Published by: History Press/Arcadia Publishing
ISBN13: 978-1467118651
Buy the Book: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop
Overview
In the early1950’s many African Americans left the South for a better life in the North. In South Bend, Indiana, they found work at the Studebaker factory, but also met Jim Crow in the North.
And yet the group that called itself Better Homes of South Bend defied rampant segregation and discrimination to build 22 homes in a white neighborhood.
More than that, they created a vibrant, supportive community so that their children and grandchildren became productive citizens, many of them with college degrees.
Better Homes demonstrates the crucial importance of of fair housing for generations to come.
It is, however, a victory in a battle that is not won yet since housing discrimination and redlining persist until today.
Reviews and Recognition
- Featured at Fighting For Housing Conference, University of Notre Dame, April 19-21, 2018
- Supplementary feature of “One Book/One Michiana”2017
- Selected “One Bar, One Book” by the St. Joseph County Bar Foundation in 2016
- “An eye opening look at racial issues in America after WW II and up to the present.” — Don Halasz, GOODREADS
- “Insightful and powerful. A part of South Bend’s history that cannot be ignored.” — Carter A, GOODREADS
Better Homes: The Play
Written by Caleen Jennings, performed at the South Bend Civic Theater, November, 2023.
Better Homes: The Play Educational Resource Packet
Video interview “Better Homes: The Play” premiering at South Bend Civic Theatre, WNDU, 2023
Descendants of Better Homes’ families at the opening night of the South Bend Civic Theaters’ production of “Better Homes: The Play”.
Watch the full play on YouTube.
Better Homes State Historic Marker
In 2016, the state dedicated a historical marker to the Better Homes of South Bend housing development at the corner of North Elmer Street and Keller Street, with Mayor Pete Buttigieg speaking at the dedication.
Leroy Cobb, original member of Better Homes, and Gabrielle Robinson at dedication of Better Homes State Historic Marker.
Better Homes of South Bend historical marker – front
Better Homes of South Bend historical marker – back
