Buy Back the Block...Nope I'm not Buying It!

The concept of buying back the block is an ideology that increasing Black ownership will uplift the community in which the residents reside. Nipsey Hussle became a role model because of his business investments and employment opportunities that he created right in his community. Please don't let the title of this article confuse you, Black business ownership is a very important piece of the puzzle, but that's just it; it is only a piece of the puzzle. In addition, business loan obtainment is significantly lower for Black owned business in predominately Black neighborhoods. Banks do not want to invest money where there is no money. True neighborhood revitalization and stabilization requires a holistic approach that addresses not only business ownership but, home ownership, financial stability, wealth building, and education.

True neighborhood stabilization and revitalization begins in the homes and then branches out into the community. As long as poverty exists in the c

ommunity, problems will also exists in the community. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, communities that are living below the poverty line are more likely to have stress induced illness; suffer from mental illness; have lower educational attrition rates and higher crime rates (2020). These statistics are significantly higher for the Black community. The only way to really grow and uplift the Black Community is by tackling each area that defines financial, social, and cultural wealth. Employment and educational opportunities coupled with home ownership and business financing are key elements that really determine the sustainability of a neighborhood. There are many programs that tackle these issues individually, but very few that tackle these issues collectively. Awesome programs such as Beyond Housing provides a holistic approach to community building. They offer home ownership grants; financial education courses;college scholarship and savings programs; and career building education. However, funding limitations, program eligibility complications and extensive wait lists often deter potential applicants.

In order to really address the needs of the Black community, you really need to work home by home and block by block. Start in the home by offering families career and education opportunities. Create incentives for completion of these programs. Create after school programs that are tailored for working parents as well as those that are taking college courses in the evening. Many of these programs will require financial backing either through government or private resources. If these resources are not available, grab a couple of your friends from different fields and create mentoring cohorts. Each cohort will consist of individuals from different fields and professions. They can adopt 5-10 families at a time and mentor them on all areas of financial, social, and cultural wealth building.

Bringing up the community is very possible. It will take a holistic approach to do so. Tap into resources that are available through your local government and community agencies. If that isn't available, create your own resources through volunteerism and mentoring.