We’ve all had those moments where we learn something so shocking that it completely changes the way we see the world.
For many people, The Color of Law was that moment.
Richard Rothstein’s book exposed how federal, state, and local governments intentionally segregated neighborhoods, ensuring that Black and Latino families were excluded from homeownership opportunities that built generational wealth for white families.
But after the book came out, the same question kept coming up:
"Now that we know this, what can we do about it?"
That’s why Richard and his daughter Leah Rothstein wrote Just Action—a guide for real solutions that everyday people can implement in their communities.
Why Just Action Had to Be Written
Richard originally planned to retire after The Color of Law. But after speaking with readers across the country, he realized there was unfinished business.
“I got asked that question so much that I figured I had to write a sequel about what we can do about it now.”
And that’s where Leah comes in. With a background in housing policy and advocacy, she helped turn Just Action into a playbook for change—one that doesn’t rely on waiting for the government to fix things.
Why Local Action Matters More Than Federal Policy
One of the most surprising things Richard shared was that we can’t depend on national policies to fix segregation.
Why? Because political willpower at the federal level simply doesn’t exist right now.
Instead, Just Action focuses on local change. That means:
1. Pushing for zoning laws that allow for more affordable housing.
2. Challenging discriminatory lending practices in local banks.
3. Advocating for stronger tenant protections.
4. Ensuring city policies don’t contribute to modern-day segregation.
As Richard puts it:
“Once you have a segregated society, the maintenance of that segregation is largely local.”
Translation? If we want to make a difference, we need to start where we live.
A Missed Opportunity After the 2020 Protests
One of the most frustrating realities of our time is how easily momentum for change can fade.
After the George Floyd protests in 2020, 20 million people marched in support of racial justice—the largest movement of its kind in U.S. history. But what happened after the protests ended?
“Most of those 20 million people went home, put ‘Black Lives Matter’ signs in their windows, and did nothing further.”
It wasn’t that people didn’t care. It’s that many didn’t know what to do next.
That’s exactly why Just Action exists—to show people the next steps beyond raising awareness.
Watch the Full Conversation
Richard and Leah break down these insights in our conversation. Watch this section here:
Video Timestamp: 00:06:39 - 00:11:52
And don’t miss Part 3, where we talk about gentrification and how small actions—like where you buy your groceries—can make a huge impact.
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