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Bloomberg’s Greenwood Initiative Aims to Create One Million New Black Homeowners

NNPA NEWSWIRE — According to Steve Benjamin, mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, and a spokesman for the Bloomberg Campaign, “Mike doesn’t just talk about ideas; he actually gets things done. When he was mayor of New York City, he focused not only on creating more homeowners, but also on making sure that there was more affordable housing. In his 12 years as mayor he created and retained more than 175,000 units of affordable housing. That is something he is particularly proud of.”

Published

5 years ago

February 27, 2020

Oakland Post

Bloomberg intends to make better and wider use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which are available in communities throughout the U.S.

By Christopher G. Cox, publisher and managing editor, www.realesavvy.com

One key component of Democratic Presidential Candidate Michael Bloomberg’s Greenwood Initiative calls for the creation of one million new Black homeowners by providing down-payment assistance; getting millions of dollars banked and recognized by credit scoring companies; enforcing fair lending laws; reducing foreclosure evictions; and increasing the supply of affordable housing.

According to Steve Benjamin, mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, and a spokesman for the Bloomberg Campaign, “Mike doesn’t just talk about ideas; he actually gets things done. When he was mayor of New York City, he focused not only on creating more homeowners, but also on making sure that there was more affordable housing. In his 12 years as mayor he created and retained more than 175,000 units of affordable housing. That is something he is particularly proud of.”

Others components of the Greenwood Initiative, unveiled in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a way to deliver “economic justice” for Black America, include creating 100,000 new Black-owned businesses; committing $70 billion in funding and technical support to revitalize 100 of the nation’s most disadvantaged communities; reinvigorating the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department; and requiring more transparency from employers in their hiring, pay, lending and procurement procedures.

Bloomberg also pledges to reduce housing segregation; require implicit bias training for police, teachers and federal contractors; and to expand and protect voting rights.

Addressing the goal of increasing Black homeownership, Benjamin discussed Bloomberg’s intention to make better and wider use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which are available in communities throughout the U.S.

“What we’ve been doing right here in Columbia,” Benjamin noted, “is using CDBG dollars as leverage working with larger banks.” He explained that these federal funds can lower the cost of a loan by boosting the down payment to 20 percent of the mortgage amount.

“Basically, coming to a bank with a proposition that we will provide down payment assistance that will equate to 20 percent of the mortgage makes the loan financing much more attractive for both the borrower and the lender,” he adds. “If you put down five percent you get one rate, if you put down 10 percent you get another rate, if you put down 20 percent, you get the primo rate.”

Benjamin points out that Columbia piloted a homeownership program 15 years ago working with six or seven banks that has grown to a mortgage loan portfolio of about $130 million dollars.

“We have loans of from $100,000 up to a quarter of a million dollars and it has been incredibly popular, not just creating affordable housing, but also creating more available workforce housing,” said Benjamin. This category of housing, he explains, makes it possible for school teachers and police officers to actually live in the communities where they work.

“It’s a wonderful way to forge a public/private partnership that benefits people every single day,” Benjamin said. Communities start dealing with a number of important social consequences when they are able to encourage officers who police a community every day to actually live in their communities, he added.

“Mike realizes that homeownership is the gateway to the middle class,” notes Benjamin. “The reality is that the entire American middle class was created in the mid-20th century by giving people mortgages to buy homes. So, we’re talking about doing those same things that were done 70 or 80 years ago, but this time focusing on Black America. Ultimately, this is really about trying to create generational wealth for Black homeowners.”

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org