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Black America Web
4 hours ago
- General
- Black America Web
Heirs' Property And Black Land Loss: A Hidden Threat To Generational Wealth
Source: skynesher / Getty For many Black American families, land ownership has long represented more than financial security; it symbolizes survival, self-reliance, and freedom. Yet a quiet crisis has steadily eroded Black landownership across generations. That crisis is known as heirs' property, a legal and cultural issue deeply rooted in America's racial history. It could single-handedly diminish Black land wealth if left untreated. To understand how we got here, we must take a look back at history. The origins of this issue date back to Jan. 16, 1865, when Union General William T. Sherman issued Special Field Order No. 15, according to the National League of Cities. This wartime decree temporarily allocated 400,000 acres of land—roughly half the size of Yosemite National Park—to formerly enslaved Black Americans in 40-acre plots. It was a transformative vision for racial justice, later remembered by the phrase '40 acres and a mule.' But the promise was swiftly rescinded after President Lincoln's assassination. President Andrew Johnson reversed the order and returned the land to former Confederate owners. While a small number of Black families managed to purchase land, systemic racism and legal loopholes quickly began chipping away at those gains. Sadly, many did not have the proper documentation in place to protect their family land so that it could be safely passed down throughout generations. Heirs' property, sometimes referred to as 'tangled title' land, occurs when property is passed down informally from generation to generation without a will or formal estate plan. When the original landowner dies without a legal will, the property is inherited equally by all legal heirs. Over time, this can mean dozens of people may claim ownership of a single piece of land, none of whom hold a clear or marketable title. Without this clear title, families cannot sell the land, develop it, use it as collateral for loans, or qualify for many federal assistance programs. Every new generation adds more heirs to the legal tangle, making resolution more difficult. Source: Yuliia Kaveshnikova / Getty The consequences of heirs' property are particularly devastating for Black families. Between 1900 and 2000, Black Americans lost an estimated 80% of the land they had acquired—approximately 14 million acres, according to a 2023 report published by the Union of Concerned Scientists . This includes nearly 90% of farmland once owned by Black farmers. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), heirs' property is the leading cause of involuntary land loss among Black landowners. Land tied up in unresolved ownership cannot be used effectively, and its value is often locked away. Even worse, heirs' property opens the door to partition sales. Because all heirs share ownership of the entire property, any one of them—even someone who inherits a small percentage—can petition the court to force a sale of the whole property, the Union of Concerned Scientists notes. This process is often exploited by outside speculators, who purchase one heir's share and then force a court-ordered auction. These sales often result in properties being sold for far below market value, robbing families of both land and generational wealth. The roots of heirs' property are tangled up in decades of systemic racism and legal exclusion. During the early 20th century, very few Black lawyers practiced in the South, and many white attorneys refused to work with Black clients or actively worked against their interests. As a result, many families did not have access to legal help for writing wills or managing estates. A landmark study in 1980 estimated that 81% of Black landowners at the time did not have a will. Some families avoided the legal system entirely, often out of mistrust rooted in personal or community experience. For many Black landowners, the court system was not a place of justice; it was another venue for exploitation. Some believed that avoiding formal documentation would better protect their property from being taken away, a belief that ironically left their descendants even more vulnerable. The situation was compounded by discrimination at the institutional level. The USDA has a long-documented history of denying loans, grants, and technical assistance to Black farmers. In fact, Lloyd Wright, a former director of civil rights at the USDA, once referred to it as 'the last plantation.' Class-action lawsuits like Pigford v. Glickman and Pigford II acknowledged decades of discrimination against Black farmers between 1981 and 1996. However, even after legal victories, many Black farmers struggled to receive promised payments. A 2023 analysis found that only 36% of Black farmers who applied for USDA loans received them, compared to 72% of white farmers. Heirs' property also locks families out of many federal programs intended to support farmers, homeowners, and landowners. Without proof of a clear title, these families are often ineligible for disaster relief, agricultural subsidies, and other aid, especially in times of crisis. Source: Vladimir Vladimirov / Getty Heirs' property continues to rob Black families of the land and wealth their ancestors fought so hard to gain. However, there are steps families can take to protect their property and preserve their legacy. The first and most important step is estate planning. Creating a legal will or living trust ensures that land passes clearly and intentionally to chosen heirs. According to the Center for Agriculture & Food Systems , a trust is a legal arrangement used to hold and manage assets, including real estate. Establishing a trust can be an effective way to prevent the creation of heirs' property. If you own land in your name, you might consider transferring that land into a trust. Here's how it works: you transfer the ownership of the land into the trust and name yourself as the trustee, meaning you retain control and manage the property. You can also name yourself as the initial beneficiary, allowing you to continue enjoying the benefits of the land during your lifetime. In the trust document, you would designate successor trustees to take over management after your death, as well as successor beneficiaries who will inherit the benefits of the trust. By keeping ownership within the trust, the land does not pass informally through generations. This structure avoids the legal confusion that leads to heirs' property and ensures a clear, organized plan for who will manage and benefit from the land in the future. Working with a lawyer or nonprofit that specializes in trusts and heirs' property can help sort out the legal claims and create a path forward. Families can also benefit from creating family land agreements. These are internal written contracts that outline how the land will be used, maintained, and passed on. 'A family agreement should include everyone's contributions, what they expect in return, and what should happen if the agreement ends,' Compass notes. Establishing clear communication among heirs—no matter how distant—can prevent confusion and conflict later, if it arises. Legal reforms are also underway to protect Black families and vulnerable communities. A growing number of states have adopted the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA), which offers legal protections for families by giving co-owners the chance to buy out a potential seller's share and requiring fair market value assessments before sales are allowed. While these laws don't solve every problem, they are an important tool for keeping land in the family. Finally, education and open conversation are essential. Families should talk openly about land ownership, inheritance, and planning for the future. The silence surrounding these topics has, in many cases, allowed the issue of heirs' property to grow unchecked. Heirs' property is not just a legal inconvenience. It is a structural barrier that continues to strip Black families of generational wealth, economic opportunity, and community stability. For Black families, protecting that legacy means reclaiming the promise that was denied generations ago, and ensuring that future generations inherit not just property, but power. SEE MORE: Mindset Of An Entrepreneur: Why Black People Should Consider Homesteading To Create Generational Wealth Altadena Not For Sale: Preserving Black Homeownership SEE ALSO Heirs' Property And Black Land Loss: A Hidden Threat To Generational Wealth was originally published on
Boston Globe
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Black America is in a 'state of emergency,' National Urban League report says
This report comes during a time when many Black Americans have voiced concern about the second Trump administration's policies, including its attack on DEI programs at workplaces, colleges and universities and its decision to scale back police reform measures enacted after the murder of George Floyd. Many have also criticized the Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up In the report, the National Urban League said the Trump administration poses threats to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed discriminatory voting practices adopted in southern states after the Civil War. It said that gerrymandering, as well as bans on mail-in ballots and early voting, increase barriers for marginalized populations to vote. Advertisement 'I'm more than worried. I'm outraged that this nation, at this point in its history, would seek to undermine the most successful civil rights law,' Morial said. Advertisement The report also said that rhetoric from conservative media commentators, like Ben Shapiro Morial said those on the far-right 'weaponized the terminology of diversity, equity and inclusion.' The National Urban League additionally criticized the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle affirmative action following Supreme Court rulings against the Rahsaan Hall, President of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, a local affiliate of the National Urban League, said Trump gives 'voice to ideologies that are racist, nativist, xenophobic, homophobic, and anti-immigrant.' 'Much of what we're seeing is not necessarily new. It's just being amplified in a different way,' Hall said. 'It's now more so than ever for Massachusetts residents to bond together.' Hall anticipates federal policies will have a 'significant impact' on marginalized populations in Massachusetts. Hall said cuts to Medicaid will worsen racial disparities in health, as many communities of color rely on the government program. Hall testified at the Massachusetts Statehouse Tuesday in support of a health equity bill. 'We've just been doubling down on the work that we do. Our efforts have been directed at defending democracy,' Hall said. Hall emphasized that voting holds politicians accountable. In response to the 'state of emergency,' the National Urban League encouraged Americans to prepare for state, local, and mayoral elections across the country. 'It's more important for people to be civically engaged — not just voting on election day, but (doing) all of the things that lead up to being an informed voter,' Hall said. Advertisement To increase outreach among underrepresented voter populations, the National Urban League recommended strategies like automatic voter registration, ranked choice voting, and restoring voting rights for formerly incarcerated people. The report called Massachusetts a 'site of resistance' for pushing back against the Trump administration, including 'We use this report as a call to action for people to stand up — whether through protests, litigation, political advocacy, community advocacy, selective purchasing,' Morial said. This story was produced by the Globe's team, which covers the racial wealth gap in Greater Boston. You can sign up for the newsletter . Jessica Ma can be reached at
Boston Globe
a day ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
The Trump administration is showing us its white nationalism
It should shock no one that such a post comes from an administration that has spent the months since President Trump's second inauguration touting its use of draconian immigration tactics. What else would you expect from an administration that is asking DHS's Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to conduct widespread raids, building concentration camp-like detention facilities like the so-called Alligator Alcatraz in the Florida Everglades, and swiftly whisking immigrants — many who have lived, worked, and helped build communities in the country for years — off to countries where they have no connection or where they face deadly threats? Get The Gavel A weekly SCOTUS explainer newsletter by columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Enter Email Sign Up And yet media coverage of these atrocities, as well as policy discussions and advocacy calls to action, often avoid saying the not-at-all-quiet part out loud: In the eyes of this administration, being a non-white person, whether or not you were born on US soil but particularly if you or your parents were not, renders you presumptively un-American. So why aren't we just calling this what it is? Advertisement I suspect it has a lot to do with this country's long and tortured history on race relations, and discussions thereof. My 52 years of being Black in America have taught me that few things make Americans, particularly white Americans, more uncomfortable than talking plainly about racism in America and the forces that advance it — especially when those forces include the government. Advertisement Yes, we can dismiss social media posts like this as tone-deaf or ahistorical, as many comments on the post have, and just move on. But closing our eyes and ears to the administration's white nationalist agenda won't make it go away. Especially not when the agenda is being put on full display. The post itself is like historical Wite-Out, erasing the complex, difficult, and brutal truth of western expansion. Nowhere does it acknowledge the It also conveniently omits the Black Americans who enlisted in Buffalo Soldier regiments, often as an escape from enslavement and post-Civil War brutality in the South, only to find themselves engaged in bloody battles — all in the name of protecting white frontiersmen and their ill-gotten gains. And that is not even to speak of others, like Advertisement The post reminds me of the many Confederate monuments that are still found across the nation. They are hailed, falsely, as an homage to history. But they really are a warning for those in the present: This country has a long history of deciding who the real Americans are, and if you are Black, brown, or from a predominately Black or brown country, that doesn't include you. Remember when The post, perhaps by no coincidence, came as DHS touted the recently passed budget's infusion of cash into draconian immigration efforts, including plans to replicate Alligator Alcatraz in other states, and an announcement that detained immigrants will no longer be granted bond hearings. Anyone not seeing the connection by this point is being willfully blind. But who is speaking truth to this in a clear way? Democrats? No. Most of mainstream media? Uh-uh. Even academics who are otherwise dissenting to every aspect of the administration? Haven't seen it. But you can. To your lawmakers. To your neighbors. To your local news organizations in op-eds and letters to the editor. To your neighbors and family. To anyone who will listen. Complacency and silence create fertile ground for white nationalism. Be clear about what the administration is sowing, and do all you can to spoil the crop. Kimberly Atkins Stohr is a columnist for the Globe. She may be reached at
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
's America's Greatest Workplaces in Health Care 2025
ONTARIO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Prime Healthcare has been recognized as one of America's Greatest Workplaces 2025 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. This recognition reflects Prime's continued commitment to supporting employees and fostering a workplace culture grounded in compassion, accountability and service to others. The ranking is based on more than 400,000 employee interviews and over 4.9 million company reviews nationwide. Prime Healthcare has been named one of America's Greatest Workplaces 2025 by Newsweek, recognizing its commitment to employee well-being, inclusion, and a workplace culture built on compassion, accountability, and service to others. Share Newsweek 's annual ranking commends companies that demonstrate a clear commitment to employee engagement and satisfaction. 'In the healthcare industry especially, organizations that invest in employee well-being are better positioned to meet the needs of their communities,' Jennifer H. Cunningham, Editor-in-Chief of Newsweek said. 'This year's honorees represent workplaces where employees feel supported, heard and valued.' Prime Healthcare operates 51 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations across 14 states, serving more than 2.5 million patients annually. As one of the nation's leading health systems, Prime is recognized for its focus on clinical quality, patient safety, health equity and community-based care, reflecting its mission to save and improve hospitals through measurable results. In addition to its national and healthcare recognitions, Prime Healthcare was also honored by Newsweek in several key categories in 2025, including: Inclusion & Diversity Women Mental Wellbeing Black Americans Parents & Families These distinctions highlight Prime's efforts to create an inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued and supported. 'At Prime, we believe great healthcare begins at the local level, and that the strength of our workforce plays a direct role in delivering quality, compassionate care,' said Sunny Bhatia, MD, President and Chief Medical Officer of Prime Healthcare. 'This recognition affirms our focus on cultivating a supportive environment for all employees, including our nurses, physicians and frontline staff.' Prime's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is part of a broader effort to improve the well-being of employees and the communities it serves. The organization's approach to addressing social determinants of health has been recognized by The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum for advancing health outcomes through systemwide collaboration. In 2025, Prime Healthcare hospitals earned more than 150 clinical quality awards from Healthgrades, including more Patient Safety Excellence Awards than any other health system for the eighth consecutive year. Prime hospitals have also been named among Premier's '100 Top Hospitals' 72 times and recognized by the Lown Institute for achievements in health equity, patient outcomes and value of care. About Prime Healthcare and Prime Healthcare Foundation Prime Healthcare is an award-winning health system operating 51 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations in 14 states, providing over 2.5 million patient visits annually. It is one of the nation's leading health systems, with nearly 57,000 employees and physicians. Eighteen of the Prime Healthcare hospitals are members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. Based in Ontario, California, Prime Healthcare is nationally recognized for award-winning quality care and has been named a 10 Top and 15 Top Health System by Truven Health Analytics. Its hospitals have been named among the nation's '100 Top Hospitals' 72 times and it is one of Healthgrades' most awarded health systems in the nation for patient safety. To learn more, please visit
Black America Web
2 days ago
- Business
- Black America Web
The Retirement Gap: Why Saving For The Future Is Harder For Black Americans
Source: AndreyPopov / Getty Despite rising incomes, many Black Americans continue to face major hurdles when it comes to saving for retirement, according to the 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The survey, which included an oversample of Black workers and retirees, revealed that the racial wealth gap persists across income levels. Among households earning $75,000 or more, just 33% of Black respondents reported having at least $250,000 in savings and investments, compared to 63% of non-Black respondents. Debt is a key factor: 63% of higher-income Black households said debt was a problem, versus 45% of non-Black households at similar income levels. Nearly half of those Black respondents said debt directly impacted their ability to save or retire comfortably. Debt remains a major barrier to wealth building for Black people. For example, Black student loan borrowers are disproportionately burdened by debt, with undergraduate Black borrowers paying an average of $386 per month, according to a 2024 report by the Education Data Initiative. Housing costs further compound this disparity. A 2022 report from Housing Matters found that, on average, Black homeowners pay an additional $13,464 over the life of a mortgage. This extra cost translates to approximately $67,320 in lost retirement savings for Black households, further widening the racial wealth gap. While many Black Americans feel confident managing daily expenses, fewer feel equipped to invest or plan for the long term. Among higher earners, only 77% of Black respondents reported saving for retirement, compared to 87% of non-Black counterparts. Retirement itself looks different, too. Around 44% of Black retirees said they left the workforce earlier than planned due to health issues or disability, compared to 32% of non-Black retirees. Many also returned to work for financial reasons and were more likely to say their retirement lifestyle fell short of expectations. Access to professional financial advice remains limited among the Black community. The study found that only 31% of Black respondents currently work with a financial advisor, although nearly half said they plan to in the future. Those who do seek help often prioritize managing debt, creating wills or estate plans, and securing life insurance over traditional retirement planning. While the data is alarming, researchers behind the eye-opening study said there are ways that the financial system can help Black individuals boost their retirement savings. These include providing greater assistance in managing competing financial priorities, such as reducing debt, supporting family members, and building long-term financial security. But Black folks don't have to wait on banks or institutions to take the first step. There are countless resources available to begin the journey toward generational wealth. It starts with prioritizing financial education, learning the fundamentals of budgeting, saving, and investing, while also exploring deeper topics like credit management, compound interest, and asset allocation. Black people can tap into a wide range of tools, including online courses, books, podcasts, and community workshops tailored to financial literacy. Connecting with financial professionals and attending local seminars can also offer practical guidance. By creating a culture of financial learning at home, Black individuals and families can not only strengthen their financial knowledge but also equip the next generation with the tools to start investing early and develop healthy money habits that last a lifetime. SEE MORE: Catalyzing Wealth-Building In The Black Community The Racial Wealth Gap And Solutions To Address It SEE ALSO The Retirement Gap: Why Saving For The Future Is Harder For Black Americans was originally published on
