Your great-grandmother survived Jim Crow and still managed to own land.
Then she died without a will. And slowly, through court orders, tax auctions, and legal loopholes, that land slipped away.This isn’t a hypothetical. It’s the story of thousands of Black families across America. And it’s still happening.
In 1910, Black families owned over 14 million acres of land. Today? Less than 3 million. That’s a 90% loss. And it didn’t happen by accident.
The #1 Culprit: Heirs Property
The USDA calls heirs property the leading cause of Black involuntary land loss. Here’s how it works.
When someone dies without a will, their property gets split legally among all surviving heirs. As generations pass, that can mean dozens or even hundreds of co-owners on a single piece of property.
The danger? Any one of those co-owners can take the property to court and force a sale, often to a developer, often below market value. Speculators know this. They have been exploiting it for decades.
No Will, No Protection
Only 24% of Black Americans have a will, compared to over half of white Americans. That gap has compounded across generations, turning family land into legal battlegrounds. Add discriminatory lending, inflated property taxes, and outright intimidation during Jim Crow and you start to see why 90% of Black owned farmland vanished in less than a century.
How to Protect What’s Yours
The cycle can be broken. It starts with a few intentional steps:
- Write a will. It is the single most powerful thing you can do.
- Clear the title if your family already owns heirs property.
- Consider a trust to transfer property outside of probate.
- Have the family conversation before it is too late.
Your ancestors built something from nothing. The least we can do is protect it.
Ready to Take the First Step? Join Us for Will-Writing Night
We know that writing a will can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re making it easy, meaningful, and even enjoyable. Join us for Will-Writing Night, a one-of-a-kind evening where you can draft your Will for free with guidance from an attorney in a relaxed, business-casual setting. Enjoy Soul Food, live music from a DJ, and thoughtful conversations about securing your legacy—all in one place.
Seating is limited, and this is your chance to take care of something important while surrounded by good food, great vibes, and people who understand why this matters. Group discounts are available, so bring your family or friends and make legacy planning something you do together.
Tickets are available online. Let’s honor what our ancestors built by protecting what’s ours.
Register now and take the first step.
Want to Avoid the Drama Altogether?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry—we’re here to help. Book a free 20-minute call with Ashley to get personalized advice on your situation.
Let’s work together to create a plan that ensures your family’s future is secure and stress-free.
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