Reactions to Controversial Comments by Tenant Advocate in New York

Black homeowners in New York are expressing shock and dismay over remarks made by Shea Weaver, Mayor Mandani’s recently appointed tenant advocate. Weaver has stirred controversy by labeling real estate ownership as a tool of “white supremacy” and suggesting it should be abolished. Many are perplexed, particularly since homeownership is considered a vital part of building black wealth, putting her comments at odds with common perceptions about the American Dream.

“White supremacy? I’m not white,” remarked Renee Gregory, president of Brownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant, an organization dedicated to helping black homeowners retain their properties in historically black neighborhoods. She said she found Weaver’s views bewildering and indicated that they have sparked conversations among local homeowners.

Weaver’s remarks, discovered in an archived social media post from 2019 shortly after her appointment on January 1, claimed that “private property, especially homeownership, is a weapon of white supremacy.” She also called homeownership a “racist” public policy, advocating for a future where property is collectively owned.

However, many black New Yorkers, especially those from the community Weaver claims to represent, feel she’s out of touch. Critics have pointed out her background as a middle-class white woman who attended prestigious colleges, arguing that she lacks an understanding of the community’s needs.

In response to Weaver’s comments, Marlon Rice, a candidate for the Brooklyn State Senate, emphasized that homeownership is crucial for black wealth and criticized the fixation on policies that undermine it. Drawing from his own upbringing, where his father bought a brownstone, he maintained that purchasing a home served as a pathway out of poverty rather than a means of oppression.

This sentiment resonates with many current homeowners in Bedford-Stuyvesant, a predominantly black neighborhood where over 40% of the population identifies as black, which is significantly higher than in New York City overall. Dushira Joseph, a Trinidadian immigrant who worked tirelessly for years to buy her home, expressed pride in her ownership, reflecting the sense of accomplishment and stability it represents.

Many share similar experiences. Philip Solomon, a homeowner for 17 years, dismissed Weaver’s comments as “illogical,” recalling how representations of black families in media inspired him to envision owning a home in New York City. He described homeownership as a cornerstone of culture and aspiration.

Even former Mayor Eric Adams chimed in, calling Weaver’s views “completely crazy” and asserting that homeownership has helped immigrant and working-class families build stability and wealth despite numerous challenges. He criticized the idea that such a foundational aspect of life could be viewed through the lens of privilege and disconnect.

Weaver acknowledged the backlash she received, stating her regret over how she expressed certain ideas but stopped short of offering a full apology. She mentioned her experience in advocating for affordable housing, implying that her intentions were based on decades of work in the field.

Interestingly, while Weaver has condemned gentrification previously, she herself lives in an area undergoing rapid changes, raising questions about her own alignment with the issues she discusses. Despite the uproar, Mayor Mamdani defended her appointment, noting that her selection was based on her advocacy work and not her previous statements.