March 3, 2025
Homeownership within the Black community has never come without challenges. From discriminatory practices to limited access to credit and resources, the journey to owning a home has often been an uphill battle. Yet, thanks to the relentless advocacy of housing pioneers committed to Black homeownership, we’ve witnessed progress—allowing more Black Americans to secure the homes they deserve. Their work continues to inspire change, paving the way for greater equity in homeownership. As we celebrate Black History Month, we celebrate the Black leaders who paved the way for many, advocated for those who felt they had no voice and fought tirelessly for housing equality and affordable homeownership.
Someone very passionate about the advancement of Black homeownership was Robert Church Sr. In the late 19th century, Church founded the Solvent Savings Bank with a goal to extend credit to Black people so they could buy homes and develop businesses despite widespread discrimination. His work laid
the foundation for financial empowerment in Black communities. Another powerhouse in Black housing advocacy is Dorothy Height. A powerful leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Dorothy Height fought for fair housing legislation and worked to end housing discrimination.
Known for their contributions in many cities around the country, the National Urban League has been a major part of the advancement of Black homeownership. During the 1960’s their executive director, Whitney M. Young Jr. played a key role in the advocacy of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 – a monumental win for housing justice.
In recent years, many are working to see change and a leader behind these efforts is John Hope Bryant. Founder of Operation HOPE, Bryant has dedicated his career to bridging economic disparities, recognizing that financial stability is essential for sustainable homeownership. Housing within the Black community has made significant strides, but there’s still work to be done. According to the
Census Bureau, in the fourth quarter of 2023, 45.9% of Black Americans owned their homes—significantly lower than the 73.8% homeownership rate for non-Hispanic White Americans during the same period.
While progress has been made—the Black homeownership rate rose from 42.2% in 2019 to 44.2% in 2021—it remains below the levels seen in 2000. This serves as a reminder that the fight for housing equity continues, and the work of those who paved the way must be carried forward. Their advocacy laid the groundwork, but it’s up to us to build on their legacy—championing policies that promote fair lending, increasing access to financial education, and dismantling the systemic barriers that still hinder Black homeownership today.
