by Anthony O. Kellum
To be frank with you, I have been struggling with what to write and how to proceed during this very difficult time in society. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial discourse many of us have been living through our entire lives and on the other hand, many people have denied an issue even existed … either way change is a coming and it is about time.
As we live through this tumoultuous time, one thing I know for certain is JUSTICE is what is needed to have equality. Which is what this is really all about. Justice. I lived through Rodney King in 1992. Some of you may remember. The killing of black and brown people is systematic racism and has gone on far too long. Over 400 years to be exact. It’s time for everyone to get involved.
We are living in a terrible reality. Let’s not forget all of the lawlessness and violence that has taken the lives of so many unarmed men and women of color by the police. This is America’s problem; it is not just the problem of black and brown people!
Like many of you, I am angry. I have four kids … two sons whom I worry about immensely every single day since the day they were born. I sit back and I think, what can we do and how can we change the atrocities bestowed on the African American families … besides the obvious of teaching all of my kids about humanity. I ponder on what can we do to empower ourselves?
I have come to a few conclusions, that may put us in a better standing and that is to stop overspending, spend your money wisely and spend your money with people who respect and value you as a human being As we continue to push forward in these unprecedented times in American history let’s stay focused and change the course of America.
Now is the time for you to take charge of your finances. One way you can do that is to own you own. Property is Power. Now it’s more important than ever to secure your future and the future of your family. It’s a great way to establish your legacy.
According to The National Association of Realtors, “the ownership rate for non-Hispanic white Americans has been consistently above 71 percent from 2016 to 2019.” However, during that same time frame the homeownership rate for African Americans is 41 percent and for Hispanic Americans has held above 45 percent and for Asian Americans it has been above 53 percent. As we can see there are many disparities.
However, there are many advantages to home property ownership; such as ownership provides benefits for not only individuals but for communities at-large as well. With ownership comes wealth building, families are provided with greater control over living environments, creates incentives for households to better maintain their homes and there is also a benefit for children growing up in a home owned by their family. In addition, homeownership also benefits neighborhoods because owners have a financial stake in the quality of the local community.
So you see, owning you own is the way to go. You can make a difference in the trajectory of your life and your family. Sure it will take some sacrifices but it is absolutely worth it.
Love and Peace!
As in the words of Marvin Gaye:
“There’s Far too Many of You Dying…
We’ve Got to Find A Way!”
(Anthony O. Kellum, Speaker, Author, TV Host and President of Kellum Mortgage.)
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