When it comes to renting and buying property, Black people have been discriminated against and had their applications rejected.
One Black man who enquired about a historic, slave-built property from 1820 wasn’t having any of it when a seller undermined him.
Broadway star Robert Hartwell had seen images of the large white house and wanted to buy it, to honour the Black people who had painstakingly built it.
However, the seller had told Robert that it was a cash only offer which they presumed would take ‘the offer off the table’ for Robert.
But, he replied, ‘don’t you ever underestimate a hard-working Black man.’
And now, having paid it in cash, Robert is the proud homeowner of the stunning property.
When Robert shared the story on his Facebook, the post amassed more than one million likes, including from big broadway and Hollywood names.
Some of the well-wishers included Hamilton star Ephraim Sykes, Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart, and Mad Men actress Teyonah Parris.
On the post, Robert wrote: ‘I saw the house last week and when I walked in I knew I was home. The house was built in 1820 for the Russell family who owned the cotton mill in town. Slavery was still legal.
‘When the agent asked me why I wanted such a large house I said it was “a generational move”. I know this house is bigger than me.
‘I wish I could’ve told my ancestors when they were breaking their back in 1820 to build this house that 200 years later a free gay black man was going to own it and fill it with love and find a way to say their name even when 200 years later they still thought I would be “off the table”.’
He continued: ‘We are building our own tables. I’ve never been prouder to be a black man.
‘Come to my white house at any time. I can’t wait to have you! Glory to God in the highest. I’m a homeowner.’
Facebookers loved the story, saying: ‘The best revenge is a good life’.
Others commented: ‘Hell yeah, history coming full circle’.
One person wrote: ‘I love that you said “we are building our own tables”. That is so crucial to changing society. Whether it’s “off the table” or white people saying you get a seat “at the table” – none of that is helpful. You don’t need anyone’s permission to be at the table. It’s not white people’s table. It’s everyone’s table so you get to say if, when, and where you want to sit.’
Wise words.
Do you have a story?
Email metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk to tell us more.
MORE: Today is the first ever Black Pound Day – here’s how to get involved
source https://metro.co.uk/2020/06/28/black-man-buys-historic-house-cash-seller-tells-offer-off-table-12913556/
Posts
0 Comments