The Roots of Restoration: How One Family’s Fight for Land Ownership is Redefining Black Wealth Building
For generations, systemic theft has quietly eroded Black wealth in America. While the narrative often focuses on income disparities, a critical, often overlooked component is land – and the deliberate dispossession of it. Today, the Gasaway sisters of Montgomery County, Maryland, aren’t just reclaiming their family’s stolen land; they’re pioneering a new model for community restoration, proving that land ownership isn’t just about property, it’s about power, permanence, and intergenerational wealth.
A Legacy Stolen, A Promise Kept
The story begins with William Dove, an enslaved man who, in the late 1800s, purchased 36 acres with $210 – a bold investment in a future denied to so many. That land, in what is now Potomac, Maryland, was systematically taken through discriminatory practices like eminent domain. By the time Dove’s great-great-granddaughters, LaTisha Gasaway-Paul, Teresa Gasaway-Gleaton, and LaTrice Gasaway-Johnson, were born, the acreage was gone. But the story, and a promise to their grandmother, remained.
The sisters channeled that promise into action. They built a thriving childcare business, now the largest Black-owned in Montgomery County, and established a celebrated Juneteenth festival. But these weren’t simply ventures; they were strategic tools. “The business has given us something our ancestors didn’t have: economic power,” explains Teresa Gasaway-Gleaton. That power fuels their most ambitious project: reclaiming county-owned land and building affordable housing for descendants of those displaced, like their family.
Beyond Affordable Housing: Building Intergenerational Equity
This isn’t just about providing homes; it’s about reversing a centuries-long trend of wealth stripping. The Gasaway sisters’ plan prioritizes “first right of refusal” for descendants, ensuring they have the opportunity to build equity and establish a lasting presence. This approach directly addresses the racial wealth gap, where homeownership remains a primary driver of wealth accumulation. According to a Brookings Institution report, the median white family has significantly more wealth than the median Black family, largely due to disparities in homeownership rates and property values.
Their vision extends beyond housing. They envision a vibrant, intergenerational community complete with childcare centers, community gardens, and a Scotland Heritage Center – all designed to foster economic development within the Black community. This holistic approach recognizes that true restoration requires not just shelter, but opportunity and cultural preservation.
The Power of Collective Action and Kinship
The sisters understand that this fight isn’t theirs alone. They’ve actively built coalitions, organizing the first Kinship Communities Dinner in Montgomery County, bringing together leaders from over ten historically Black communities facing similar struggles. This collaborative spirit is crucial. For decades, these communities fought in isolation; now, they’re leveraging collective power to demand recognition and restitution.
The Juneteenth festival has become a powerful organizing tool. It’s not just a celebration; it’s a history lesson, a community gathering, and a platform for advocacy. “When you celebrate together, you build power together,” says LaTisha Gasaway-Paul. The festival generates support, raises awareness, and mobilizes community members to participate in the fight for land reclamation.
A Model for National Restoration?
The Gasaway sisters’ work in Scotland, Maryland, is gaining national attention. A $1 million donation from the Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation underscores the growing recognition of the importance of this work. But the potential impact extends far beyond Montgomery County. Their model offers a blueprint for other historically Black communities seeking to reclaim lost land and rebuild wealth.
This movement taps into a growing national conversation about reparations and restorative justice. While direct cash payments remain a contentious issue, land restitution offers a tangible and potentially more widely accepted path toward addressing historical injustices. The focus on community-led development, as exemplified by the Gasaway sisters, ensures that restoration efforts are tailored to the specific needs and priorities of the communities they serve.
The Gasaway sisters’ story is a powerful reminder that land ownership is more than just an economic issue; it’s a matter of identity, belonging, and the right to shape one’s own future. Their unwavering commitment to reclaiming their family’s legacy is not just a personal triumph, but a beacon of hope for communities across the nation striving to heal from the wounds of the past and build a more equitable future. What steps can other communities take to begin the process of land reclamation and wealth building?
