by Mary Spiller

November 24, 2025

Deported After 30 Years in the US, South Florida Man Struggles to Rebuild Life in Haiti

Edrisse Michelin, sent back to Haiti after a federal conviction, describes a painful return to the country he left as a toddler and warns that thousands of Haitian families could face similar upheaval.

After nearly 30 years in South Florida, Edrisse Michelin now opens his eyes each morning in a country he barely recognizes. “I still don’t feel like I’m home. I still feel like I’m just roaming,” the 32-year-old said from Haiti. “I feel uneasy.”

As reported by CBS News, Michelin arrived in South Florida at age three from Haiti and spent his entire life in Miami. He graduated from South Ridge High School, attended Miami Dade College, built a career as a real-estate agent and insurance broker, and lived as a lawful permanent resident. But one decision, he says, upended everything. “I lived in a country for 30 years, and I never got in trouble. But I made a mistake—my morals became corrupted,” he said.

In 2020, Michelin was convicted of securing an illegal Paycheck Protection Program loan. He spent just over two years in federal prison, followed by nine months in immigration detention. Earlier this month, he was placed on a deportation flight to Haiti with roughly 120 others. He described the journey as physically painful and humiliating.

“Your feet are shackled together, your ankles are getting cut up, your hands are shackled,” he recalled. Officials, he said, instructed passengers how to use safety equipment “if there’s a plane crash,” prompting him to ask, “How are we gonna do that?”

Once the plane landed in Cap-Haïtien, deportees were given $100 and released to waiting relatives. Michelin’s wife, Iyamille — an American citizen — met him at the airport. “There’s people that left only two, three years ago that are afraid to come here, and she’s here,” he said.

The couple has been moving between towns as they try to adjust. They traveled by helicopter to Port-au-Prince, then boarded a bus to reach Petit-Goâve, where some of Michelin’s relatives live. Still, he says, daily life is difficult for both longtime residents and returnees. “The people work hard,” he said. “But they’re trying to overcome obstacles… and they haven’t quite fully understood how to overcome these obstacles.”

He also worries about Haitians in the U.S. who may soon face deportation. Temporary Protected Status for more than 330,000 Haitian nationals is set to expire Feb. 3, leaving many at risk. “What I’m concerned about… It’s very limited here,” he said. “If you’re gonna be dropping tens of thousands of people in one location… they’re not going to be able to get home.”

Even he, a Haitian-born man, is struggling. “I speak a little bit of Creole, and I’m struggling,” he admitted.

On Instagram, the Michelins document their daily challenges in hopes of helping other mixed-status families grasp the realities of deportation. They have eight children between them — children he hasn’t seen in years.

View this post on Instagram

Their goal now is to secure a visa elsewhere and reunite as a family. But with few countries processing applications from Haitians, the couple remains stuck between the familiar and the foreign, unsure of what comes next.

by Mary Spiller

November 24, 2025

Injustice Served: Cops Pay $15 Fine After Black Man Paralyzed In Connecticut Police Van

Two New Haven officers receive suspended sentences and $15 court fees as Randy Cox, now permanently paralyzed, continues to seek accountability in a case compared to a modern-day “rough ride.”

A Connecticut case that drew national outrage for its striking similarities to the police “rough ride” that killed Freddie Gray, continues to stir anger after two New Haven officers avoided jail time for their roles in paralyzing 36-year-old Randy Cox during a 2022 arrest.

Randy Cox was left permanently paralyzed from the neck down after officers handcuffed him, placed him unrestrained in the back of a police transport van, and then came to a sudden stop that threw him headfirst into a metal divider. The incident ultimately resulted in a $45 million civil settlement, the largest police misconduct payout in U.S. history, according to New Haven Independent.

But this month, two of the officers involved — Ronald Pressley and Betsy Segui — accepted plea deals that amounted to suspended six-month sentences and just $15 in court costs. Neither will serve jail time. Three other officers, including the driver, declined their plea offers and are preparing to go to trial on misdemeanor reckless endangerment and cruelty to persons charges. Lawyers for Cox criticized the modest charges last year as a “slap in the face.”

Officer Oscar Diaz, the van driver, has remained central to the controversy. Diaz claimed he braked suddenly to avoid a collision — but investigators found he was traveling 11 mph over the speed limit. After firing Diaz in 2023, New Haven police were forced to reinstate him with back pay when a state arbitration board determined he wasn’t responsible for Cox’s paralysis. Records show Diaz earned $142,766 in 2022 and more than $210,000 the year before, meaning his back-pay award likely approached $200,000.

“He was an exemplary officer prior to that incident, and we’re going to do everything possible to bring him back,” Police Chief Karl Jacobson said at the time.

Cox’s life, however, has been irreversibly altered. Arrested on weapons-related accusations in New Haven that were later dismissed, he repeatedly begged for help after being thrown across the van.

“I can’t move,” he told Diaz, who responded, “You’re on the side, get up.” When Cox insisted, “I literally can’t move… I think I broke my neck, yo,” officers dismissed him, accusing him of drunkenness.

Instead of calling an ambulance to the scene, Diaz drove past two hospitals to meet paramedics at the station. Once there, officers dragged Cox from the van, placed him in a wheelchair, and then dragged him again when he collapsed — actions that investigators say worsened his spinal injury.

“You ask yourself, was it cruel and unusual punishment to put him in the back of that police transportation van with no seat belt… knowing that if you slam on the brakes that somebody is going to be seriously injured?” attorney Ben Crump said in 2022, calling it a modern-day “rough ride.”

Crump later added, “You cannot just have deliberate indifference when it comes to Black people because you think they’re irrelevant… thank God the video caught how you really felt about Randy Cox.”

Crump compared the encounter to a “rough ride,” a term used to describe when officers transport handcuffed, unrestrained detainees in a deliberately erratic manner — the same practice linked to Freddie Gray’s death in Baltimore in 2015.

Cox, now 39, remains paralyzed, while legal proceedings for the remaining officers continue.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 24, 2025

Shaq Reveals Reebok May Be In Talks With Stephen Curry

'I think our people are having conversations with his people.'

One of the burning questions in the NBA these days is which footwear company will Golden State Warriors shooting guard, Stephen Curry, partner with now that is has separated from Under Armour (UA). Reebok’s Shaquille O’Neal let the cat out of the bag by revealing that he thinks there may have been “conversations” with Curry’s representatives.

The former Los Angeles Lakers center, in a recent conversation, fueled speculation that Curry could be heading to Reebok, where Shaq serves as President of Reebok Basketball. The conversation came up when Shaq was asked about his thoughts on Curry recently wearing a pair of Reebok Shaqnosis in a game against one of Shaq’s former teams, the Orlando Magic.

This is when Shaq revealed the tidbit.

“I think our people are having conversations with his people,” O’Neal stated in response to the question, while looking apprehensive. He then said, “I think.”

He then responded to the initial question, “It was a big moment for me and a big moment for the brand. It puts everyone in a ‘What’s he going to do?’ phase.”

https://twitter.com/SneakerNews/status/1991261987473445345

“I wish him well.”

Yet Curry has also been seen in Nikes in recent games.

On Nov. 14, Curry was wearing a pair of Nike “Mambacita” Kobe 6s during pregame warmups when the Warriors faced the San Antonio Spurs. He was also seen wearing a pair of Nike Air Penny 2s (Former Orlando Magic Penny Hardaway’s signature sneakers) as he warmed up at the Kia Center before playing the Magic, the same night he wore the Reebok Shaqnosis.

Although the partnership with UA is over, the last Curry Brand shoe under the collaboration is scheduled for release next year. The Curry 13 will debut in February 2026.

Curry signed with Under Armour after serving as a Nike spokesperson for four years. After a 12-year relationship, the parties agreed to part ways in early November.

by Mary Spiller

November 24, 2025

Stillman College Lands $1M To Guarantee Campus Strength For Future Generations

As the institution approaches its 150th anniversary, Stillman joins a select group of HBCUs receiving rare financial support to modernize infrastructure, stabilize long-term planning, and preserve its historic legacy.

Stillman College will mark its 150th year with a significant investment in its future after being awarded up to $1.04 million through a new national financing initiative aimed at addressing long-standing inequities in higher education. The Tuscaloosa HBCU is one of only 11 institutions selected for the inaugural HBCU Brilliance Initiative, a program that offers targeted grants, access to low-interest capital, and expert financial guidance.

Stillman President Dr. Yolanda Page said the funding arrives at a pivotal moment as the school prepares for its Sesquicentennial and works to stabilize its long-term fiscal footing. She compared the effort to laying a foundation that would endure far beyond the current administration.

“It’s like building a house,” Page said. “When the original owner builds a house, they want to make sure they’re building it on a very firm foundation… That’s what I want to establish at Stillman.”

According to AL, the Brilliance Initiative is overseen by the Reinvestment Fund, a financial institution focused on community development in historically underserved areas. Its leaders note that HBCUs — particularly private ones — have traditionally received far less support than predominantly white institutions. A 2023 federal analysis found a $12.6 billion gap in state and federal support between HBCUs and their better-funded counterparts. Alabama itself was cited for owing more than a billion dollars to Alabama A&M University due to decades of underfunding.

Private donors and philanthropic leaders have recently stepped in to ease those disparities, with figures such as MacKenzie Scott contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to Black colleges nationwide. Stillman, however, is the only Alabama HBCU selected for the Brilliance Initiative’s first cohort.

The funding package includes a $40,000 grant and up to $1 million in low-interest financing. Page said the upfront grant will help fund assessments and planning, while the larger financing pool will support major infrastructure improvements across campus. Stillman College plans to evaluate the condition of its 39 campus buildings, align future construction with its long-term master plan, and implement new budget-modeling tools.

Page stressed that the price of modernizing old structures can rise quickly. She noted that some buildings constructed before the 1970s require asbestos abatement, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. “[That’s] million dollars even when I’m thinking about HVAC modernization,” she said, adding that some systems are “from the 1920s or 1930s.”

Another primary goal is to digitize critical architectural documents and records. Page recalled that the college had to track down former employees to obtain blueprints for a recent project. “There has to be a better way to do this,” she said, emphasizing that digital archives will prevent those delays in the future.

Despite the costs, Page said the investment is essential for creating a strong learning environment and strengthening Stillman’s mission. “That Black legacy is important,” she said. “A lot of that legacy… is about being financially secure.”

Photo by RF._.studio _: https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-woman-buying-groceries-in-a-convenience-store-4177708/

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 24, 2025

NYC’s Fresh Food Revolution: How To Get Free, Healthy Groceries From A Vending Machine

The machine provides access to fresh, local foods whenever residents need it.

New Yorkers in need of nourishment can stop by this neighborhood vending machine for fresh, free grocery items.

The free vending machine, with its first location installed in The Bronx, supplies local families with healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. It takes on the classic vending-machine look to offer users nutritious options instead of the typical candy bars and soda cans.

@changefoodforgood Meet NYC’s first free food vending machine! 🫶🏽 …(Or at least the first one for public consumption 😅) A couple of weeks ago, we introduced our newest project under our Good Food for All program, a free food vending machine in the Bronx – and the support, feedback and love has been amazing to see. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to bring this idea to life and see how it’s impacting our community members and people who would want to see this in their communties, as well. We’ll do everything we can to honor that support by being open and honest about the process. 💕 To tackle the biggest FAQs, we’re sharing a breakdown here answering most of what folks were most curious about. And we’ll be publishing an article detailing our process, learning and instructions for replicating on our website in the coming months. 🤓 #freefood #freefoodvendingmachine #vendingmachine #foodhack #changefoodforgood ♬ Similar Sensation (Instrumental) – BLVKSHP

According to Union Rayo, the idea came from the NGO Change Food For Good to expand access to free, healthy food in communities that need it most. It doesn’t look much different from a vending machine you’d see in a break room or a shopping mall. However, the difference lies in its offerings, which include many foods grown in local hydroponic gardens.

Working on the honor system, the vending machine hopes to sustain itself as people only take what they need. The community-focused model and vision also encourage emerging green thumbs in the neighborhood to help out with its supply. For those wanting to chip in to its inventory, they can support by getting their hands dirty with farm work or restocking items as needed.

Food insecurity remains a prevalent issue for many families across America. During the government shutdown, many participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faced food shortages. According to the USDA, nearly 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits to keep food on their tables.

To provide another avenue to combat hunger, this vending machine offers New Yorkers fresh food to help avoid a hunger crisis. Furthermore, it bypasses the bureaucratic process and paperwork to get people the food they need to survive, right then and there.

Now, those in and willing to travel to The Bronx can head to the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club to try out this ground-breaking machine. Nothing beyond a way to hold the groceries is needed to bring fresh food home. The borough remains one of the city’s more diverse areas as well. The Bronx has over 55% Hispanic residents, followed by 29% Black residents, according to figures from the NYU Furman Center.

With a focus on sustainability, urban farming, and combating neighborhood hunger, these free vending machines offer a new way to deliver food directly to families, especially during periods when the government pauses food aid. Change Food For Good has confirmed that the device has supplied goods to over 1,100 families thus far, as it continues to scale up its farming initiatives to keep its shelves fully stocked.

The NGO also plans to roll out these vending machines in more stops across New York City, allowing even more participants to try this technology for good.

army, doctor, misconduct,Maj. Blaine McGraw Fort hood,

by Mary Spiller

November 24, 2025

Sexual Betrayal in the Barracks? Army Doctor Accused Of Secretly Filming Women During Intimate Exams, Lawsuit Claims

An Army gynecologist stationed at Fort Hood has been suspended amid allegations that he secretly filmed dozens of female patients’ intimate exams — sparking what may be one of the largest misconduct scandals in U.S. military history.

An Army major and gynecologist at Fort Hood, Texas, has been pulled off duty after investigators say he secretly recorded intimate examinations of female patients and inappropriately touched at least one woman, according to a civil lawsuit and a CNN exclusive source.

Maj. Blaine McGraw, who worked at Fort Hood and previously at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, is accused in a lawsuit of repeatedly groping a patient and surreptitiously filming her during pelvic and breast exams. Military investigators reportedly discovered thousands of images and videos on his phone taken “over the course of multiple years,” the lawsuit states, and more than 60 women have since come forward with similar accusations.

The alarm was first raised when a combat veteran attending a gynecological appointment with his pregnant wife said he noticed McGraw’s phone in his pocket, with the camera lens pointed outward — something he says was not there earlier. Upon checking, he believed the device was recording.

After notifying staff at the hospital, according to sources, he later told investigators, “I just caught a doctor recording my wife’s vagina!”

In the lawsuit, one Jane Doe claims McGraw groped her during intimate exams. More disturbing, investigators recovered massive volumes of media on McGraw’s phone, showing “scores of female patients, many of whom remain unidentified.” Attorneys for the accusers say the number of potential victims could increase, as the Army plans to notify approximately 3,000 patients who saw McGraw at Fort Hood and Tripler.

Lawyer Andrew Cobos, representing some of the accusers, said, “The potential magnitude of this harm is, to my knowledge, unprecedented in Army history.” He noted the case involves “two major military installations, two different chains of command, thousands of military spouses and soldiers who fell under his care.”

Several alleged victims described frustrating attempts to report McGraw before his suspension. One Army spouse told CNN she tried multiple times in late 2024 to alert Fort Hood officials, but was repeatedly bounced between departments and disconnected before anyone would take a complaint.

Another woman, using the pseudonym Megan, said she refused repeated requests for a vaginal exam — “I looked at him like … ‘It’s a sinus infection; I don’t need an exam,’” she recalled. She also insisted on a chaperone, but said McGraw told her staff were too busy. Despite her objections, she alleges he made contact she found invasive during the exam.

Sources say McGraw faced earlier complaints as far back as 2022 while at Tripler Army Medical Center, where one patient claimed he recorded her pelvic exam on his phone. According to the lawsuit, his chain of command dismissed the claims rather than removing him from patient care.

An internal Army source told CNN that McGraw was “administratively corrected” over a 2022 after-hours incident but not criminally charged. In 2024, another internal complaint alleged he touched a patient’s anus during a procedure; officials reportedly deemed it “unsubstantiated.”

In response to the allegations, the Army has begun sending letters to past patients of McGraw, and investigators have begun interviewing women identified from the recovered media. The Fort Hood Medical Center said in a public statement that it “recognizes the great trust and responsibility inherent in caring for our soldiers, families, and beneficiaries” and will continue to support everyone involved in the process.

McGraw has not yet faced criminal charges. His attorney, Daniel Conway, told CNN they “have seen a significant number of new allegations … but beyond the allegations themselves, … no records to support that patients were touched in a way that was not medically indicated.” He added that they plan to cooperate further.

Advocates for military survivors are raising alarms that this case reflects deeper, systemic failures. The scandal draws parallels to ongoing debates about reporting structures, victim support, and accountability in the military — especially in light of earlier reforms launched after the 2020 murder of Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillén.

Shannon Hough, founder of the advocacy group Shield of Sisters, said she’s spoken to dozens of women who say they tried to report McGraw before. “Every single one” told her their complaint was ignored, she claims. As McGraw’s case gains public attention, she warns: “If they don’t hear us now…then there’s no hope.”

colorado buffaloes, Deion Sanders, college football

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 24, 2025

FULL CIRCLE MOMENT: Shedeur Sanders Receives Embrace From Father, Deion, Before First NFL Start

Rookie quarterback emerges victorious in 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders

It may have taken longer than most people anticipated. Still, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made his first NFL start, and his Hall of Fame father and former college football coach, Deion Sanders, was there before the game to hug him before he strutted onto the football field.

The much-anticipated debut of Shedeur as a starter has taken the sporting world by storm, as the Browns have been struggling, with the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback being the third starter at the position this season. After sliding down the NFL Draft to the fifth round with the 155th selection, he was the last quarterback on the depth chart behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, with an injured DeShaun Watson most likely missing the season due to injury.

After trading Flacco and Pickett, and with Gabriel missing this game after suffering a concussion the prior week, it was time for Shedeur to show off his skills.

Before the start of the game, as Shedeur was walking out of the tunnel, a camera shows him approaching his father to hug him before stepping onto the field to start his very first NFL game. The two embraced, exchanged pleasantries, and then the quarterback rejoined his teammates for a pep talk before they headed out of the tunnel onto the field.

As the team flowed out to the grass, cheers were heard from the visiting crowd at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.

a special moment with Dad before his first pregame speech@shedeursanders | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/asBUHGwtCs
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 23, 2025

The moment carried over into the game, and the Browns emerged victorious over the Raiders by a score of 24-10, as Shedeur completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, throwing one touchdown and an interception.

According to NFL.com, after the game, the rookie spoke to reporters to express how he has been dealing with his first year in the NFL.

“Being a backup and everything, sometimes you have to compromise your personality and change the way you do things, to never step on anybody’s toes,” Sanders said. “The fact that I got an opportunity, and I was able to show the organization, show everybody who I really am, it’s truly exciting.”

He definitely has his father’s spirit, as he had a message for those who doubt him.

“A lot of people wanted to see me fail, and it ain’t going to happen. It ain’t going to happen.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 24, 2025

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Says D.C. Office Threatened By Alleged White Supremacist

Crockett condemned the act as it perpetuates a pattern of violence against political figures.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett is reportedly being threatened and harassed by a white supremacist.

Crockett released a statement about the incident in which the man appeared at her office in Washington, D.C., sparking concern about her and her staffers’ safety. Crockett has become a target of alleged white supremacist threats for her public disapproval and condemnation of the Trump administration and its policies.

“Today, an individual showed up to my D.C. office and made white supremacist threats and hand gestures. Everyone is safe, and I want to thank Capitol Police for their swift response,” she said on Nov. 20, as reported by Newsweek.

However, this incident is part of a growing pattern of violence against political figures and lawmakers in the country. Crockett mentioned how the normalization of this violence is jeopardizing the safety of individuals and appointed officials representing citizens. This has become especially relevant in the wake of the assassinations of Charlie Kirk and Minnesota State lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband.

In particular, Crockett has pointed to the president for his role in fueling this hateful rhetoric. Some of his followers have used his vitriolic posts about his critics to incite violence against them. Crockett has been a vocal opponent of Trump throughout both of their political careers, with Trump also verbally attacking the Democratic congresswoman.

In September, he said that she and fellow U.S. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar had a “low IQ.” More recently, Trump posted on Truth Social, his preferred conservative social media platform, to emphasize how some Democratic lawmakers’ “seditious behavior” was “punishable by death.”

He also reposted posts that explicitly encouraged “hang” these left-leaning officials. Amid calls for Trump to delete the posts and condemn violence against officials, Democratic leaders have also ramped up measures for more vigilant security and policing of Capitol offices.

Crockett, a Black woman representative, has emphasized the growing fears for her safety as white supremacists continue to go unchecked, and arguably amplified, by the commander-in-chief. An investigation into the incident at her D.C. office remains ongoing.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 24, 2025

Keith Lee Hosts Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway Feeding Thousands Of Families In North Texas

Lee hosted 'The FamiLee That Snaps Back Food Drive,' in collaboration with the food pantry in his new North Texas community.

Keith Lee continues to use his platform to give back to families in need.

The food review TikToker hosted a massive Thanksgiving meal giveaway in partnership with a North Texas food pantry. Lee teamed up with Minnie’s Food Pantry for its annual giveaway on Nov. 22, giving thousands of meals to food-insecure families in the community.

Lee recently moved to the area and wanted to use his influence and connections to raise donations so more families could receive the meals. He posted about “The FamiLee That Snaps Back Food Drive,” as he partnered with the largest food pantry in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

@keith_lee125 The FamiLee That Snaps Back Food Drive 💕 Thank you to all Of the brands that are participating 💕 #foodcritic ♬ original sound – Keith Lee

“Not only do we have meals, but we’ve got packages from a bunch of different brands,” he said on TikTok. “This is our way of saying happy holidays.”

Over 40 brands, such as DoorDash and Buffalo Wild Wings, joined the charitable venture to ensure all families had an array of food for Thanksgiving. Lee specifically donated $12,000 for the main dish of Thanksgiving, the signature turkeys.

The venture took off “drive-by” style, as participants pulled up in their cars to receive the care packages. However, the event also promoted communal fun with music, food, and more to spread the holiday cheer in North Texas.

His “The FamiLee That Snaps Back” challenge is a nationwide initiative that helps families stay fed while encouraging others to share a plate in their communities. Lee’s partnership with the local nonprofit has also ensured a leveling up of its holiday giveaway.

“I’m reminded that this event isn’t just about a meal—it’s about a lifeline for thousands of families who rely on Minnie’s to keep food on their tables during a season that can be hardest for so many. Every box we prepare represents a community that shows up with courage, resilience, and hope. The generosity of volunteers, partners, and supporters turns fear into faith and scarcity into possibility,” shared Minnie’s Food Pantry Founder Dr. Cheryl Jackson to WFAA.

She added, “This giveaway is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together with compassion and a shared sense of responsibility for one another.”

Lee has kept up his giving habits since growing his food review platform. Often, upon reviewing a restaurant, he helps small businesses with massive tips and by spotlighting them for future customers.

Now a Texan, he serves hope and meals “FamiLee” style to make the holiday season bright for his fellow neighbors.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 23, 2025

Kansas City Realtor Has Lofty Goal Of Getting 1,000 Black People Into Homeownership

The realtor expects to hit this milestone of 1,000 Black homeowners by next year.

A realtor in Kansas City, Missouri, has goals of getting Black people into homeownership.

Tenesia Brown, CEO of Keys Realty Group, is inching closer and closer to her 1,000-person marker. She wants to educate first-time buyers about how they can actually reach this American dream.

“Why not?” she told KSHB. “We have a big gap in the number of people who become homeowners, and it’s just because we have a lack of education and don’t know where we can find the resources.”

Since starting her venture, she has helped 887 new Black homeowners. Many come to her wanting to join the cause, especially as renting becomes more unfeasible.

Shay Moore also joined the cause, dismantling the barriers that prevent Black people from owning homes. The radio station host decided to take on the initiative after her own bouts of living in multiple cities with no place to call her own.

“I’ve lived in six different states and worked at 11 radio stations, so up until this point, I never even thought about purchasing a home,” Moore said.

Moore noticed, however, how the current market has made renting properties unaffordable and undesirable.

“When I first got here, I had a three-bedroom townhome in Lee’s Summit, and it was affordable, she said. “Not anymore. Things have gotten really out of control.”

Now, as she desires to venture into homeownership, she wants to uplift others to do so as well.

“One of my concerns was the interest rates at one point and the price point,” she said. ‘What I found in Kansas City is you can still get an affordable home.”

Like Moore and other clients, Brown wants to inspire tired renters to voyage beyond rental properties to secure their own place. However, she does so amid a tough climate scarred by high interest rates and a rocky job market.

According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 “Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America,” while Black homeownership remains relatively steady, it still lags behind white Americans. The Black homeownership rate lies at 43.9%, a drop from 44.7% of last year, with white homeownership rates standing at around 74%.

With homeownership in general taking a dip, reaching a record low of 21%, Moore remains committed to breaking the tides even amid new obstacles. Her effort starts by reaching aspiring homeowners where they are at financially, so when the opportunity does arise, they can stay in their new property.

“You have to start where you can afford,” added Brown. “You can’t be house rich and pocket poor.”

She expects to reach her goal by 2026, contributing with her small but mighty wave of Black homeowners.