The Loss of Black-Owned Land in America
Since the end of slavery and Reconstruction, African Americans have faced a staggering erosion of land ownership. In the early 1900s, Black families collectively owned 19 million acres across the United States. Today, that figure has dwindled to a mere 3 million acres—a dramatic ninety percent decrease. Much of this decline can be attributed to issues surrounding heirs’ property, where land inherited without clear titles or wills becomes entangled in complex ownership structures, making it vulnerable to legal challenges and forced sales. Over time, this has stripped African American families of not only valuable land but also the opportunity to build generational wealth and economic resilience.
Last Tuesday, I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation (CHPP) new Columbia office, located at 3790 Fernandina Road, Suite 103. For those unfamiliar with the organization, it’s a non-profit that was founded in 2005, that is dedicated to protecting heirs’ property and promoting sustainable land use to support low-wealth family landowners. Throughout the evening, a steady stream of community members and supporters gathered to commemorate the occasion, sharing stories and reflections on the importance of preserving family legacies.
Understanding Heirs’ Property
Heirs’ property is an urgent yet often overlooked issue for African Americans nationwide, particularly in the South. African American residents in the lower part of Richland County, known as ‘Lower Richland,’ are especially vulnerable to land loss through heirs’ property, and CHPP’s new office is prepared to address these issues head-on.
I considered myself an educated person; through my work as a journalist and over a decade spent working in the South Carolina legislature, I thought I was well-versed in all the issues facing African American families in the state. But I was wrong. I misunderstood what heirs’ property actually meant, and to my dismay, I thought it was a good thing. I’d like to thank Josh for educating me on the matter. The truly concerning part is, if I made this mistake, how many others have as well?
So that others don’t make the same mistake I did, let me give a brief description of what heirs’ property is. Bear with me as I break it down. Heirs’ property refers to land passed down without a clear legal title, resulting in shared ownership among multiple family members, sometimes across generations, without an official deed or will. When families inherit land in this way, they face numerous challenges, from limitations on land development to difficulties in securing loans or government aid. Additionally, they are often unable to renovate or build homes or other structures that could potentially generate income from the property.
But the real danger arises when family members can’t agree on what to do with the land or hold differing views about its future. This lack of consensus can lead to a family member selling their share to an outside buyer, which ultimately puts the entire property at risk of being lost.
Impact on African American Communities
Heirs’ property is one of the major culprits behind the lack of generational wealth in African American communities. Much of the potential for wealth lies in land ownership, and when that land is lost, so is the value and opportunity it represents. This is why the work of the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation is so vital. For African American families, heirs’ property is more than just a legal issue—it’s a deep-rooted, generational challenge. After Emancipation, land ownership was a path to freedom and economic security for Black families, a legacy intended to be passed down through generations. But without clear titles and estate planning, these lands become vulnerable, risking the loss of both family history and financial stability. Leaving land in the form of heirs’ property can be a dangerous choice, as it complicates ownership and increases the likelihood of losing land to outside interests. This tangled structure not only threatens individual families but also undermines the ability of entire communities to build and sustain generational wealth.
CHPP’s New Columbia Office
The Columbia office represents more than just an expansion; it’s a vital resource for residents of Richland County and the surrounding Midlands areas who may not have official wills, who are unfamiliar with the complexities of heirs’ property, or who are currently facing heirs’ property issues. The office also serves families who simply want to understand their options and receive guidance on best practices for preparing their land for future generations.
CHPP offers a comprehensive range of services, including estate planning, mediation, and sustainable land use support. Through its Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention (SFLR) program, the organization equips landowners with customized management plans, technical assistance, and income-generating opportunities, all designed to enhance the productivity and ecological health of their land. By promoting responsible land use, CHPP helps families create lasting economic benefits from their property, in line with its mission to preserve and strengthen generational wealth.
This new office enables CHPP to guide families through the complex legal processes needed to secure clear titles, avoid forced sales, and promote responsible land management. Additionally, the Columbia office will host educational seminars on property rights, empowering families with the knowledge needed to protect their property and ensure their land remains in the family for generations to come.
A Proven Record of Land Preservation
Since its founding nearly two decades ago, CHPP has remained steadfast in its mission to preserve family land. As Josh Walden, Chief of Operations shared, “In roughly twenty years, we’ve resolved over thirty million dollars worth of cases in family land value and have never been involved in a case where a family lost land.” By prioritizing mediation and family agreements before cases reach court, CHPP has an impressive track record, ensuring that families retain their land, keeping it out of the hands of developers and speculators. This dedication exemplifies CHPP’s commitment not only to land preservation but also to protecting generational wealth and family heritage.
Closing Note
With the opening of CHPP’s Columbia office, families in the Midlands region now have a valuable resource for navigating heirs’ property challenges. This expansion brings essential tools, legal support, and community resources to individuals and families seeking guidance on how to protect and preserve their land.
If you’re part of a membership organization—whether it’s community, civic, faith-based, or industry-focused—with members who may be dealing with heirs’ property issues or have family land at risk, consider connecting with CHPP. By reaching out, you can explore ways to support their mission, whether through donations, collaboration, or inviting CHPP to speak at an upcoming meeting. Together, we can help ensure that members of our communities know where to turn for guidance on protecting and preserving their family land.
For more information, contact the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation® at their Columbia office:
Address: 3790 Fernandina Rd Suite 103 Columbia SC 29210 Phone: (843) 745-7055
