By Dr. Anthony Kellum
Over the past six decades, the African American community has made significant strides toward homeownership, building generational wealth and stability. Yet, the current political climate, particularly under the Trump administration’s push to roll back housing protections, threatens to undo these hard-earned gains.
The Political Landscape and Its Impact
Recent policy shifts have aimed to dismantle key housing protections that were designed to promote fair lending and equitable access. This includes potential rollbacks of the Fair Housing Act and the Community Reinvestment Act, which have historically been crucial in addressing housing discrimination and ensuring that Black communities have fair access to mortgages.
The Importance of Homeownership
Homeownership is more than simply having a roof over one’s head; it is the cornerstone of economic security and social mobility in America. It provides a stable environment for families and a foundation for intergenerational wealth. A home is an appreciating asset one that not only provides shelter but also creates an opportunity to build equity over time. That equity can be leveraged for education, entrepreneurship, retirement, or to weather unexpected financial storms. For African Americans, the significance of homeownership carries even greater weight because of how long access to it was deliberately denied.
For decades, Black families were excluded from mortgage credit and locked out of desirable neighborhoods through redlining, racially restrictive covenants, and predatory lending. These discriminatory practices robbed generations of the chance to build wealth in the same way many white families did. As a result, today’s racial wealth gap is not accidental, it is the cumulative effect of denied opportunities.
Yet when African Americans own homes, the benefits extend far beyond the individual household. Ownership brings stability to families, reduces the risk of displacement, and anchors communities. Children are more likely to do better in school, graduate, and pursue higher education. Neighborhoods with higher rates of ownership often enjoy lower crime rates, stronger civic engagement, and higher property values, all of which reinforce a cycle of empowerment.
Homeownership is also the foundation of intergenerational wealth, the ability to pass down not just money, but an asset that grows in value and creates opportunity for the next generation. This is especially critical for Black families, where the absence of inherited wealth has meant starting from scratch, generation after generation. A home changes that equation: it provides collateral, financial flexibility, and most importantly, the chance to leave something tangible behind.
In this way, homeownership is not just about financial transactions, it is about dignity, stability, and power. For African Americans, achieving and sustaining homeownership is a direct challenge to centuries of exclusion. Every home purchased is more than a milestone for one family; it is a step toward closing the racial wealth gap and rewriting the narrative of what economic empowerment looks like in Black America.
Standing Up and Fighting Back
In this critical moment, it’s vital for the Black community to stay politically engaged and vigilant. Advocacy and activism are key. By participating in local and national political processes, advocating
fair housing policies, and supporting leaders who prioritize equity, we can protect the progress we’ve made and push back against policies that threaten it.
Tips for Empowerment and Action
- Stay Informed and Engaged – Follow policy changes and understand how they impact housing.
- Advocate for Fair Policies – Support legislation and leaders that promote equitable housing and fair lending practices.
- Educate and Empower Your Community – Share knowledge about homeownership, credit-building, and political advocacy.
- Support Black-Owned Businesses and Initiatives – Strengthen the community by backing efforts that uplift Black homeownership and economic empowerment.
- Stay Persistent and Resilient – The fight for fair housing is ongoing. Patience and perseverance are essential as we protect and expand our gains.
Conclusion
The current political climate may present challenges, but it also underscores the importance of unity, activism, and education. By standing up for our rights and safeguarding the progress made, the Black community can continue to turn property into power. Together, we can ensure that homeownership remains a pillar of empowerment and opportunity for generations to come.
Dr. Anthony O. Kellum – CEO of Kellum Mortgage, LLC
Homeownership Advocate, Speaker, Author
NMLS # 1267030 NMLS #1567030
O: 313-710-9025 W: www.KelluMortgage.com.
Property is Power! is a movement to promote home and community ownership. Studies indicate
homeownership leads to higher graduation rates, family wealth, and community involvement.
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