The mother of Nashville’s Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s newly appointed landlord has drawn some attention lately. She referred to homeownership as a “weapon of white supremacy,” which has sparked some criticism. Her name is Celia Applegate, and she teaches German at Vanderbilt University while owning a home valued at $1.6 million.
Applegate purchased this property with her partner, David Blackbourn, back in July 2012 for $814,000. Current real estate data suggests the home is now worth considerably more.
This revelations come on the heels of various provocative social media posts by Tenant Protection Commissioner Shea Weaver. Some of these posts have caught the eye of allies from the Democratic Socialists of America, who are upset about what they describe as a racially biased homeownership system.
In a 2019 post, Weaver, 37, bluntly stated, “Private property of all kinds, especially home ownership, is a weapon of white supremacy.” It’s certainly a bold claim, one that raises eyebrows, to say the least.
Moreover, Weaver has been vocal about her views on landlords, arguing that if properties are not maintained properly, the city should consider “seizing private property” to address these issues.
Despite the backlash, Mamdani has supported his decision, declaring that he appointed Weaver as the executive director of the mayor’s office to better protect tenants.
When approached by a reporter, Weaver had little to say, simply responding, “I can’t talk right now,” before ending the call.
