Property is Power! How Crucial Is Property Ownership for the Black Community?

December 17, 2025

Dr. Anthony O. Kellum argues that property ownership serves as a fundamental cornerstone for Black American advancement through three interconnected elements: power, protection, and progress. He contends that owning property transforms families from vulnerable renters into stakeholders with control over their environment, shielding them from displacement and economic instability that has historically plagued Black communities.

Who is affected

Black Americans and Black families historically and currently
Children growing up in rented versus owned homes
Black communities vulnerable to gentrification and displacement
Renters facing landlord disputes, evictions, and rising costs
Future generations who would inherit (or not inherit) property and wealth
Black homeowners who gain political and economic leverage
Communities with varying rates of homeownership

What action is being taken

No specific ongoing actions are explicitly described in the article. The article discusses a movement called "Property is Power!" that promotes home and community ownership, but no current implementation activities are detailed.

Why it matters

Property ownership matters because it represents the strongest predictor of wealth accumulation in America and serves as the primary mechanism for closing the racial wealth gap. It provides Black families with protection against historical patterns of displacement, from slavery through urban renewal to modern gentrification, offering stability that cannot be disrupted by landlords or market forces. Ownership creates a psychological and economic shift from short-term thinking to generational planning, fostering security and legacy-building that extends beyond individual families to strengthen entire communities. Furthermore, homeownership translates into greater political power, as property owners vote and engage more frequently in local decisions affecting schools, zoning, and community development, ensuring Black voices are represented in policy-making processes.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle