February 26 Training Institute for Tenants & Residents Webinar – Race, Culture, and Equity 101

By Dee Ross, NLIHC Tenant Leader Fellow 

On February 26, NLIHC’s Training Institute for Tenants & Residents (TITR) hosted a webinar titled, “Race, Culture, and Equity 101,” with more than 350 participants in attendance. The call explored how race, culture, and systems-level thinking shape housing policy, tenant organizing, and equitable community development. 

NLIHC Tenant Leader Fellow Dee Ross opened the session. Ramina Davidson, NLIHC Vice President of Field Strategy & Innovation, then grounded participants in why this work matters — especially in a time of heightened national division and uncertainty following recent shifts in the federal policy landscape. Ramina emphasized that even amid challenging political moments, advancing racial equity and housing justice remains urgent and necessary. 

During his opening remarks, Dee underscored the purpose of the Institute, stating that it “exists to ensure tenant leaders are equipped not only to respond to the moment, but to shape the future.” 

The session was led by Gabby Ross, NLIHC Manager of IDEAS, and Sid Betancourt, NLIHC Manager of Inclusive Community Engagement. Gabby and Sid clarified key social justice-focused concepts–including racial justice, racial equity, diversity, inclusion, and equity–and stressed the importance of intentional systematic change to eliminate disparities. 

Participants examined NLIHC’s IDEAS framework — Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Systems-Thinking — and discussed how internal organizational practices and external engagement with renters' center lived experience and promote equitable outcomes. 

A central theme of the session focused on culture as a driver of policy. Presenters highlighted that culture shapes beliefs, beliefs shape behavior, and behavior influences laws and systems. The discussion underscored that advancing housing justice requires shifting narratives alongside policy reform. 

The webinar also explored cultural activism, cultural humility, and the importance of self-awareness in equity work. Participants engaged in discussion on how race, justice, and culture intersect in their communities and organizing efforts. 

The session concluded with Dee highlighting powerful examples of tenant-led victories across the country, demonstrating how organized renters have leveraged policy tools, coalition building, and collective action to win stronger protections, expand ownership opportunities, and advance permanent affordability. 

The Training Institute for Tenants & Residents is an initiative committed to empowering renters with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to protect their rights, organize their communities, and influence housing policies. 

The goal of the Institute is to cultivate collective power — from local tenant councils to national organizing efforts — and support tenants and residents in stepping into leadership roles that shape the future of housing justice. 

The presentation slides are available here. 

To access past webinars and learn more about upcoming courses, visit: 
https://nlihc.org/training-institute 

For questions or to learn more about how you can become involved, please contact [email protected].