During a recent city council meeting in Erie, resident Martie Huachuca delivered a passionate address highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by renters and homeowners in the community. Citing a quote from Toni Morrison, Huachuca emphasized the distractions caused by racism, urging the council to focus on pressing issues such as housing discrimination and disrepair.

Huachuca, a young Black woman, expressed her frustration over the treatment of marginalized voices in discussions about racism and housing. She criticized the council for allowing rhetoric to overshadow the real challenges faced by working-class residents, including inadequate living conditions and disrespect from landlords.

In her speech, Huachuca called for support of the Erie Tenant Bills of Rights, describing it as a necessary and overdue measure to protect renters. She vowed to continue advocating for those who cannot voice their concerns and pledged to support candidates who prioritize housing issues in future elections.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing housing-related challenges in Erie, as community members rallied for change and accountability from their elected officials.