared on CNN days after the tweet went viral, he shared that the owners used the excuse that because he couldn’t provide proof of “steady employment”—as most actors work on a short-term contract basis—he was denied the apartment. Piece also said he showed proof of income, bank statements, proof of other properties he owns and even offered to pay a year’s worth of rent in advance—but to no avail.
He went on to share that this was just another example of those in power wielding against Black people and used it as a jump-off point to call attention to the recent federal appeals court ruling to block Fearless Fund’s—an Atlanta-based investment firm—grant program for Black women.
“When evil people plot, good people plan,” Pierce said in a subsequent interview with The Daily Beast. “It was a call to action for me. It infuriated me, but I realized that that meant nothing if I didn’t try to shed light on it, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
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