Racially Restrictive Covenants in Wayzata and Plymouth Neighborhoods

Discriminatory covenants, meaning agreements by lease, deed, or other legal contract, have been used to keep people of color from buying houses in certain Minnesota neighborhoods, including some of our own. The result is a century of segregated communities.

Together, we can acknowledge this discrimination, discharge these covenants and build a foundation for more inclusive communities.

Property deed restrictions that prevented Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, Jewish people and others from owning properties have had persistent impacts on the health and wealth of these areas. Although racial covenants have been illegal and unenforceable for decades, they remain on the titles of these properties today. The impact of these practices in Minneapolis and Hennepin County have been made apparent through the work of Mapping Prejudice and in the PBS documentary, “The Jim Crow of the North,” which is recommended viewing prior to the event.

In this session, you will hear a brief summary of the history and legacy of these practices. You will learn about the Just Deeds Coalition, which helps property owners remove the racial covenants from their property deeds and educates the community about this hidden history.

A second, follow-up event is being planned for June 17th to discuss how to confront racism in our cities and lead communities to equitable outcomes.

Learn more about Just Deeds.

Supporting Organizations:
League of Women Voters of Wayzata-Plymouth Area, Just Deeds, City of Wayzata, Wayzata Community Education, Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka, Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners, and Citizens 4 Racial Equity