HOUSTON-Equity as a Goal. Why are you renting or leasing? If you don’t have a good reason, reconsider. Consider building equity as a compelling and gripping reason. Normally, in the African American community we talk about covenants and equity in a biblical sense. Biblically, we are talking about equity relationships with justice and fairness, in other words, leveling the playing field for all. Here we are lasered focused on financial capital. Equity building can take you from the class A minor league ball to the big Leagues.
Financial equity is the sum that you have when you subtract debts from assets. When you have more assets than liabilities, it means that you no longer tell people that you are surviving as cockroaches do. Cockroaches survive, but never prosper. If we build equity, we will be thriving and prospering as real winners do.
The bedrock of financial equity in America for the middle class is home ownership. 2008 Presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg proposed that if he won, his administration would build 1 million homes for African Americans. It is a shame that he was not tall enough and he had an optics problem. We are at this weak home ownership level because of some factors that we could not control, such as historical wage slavery and theft, ghettos as a home because of redlining and other supremacist real estate chicanery. Black returning Veterans would be unable to use the GI bill immediately after the war to build homes. By the way, land theft is a crime and when you submit a fraudulent deed that you acquired through theft, that is fraud.
Owning a home rather than renting is a primary step in wealth building and wealth preservation. Wealth building is Substance. Gold teeth, embedded diamonds, rented jewelry, spinners, and rims equal form.
Harris County Community and Economic Development and the City of Houston feature a Home Ownership Down Payment Plan. This program will help you teach you how to build and repair credit to qualify. Call them today. Don’t procrastinate.
Yes, the sucking sound that you hear is your money being flushed from making bad choices which is partially a result of the miseducation that we have received.
When Booker T. Washington moved from Hampton to Tuskegee, he and his engineers, drafters and carpenters built every building on the campus except the chapel. Washington planned to build houses and hold the mortgage of white homeowners. Then, Washington would see how they voted when Black people held their mortgage. Yes, generally, he who holds the gold rules. Washington and Tuskegee held the gold and equity that made them kings of their own kingdom.
You can’t seize what you don’t own. You can’t repossess what has been paid for. Well, what I mean is that you are protected from seizure by the rule of law until the robbers seize the law.
If you want to impress, if you want to shine, let your diamond sparkle by making a true stakeholder statement for future generations.
Equity allows you to live larger by going from two to four bedroom when your family grows. Equity can answer the question, “Do you have security-collateral?” Rent forever and a day but you will never have the cushion of equity. Houston is going San Francisco real estate crazy. People in California are using their equity and buying large comfortable homes in Houston.
JT, the downfall of too many men and women is not owning the land where they stand and sleep.
Harold Cruse, former Prairie View professor and author of the monumental The Crisis of the Negro Intellectual makes the point that in a country founded on property rights that it is an imperative to be a full citizen, you and your racial group must own property.
Forget about Optics and form and focus on equity. Remember, it is not what you make, it is what you can save.
Search our archive of past issues Receive our Latest Updates
October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
