Tag: Marquita Bradshaw

Let’s talk about a challenge that’s weighing on the minds of millions of Americans—housing. Now, for far too many people, especially African Americans, the dream of owning a home feels more and more like it’s slipping out of reach. We’ve seen home prices soar, mortgage rates rise, and the supply of affordable homes dwindle. But the truth is, this crisis runs deeper than just numbers on a page. It’s about fairness, opportunity, and ensuring that everyone in this country has a shot at building a secure future.

Today, the homeownership rate for African Americans stands at just 45.3%, compared to 74.5% for white Americans. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a reflection of decades of discrimination, from redlining to biased lending practices. And it’s holding back millions of families from building wealth, passing it down to their children, and having a stake in the American Dream.

When we look at the numbers, African Americans make up about 12.5% of the U.S. voting-age population. That’s roughly 33 million people who are not only fighting for economic stability but for the political power that comes with it. You see, owning a home isn’t just about a place to live—it’s about economic empowerment. It’s about being part of a community, voting in local elections, and having a voice in shaping the future. And when African Americans are locked out of homeownership, they’re also locked out of this opportunity to build wealth and influence their communities.

We’ve been here before. After World War II, the federal government stepped in to help millions of Americans buy homes and build wealth. But too often, African Americans were left on the sidelines. Today, the barriers are different, but the impact is the same. Tight zoning laws, outdated policies, and a lack of affordable housing options are making it harder for African American families to buy homes. It’s time to change that.

We need to cut through the red tape and work with developers to build more affordable homes in all communities, especially those that have been historically excluded. Expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit is a step in the right direction, but we need to go further. The federal government must partner with local governments to create housing opportunities that work for everyone.

In places like Chattanooga, Tennessee, we’re seeing innovative solutions—shrinking lot sizes, encouraging more density, and setting up revolving loan funds to help families buy homes. These local efforts are promising, but they need national support to make a real difference. And as we tackle this crisis, we can’t ignore the role of institutional investors. Too many corporate buyers are snapping up homes, driving up prices, and making it even harder for first-time buyers—especially African Americans—to get a foot in the door.

But this isn’t just about housing prices or policies—it’s about people. It’s about young African Americans who are putting off buying homes, delaying major life milestones, and missing out on opportunities to build wealth. It’s about families who want to invest in their future but are being priced out of the market. The housing crisis is holding back the growth of the Black middle class and weakening our communities.

We can’t afford to let this continue. We need bold action at every level—federal, state, and local—to create the conditions for more affordable housing. That means working with developers, tearing down the barriers that slow down construction, and giving African American families the support they need to buy homes and build a future. Because this isn’t just about housing—it’s about creating a fairer, stronger America where everyone, no matter where they come from, has a shot at the American Dream.

So, let’s get to work. Together, we can build a future where homeownership is within reach for every American, and where African Americans have the same opportunities to build wealth, invest in their communities, and fully participate in our democracy. That’s the future we should all be fighting for. #Freedom #BeThe1st #RealRealty

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Kirk Clay leads Capitol View Advisors with a vision rooted deeply in our shared values, channeling our collective creativity and strategic insight to bridge communities with the essential information and resources they need to elevate and achieve their dreams.