' And Senator Jeff Sessions, the nominee for attorney-general, has been criticized by civil-liberties advocates for what they consider his regressive views on the rights of women, sexual minorities and African Americans. '

What specific things did he do that were "regressive."  Even his Justice Dept. officials in DC said at the time when Sessions was a prosector in Alabama is that he (Sessions) vigorously prosecuted hate crimes against black Americans when others in the South were reluctant to do so.

You also say discrimination (past and present)  keeps African Americans from owning homes.  I think discrimination exists, but this is an off the wall statement that would have us believe this is the total cause.  It is not.  Lack of education, skills, and good jobs leading to lower income does not allow them to get on the housing ladder.  This is not discrimination, it is economics, attributed to social policies designed to keep black support for the Democrats.

Fake News Ibbotson!