Inspired by the killing of Ahmaud Arbery and a speech by rapper Killer Mike, a group of Black families is investing from the ground up in a new community that prioritizes the safety and financial empowerment of Black residents.
"A group of 19 Black families purchased almost 97 acres of land in Toomsboro, Georgia, to plant the seeds for a thriving new city," according to an article by Victoria Moorwood.
Georgia-based realtor Ashley Scott and entrepreneur and investor Renee Walters launched The Freedom Georgia Initiative to establish a community in Georgia where Black people can feel safe. In an op-ed for Blavity, Scott explains that the killing of Ahmaud Arbery inspired the project.
"After launching their Freedom Georgia Initiative, Scott and Walters attended local city council and zoning meetings. Then, she and 19 other families came together to purchase the large amount of land in Toomsboro," explains Moorwood. "Scott plans to equip their newly owned land with Black farmers, vendors, suppliers and contractors."
More information is available on the Georgia Freedom Initiative's Facebook page.
FULL STORY: 19 Black families buy over 90 acres of land to create a safe city for Black people
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UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
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Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research