Brooklyn groups organize to protect Black families from deed theft and foreclosure

Brooklyn homeowners, church leaders, and community organizations are coming together to combat deed theft and foreclosure affecting Black families and congregations, according to bkreader.com. Two recent gatherings focused on discussing the risks of property loss and strategies for protection.

On October 27, the People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft held a meeting at Citadel Cathedral of Praise & Worship in Cypress Hills. The event featured speakers including attorney Jacqueline McMickens and Operation POWER representative Charles Barron, who addressed how debt and financing arrangements can jeopardize church property.

Attorney McMickens emphasized the difficulty of overcoming foreclosure debt, noting that regaining possession without the means to afford it can lead to deeper financial pain. Citadel Cathedral administrator Edison Bond shared the church’s efforts to secure a permanent home after years of renting, including a recent court case following an auction sale of their building.

In Crown Heights, the Black Homeowners’ Preservation Coalition and Crown Heights Tenant Union gathered on November 1 to support the Robinson-Torain family, who allege a fraudulent transaction in 2015 took the deed to their family home. Supporters initiated a round-the-clock stoop watch and planned an eviction blockade to prevent displacement.

These gatherings highlight concerns about preserving generational wealth, housing stability, and Black-owned community institutions in Brooklyn, as reported by bkreader.com.

What we're watching: The outcomes of ongoing court cases and community actions aimed at preventing property loss and foreclosure in Brooklyn.