By Ovetta Wiggins
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, July 10, 2008

The Prince George's County branch of the NAACP is urging homeowners who think they have been victims of mortgage discrimination to contact the organization to become part of a federal lawsuit against lenders and banks.

The NAACP sued 17 of the country's largest lenders last year, alleging discriminatory practices. The first hearing in the lawsuit is scheduled for the end of this month, NAACP officials said.

"The NAACP has compiled evidence which proves that when credit, income and other qualifications were equal, many African Americans received less favorable loan terms than similar-situated borrowers," said June White Dillard, president of the county branch.

Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince George's), chairman of the county Senate delegation, said he had "grave concerns over the mortgage crisis and its disproportionate impact on Prince George's County residents.

"It is infuriating to know that many citizens of this great state who have worked hard to achieve the American dream have seen their dream shattered basically by thieving lenders who have basically stolen those dreams from people targeted and discriminated against because of their skin color. This is un-American, and it demands action."

The county branch made the appeal to homeowners July 2 during the National Day of Action against mortgage discrimination. Branches across the country held news conferences last week to make a special appeal.

Anyone who might have been victimized should contact the branch office at 301-883-4941 or the national general counsel at 410-580-5777.