deedIn follow-up to our Summer 2020 newsletter feature on racial covenants and redlining, we'd like to let you know about a local group that our neighbors in Armatage have started that can be a resource for you. AREA (Armatage Reparations and Equity Action) are a group of neighbors working to raise awareness of the racial covenants that still shape Southwest. They have identified a step-by-step process you can follow to discover and renounce racial covenants. Their website, area1946.com, is relevant to the Pennhurst and Pennhurst Second Addition developments in Armatage and Kenny neighborhoods.
 
For other areas of the neighborhood, the City of Minneapolis has launched a new initiative providing Minneapolis homeowners with the opportunity to learn about, acknowledge and discharge racial covenants recorded against their properties. The City’s Just Deeds Project, led by the City Attorney’s Office, will allow people to reclaim their homes as equitable spaces.
 
Through the City’s Just Deeds Project, Minneapolis homeowners can acknowledge and disclaim the racial covenants recorded against their properties by recording a discharge form against their property title. The City Attorney’s Office staff will assist homeowners in completing this process free of charge. Hennepin County has also waived its typical fees associated with this process. Participation in the City’s program will be first-come, first-serve, subject to staffing availability. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
 
Learn more about the Just Deeds Project by visiting the City’s website or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..