As we lean away from the warmth of June 2025, a month forever defined by the spirit of Juneteenth and the celebration of freedom, we must look closely at the mechanics that keep that freedom alive. While the 13th and 14th Amendments laid the groundwork, the15th Amendment (1870) was the spark that ignited the engine of Black political power.
For the Crowned in Black Love family, the 15th Amendment isn’t just a dry legal text from 155 years ago. It is the reason we have a seat at the table, a voice in the budget, and the power to shape the world our children will inherit.
The Architecture of the 15th Amendment
Ratified on February 3, 1870, the 15th Amendment was the boldest attempt of its time to create a multi-racial democracy. While the 13th Amendment ended the “what” (slavery) and the 14th Amendment established the “who” (citizenship), the 15th Amendment answered the question of “How?”
The answer was the ballot.
“Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”
The “Silent” Battles and the Reconstruction Bloom
Immediately following its ratification, the South saw a “bloom” of Black excellence. Men like Hiram Rhodes Revels and Joseph Rainey took seats in the U.S. Capitol—seats that had been built by the labor of their ancestors.
However, history also shows us the “Silent Barriers.” When the law said we could vote, states invented literacy tests, poll taxes, and intimidation tactics. Our ancestors’ response? Unshakeable Resilience. They organized secret voting schools and pooled their resources to pay taxes for one another. They understood that the vote was the “Engine” because it controlled the laws, the judges, and the budgets that affected Black lives.
Honoring the Engine Today
To honor the 15th Amendment this June, we must move with the same intentionality as our ancestors. Here is how we keep the engine running in 2025:
Verify Your Digital “Voter ID”: Many states have updated their registration requirements recently. Take five minutes this week to verify your status and ensure your address is current.
Audit Your Local Board: The 15th Amendment protects the right to vote, but local policies control how easy it is to exercise. Attend a local board of elections meeting to see how they are preparing for upcoming cycles.
Invest in Civic Literacy: Our ancestors used “Voting Schools” to bypass literacy tests. Today, we can mentor the youth in our community on how local government works—explaining that the people we vote for decide everything from library hours to school funding.
Support Black-Led Voter Advocacy: Contribute your time or resources to organizations like Black Voters Matteror theNAACP. Our power is multiplied when we move as a collective.
Carrying the Torch
The 15th Amendment reminds us that our political power was never a gift—it was a hard-won right that was defended through centuries of struggle. As we move through this month of June, let’s carry that torch with pride. We don’t just vote because it’s a duty; we vote because it is the most direct way to honor the ancestors who were once told their voices didn’t matter. In 2025, our voice is our power, and that engine is just getting started.
This July, we honor the 15th Amendment: the engine of our political power. 🗳️✊ Learn the history of our voice and 4 ways you can take action to honor our ancestors’ legacy in 2025. #BlackHistory #VotingRights #Juneteenth
The year 1868 marked a profound “second founding” of the United States. While the original Constitution focused on the structure of the federal government, the 14th Amendment pivoted the nation’s legal compass toward the individual, forever changing what it means to be an American.
1. Birthright Citizenship: Defining the “Who”
Before 1868, the definition of a citizen was murky and often exclusionary, most notoriously highlighted by the Dred Scott decision. The 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause cleared the air with one definitive sentence:
“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
This established birthright citizenship. It ensured that citizenship was no longer a gift to be granted by the state based on race or heritage, but a right acquired simply by being born on U.S. soil.
2. The Great Shield: Equal Protection
Perhaps the most litigated and influential phrase in the entire Constitution is the Equal Protection Clause. It prohibits states from denying any person “the equal protection of the laws.”
Initially intended to protect the rights of formerly enslaved people, its reach has expanded over 150 years to become the primary tool for fighting discrimination. It serves as the legal foundation for:
Gender Equality: Prohibiting laws that treat men and women differently without a compelling reason.
Voting Rights: Ensuring that every vote carries equal weight.
3. Due Process and Incorporation
The amendment also includes aDue Process Clause, which forbids states from depriving “any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”
Through a legal doctrine called incorporation, the Supreme Court has used this clause to apply the Bill of Rights—which originally only restricted the federal government—to the states. This means your First Amendment right to free speech and your Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches are protected regardless of which state you are standing in.
The 14th Amendment’s Modern Legacy
Today, the 14th Amendment acts as the “living heart” of the Constitution. It is the bridge between the high ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the practical reality of the courtroom. Whenever a group feels marginalized or a law feels unjust, the 14th Amendment is almost always the first line of defense.
It didn’t just change the law; it changed the American identity, asserting that the law must see people not as members of a class, but as equal citizens.
The 14th Amendment wasn’t just a legal update—it was a “second founding.” From birthright citizenship to equal protection, see how 1868 redefined what it means to be American. 🇺🇸⚖️ #History #CivilRights #Constitution
In the halls of power, money is often used as a talking point, but for the leaders of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities, it is the lifeblood of our excellence. For decades, our schools were forced to endure a cycle of “yearly begging,” never knowing if the essential $255 million in annual STEM funding would be renewed.
In 2019, that cycle was broken forever. The passage of the FUTURE Act (Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education) was not just a legislative event; it was a testament to the power of the Black community’s collective voice.
The “Fight” in the Vacuum
While political leaders often claim credit for these wins, the groundwork was laid by advocacy titans:
The UNCF (United Negro College Fund): Launched the “Protecting Our FUTURE” digital campaign, which mobilized an “activated army” of over 20,000 supporters.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): Made the FUTURE Act its #1 legislative priority for 2019, emphasizing that the $85 million specifically earmarked for HBCUs was non-negotiable for institutional survival.
The Power of Numbers: Together, these groups generated over 65,000 individual actions, including 62,000 letters and 3,000 phone calls to Congress. This grassroots pressure was the “frontline” that eventually forced a bipartisan compromise.
How the Bill Was Passed: The Bipartisan Logjam
The journey to the President’s desk was complicated. At one point, the funding had actually expired in September 2019, leaving our schools in a state of high-court uncertainty.
The Deadlock: Initial versions of the bill were stalled in the Senate.
The Compromise: To move the bill forward, lawmakers attached the FAFSA Act to the funding. This added a layer of bipartisan appeal by streamlining the financial aid process for 20 million American families, making it a “must-pass” piece of legislation.
The Unanimous Win: Once the compromise was reached, the bill passed the House 319-96 and was approved by the Senate through unanimous consent—a rare occurrence for a standalone bill focused on minority populations.
The Signature and the “Saved” Narrative
When President Trump signed the bill on December 19, 2019, he frequently characterized it as having “saved” HBCUs after years of neglect. While his signature was the final required step, the permanence of the funding was a victory “negotiated” by the community. By making the $255 million annual funding mandatory and permanent, the Act ensured that HBCUs would never again have to wait for a “once-in-a-generation” favor to keep their doors open.
Lessons for Our Legacy
Advocacy is Essential: Permanent funding didn’t happen until the community demanded it. Our legacy depends on our continued engagement with federal policy.
Bipartisan Power: HBCU efforts have the unique ability to bring both sides of the aisle together. We must leverage this “underappreciated political power” to protect our schools in any administration.
Institutional Stability: Because of this fight, our institutions now have a “bedrock” of funding that allows them to plan for the future, rather than just surviving the present.
The passage of the FUTURE Act serves as a permanent blueprint for how our community can command change through strategic pressure and unified action. By transforming a precarious annual request into a guaranteed foundation, we have secured more than just funding; we have secured the right to dream without the threat of a deadline. This victory reminds us that while political signatures are necessary, the true power resides in the tireless advocacy of our institutions and the collective roar of our supporters. As we move forward, let this “bedrock” be the starting point for even greater heights of excellence, ensuring our HBCUs remain the unshakable pillars of our generational legacy for centuries to come.
It wasn’t just a signature; it was a fight. 👑 From 65k phone calls to a unanimous Senate vote, discover how UNCF & TMCF secured permanent funding for our HBCUs in 2019. #HBCU #Legacy #Advocacy #FUTUREAct
In our mission to build a Generational Legacy, we must stay vigilant. While we focus on our internal “Emotional Wealth,” we cannot ignore the external forces shaping our external reality. Lately, a document called Project 2025 has been making headlines. For many in our community, this is seen as a “Trump 2.0” agenda—a plan designed to dismantle the progress our ancestors fought so hard to secure.
What is Project 2025?
At its core, Project 2025 is a 900-page “Mandate for Leadership” created by the Heritage Foundation. It is a massive overhaul of the federal government intended to be implemented by a future conservative administration. While it covers everything from taxes to technology, its impact on the Black community is particularly profound.
The Pillars at Risk
To protect our legacy, we must understand where the challenges lie:
Dismantling Civil Rights: The project proposes shrinking the Department of Justice’s ability to enforce civil rights laws, eliminating “disparate impact” as a tool to fight discrimination, and shutting down federal offices focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Education & The Wealth Gap: By proposing the elimination of the Department of Education, the plan threatens the civil rights protections that keep our students safe and fair. It also advocates for privatizing student loans and ending loan forgiveness programs—making higher education even harder to reach for Black students.
Threats to Homeownership: Project 2025 suggests transferring control of critical housing programs, like Section 8, to states—including those with histories of racial discrimination. This could jeopardize the housing stability millions of Black families rely on to start their wealth-building journey.
Silencing Our Voice: The plan calls for overhauling the U.S. Census Bureau and criminalizing certain election-related offenses. Many advocates fear this will lead to an undercount of Black communities and a suppression of our collective political power.
A Legacy of Awareness
Being “Crowned” means leading with a clear head and an open heart. Knowledge is our first line of defense. When we understand the policies being proposed, we can organize, we can advocate, and most importantly, we can protect our families from being sidelined in the future.
The Call to Action
Our legacy isn’t just about what we leave behind; it’s about what we stand for right now. Stay informed, stay involved, and keep your “Crown” held high. We have survived much, and together, we will continue to build.
Knowledge is the shield for our legacy. 👑 Today on the blog, we’re diving into Project 2025 and what its proposed shifts mean for Black families, education, and the future of our “Crown.” #Project2025 #CrownedInBlackLove
In the early 20th century, a practice known as redlining became a systematic tool of racial segregation and inequality in the United States. Though it’s been outlawed for decades, the effects of redlining are still felt by Black communities today. Redlining was a government-backed policy that denied Black families access to mortgages and homeownership in certain neighborhoods, based on their race. This practice not only trapped Black people in poverty but also created barriers to wealth-building, education, and community development that continue to impact Black families across generations.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the history of redlining, how it shaped the landscape of racial inequality in housing, and why its legacy continues to affect Black communities in significant ways.
1. What Was Redlining?
Redlining refers to a discriminatory practice that started in the 1930s, where the federal government and private banks systematically denied mortgages to Black families and other communities of color. This was done by marking certain neighborhoods on maps with red ink, which indicated that these areas were “too risky” for investment. The reasoning behind this “risk” was often tied to the racial makeup of the neighborhood rather than actual economic factors.
The Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC), a federal agency, was responsible for creating these redlined maps, which were then used by banks to decide whether to approve home loans. Neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by Black families or other people of color were often marked as “hazardous,” making it nearly impossible for residents to purchase homes or secure loans for home improvements.
In short, redlining kept Black families from owning homes in areas with higher property values, greater access to quality schools, and better employment opportunities.
2. The Effects of Redlining on Black Communities
The long-term effects of redlining have been profound and continue to affect Black communities today. Here’s how this practice shaped the experiences of Black families:
Denial of Homeownership: Homeownership has long been a key way for Americans to build wealth. For Black families, however, redlining blocked access to homeownership in desirable neighborhoods, locking them out of the chance to build equity. As a result, Black families were often forced to rent in areas with lower property values, which limited their ability to accumulate generational wealth.
Disinvestment in Neighborhoods: Because redlined areas were deemed “unfit” for investment, many of these neighborhoods were systematically neglected by both government and private institutions. This led to a lack of infrastructure, poor schools, and underfunded community services. Without access to resources or investment, neighborhoods that were predominantly Black faced economic stagnation.
Education and Employment Barriers: Redlining not only kept Black families from owning homes in better neighborhoods but also contributed to a cycle of poverty. Schools in redlined neighborhoods were often underfunded, which resulted in a lower quality of education. This lack of access to quality education made it more difficult for Black children to access higher education and better job opportunities, further entrenching the cycle of inequality.
Health and Safety Impacts: Redlined neighborhoods often lacked investment in health services, public parks, and other amenities that contribute to overall well-being. These areas were also more likely to be located near industrial zones, exposing residents to pollution and health hazards. As a result, Black communities living in these areas faced higher rates of chronic illnesses, mental health challenges, and lower life expectancy.
3. How Redlining Continues to Affect Black Communities Today
The effects of redlining did not disappear with the official end of the practice in the 1960s. In fact, its legacy still shapes housing patterns and wealth distribution today.
Wealth Inequality: Homeownership remains one of the primary ways that American families build wealth. Because redlining denied Black families the opportunity to purchase homes in areas that appreciated in value, many Black families were never able to build the wealth that could have been passed down through generations. Today, Black Americans have less wealth on average than white Americans, with a significant portion of that wealth gap stemming from the lack of homeownership opportunities.
Segregation of Communities: Though redlining ended decades ago, the legacy of segregated housing patterns remains. Many predominantly Black neighborhoods continue to face high levels of poverty and limited access to quality education and healthcare. Redlined areas are often still underfunded, and neighborhoods remain segregated by race and income. As a result, Black communities still face barriers to upward mobility.
Access to Loans and Mortgages: Discriminatory practices similar to redlining still exist today. Black families often face greater challenges when applying for loans or mortgages, even in areas where redlining maps no longer exist. Studies show that Black applicants are more likely to be denied home loans and are often charged higher interest rates than white applicants, even when they have similar credit scores.
Neighborhood Disinvestment: The lack of investment in historically redlined neighborhoods has left many Black communities struggling to catch up. Even in cities where gentrification is happening in other parts of town, many redlined neighborhoods remain economically depressed. The disinvestment that started with redlining has created long-lasting effects on local businesses, public services, and housing stock, making it difficult for these communities to thrive.
4. What Can Be Done to Address the Legacy of Redlining?
While the practice of redlining is illegal today, the impact it has had on Black communities is still felt. To truly combat the legacy of redlining, several actions must be taken:
Affordable Housing Policies: Policies that promote affordable housing, such as increasing funding for housing subsidies or incentivizing the construction of affordable homes in underfunded areas, can help provide access to homeownership for Black families.
Investment in Redlined Neighborhoods: Revitalizing historically redlined neighborhoods through targeted investment in infrastructure, schools, healthcare, and businesses is critical. By reinvesting in these communities, we can help break the cycle of disinvestment and provide opportunities for growth and development.
Addressing Discriminatory Lending Practices: To combat the lingering effects of discriminatory lending, we must enforce anti-discrimination laws that ensure Black families have equal access to mortgages and loans. Support for policies like the Fair Housing Act and Community Reinvestment Act can help reduce modern-day discrimination in the housing market.
Education and Workforce Development: Investing in education and workforce development programs in historically marginalized communities can help create economic opportunities for Black families. By providing access to quality education and job training, we can help lift entire communities out of poverty.
Legal and Policy Advocacy: Continued advocacy from civil rights organizations and lawmakers is essential to hold institutions accountable for discriminatory practices and push for policies that address the legacy of redlining.
Conclusion: The Fight for Housing Equality Continues
Redlining was a deliberate attempt to deny Black families access to homeownership and the opportunities that come with it. Though the practice is no longer legal, its legacy continues to affect Black communities, contributing to wealth inequality, segregation, and lack of opportunity. Understanding the impact of redlining is essential in addressing the persistent racial disparities that still exist today.
To make meaningful progress, we must advocate for policies that promote housing equality, investment in disenfranchised communities, and an end to discriminatory lending practices. Only by confronting the history and legacy of redlining can we begin to build a more equitable future for Black families and communities.
Redlining may have ended decades ago, but its legacy continues to impact Black communities today—limiting wealth, opportunities, and equality. Learn why addressing redlining’s impact is crucial for justice. #HousingEquality #BlackCommunities
Crowned in Black Love 