Some critics blame the Community Reinvestment Act for the mortgage meltdown that prompted the current deep recession. Others point to the abuses of subprime lending and Wall Street manipulation. Yet questions about the impact of the economic collapse on African American communities—and about the future of neighborhood stability, consumer access to credit, and the role of race in public policy—remain unanswered. As the federal government acts to reverse the economy's decline, what have we learned, and what does the future hold?

These are some of the issues that will be covered in the Milano and the Center for New York City Affairs 2009 Nathan W. Levin Lecture on Monday, October 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The featured keynote is Hon. Maxine Waters, U.S. Representative (D-Calif.). This will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Darrick Hamilton, assistant professor, Milano The New School for Management and Urban Policy, and includes James Carr, COO, National Community Reinvestment Coalition; Sarah Ludwig, executive director, NEDAP; and Louis Prezeau, president & CEO, City National Bank.

This event is free but seating is limited, so reservations are required by calling 212.229.5418 or emailing centernyc@newschool.edu.

Established in 1989 in honor of the late Nathan Levin, a trustee and acting president of The New School, the Levin Lecture explores the issues of race, poverty, and public policy. This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco