Property is Power: Buy the Block! What It Means for the Black Community

October 29, 2025

Dr. Anthony O. Kellum argues that Black Americans can reverse decades of systemic disinvestment in their communities through strategic property ownership and local investment. He explains that when Black residents purchase homes and businesses within their own neighborhoods, they create economic stability, retain wealth within the community, and prevent displacement-driven gentrification.

Who is affected

Black communities and historically Black neighborhoods
Black homeowners, entrepreneurs, and investors
Black households experiencing the racial homeownership gap
Local businesses (barbers, café owners, shops) in Black neighborhoods
Local talent seeking employment
Families living in these communities
Students in local schools

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are stated in the article. The article primarily advocates for future actions and describes potential strategies rather than reporting on current initiatives.

Why it matters

Property ownership in Black communities creates a multiplier effect that keeps wealth circulating locally rather than flowing out through rent or corporate ownership. Reversing the historical impacts of redlining, predatory lending, and disinvestment can close the 30-percentage-point racial homeownership gap. Local ownership ensures that neighborhood revitalization leads to regeneration rather than displacement-driven gentrification. Homeownership remains the largest contributor to wealth among Black households and creates stability, attracts businesses, and increases neighborhood pride while supporting better schools and services through increased tax revenue.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle