Brooklyn homeowners, church leaders and community organizations are organizing to protect Black families and congregations facing property disputes, foreclosure and possible deed theft. Two gatherings brought residents and advocates together to discuss property loss, according to NY Amsterdam.
On Oct. 27, the People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft hosted a meeting at Citadel Cathedral of Praise & Worship on Barbey Street in Cypress Hills.
Activist Evangeline Byars organized the gathering, which featured attorney Jacqueline McMickens and Operation POWER representative Charles Barron. Speakers discussed how debt, financing arrangements and foreclosure can put church property at risk.
“Some of these cases are dead on arrival,” said attorney Jacqueline McMickens. “I want to tell you that you can overcome [a foreclosure debt]. You have to find a way for the bank to let you back in. But if you get back in and you can’t afford it, you’re wasting your time. You’re only digging a deeper hole for yourself and creating more pain for yourself because it is truly painful to give [thousands of] dollars because you think you’re buying a home and all you’re buying is a place where you can sleep because you don’t own it.”
Church administrator Edison Bond described Citadel’s efforts to purchase a permanent home after years of worshipping in rented spaces. The church paid $1.8 million upfront and the seller financed the remaining $500,000, Bond said.
The building was sold at auction in April 2025 and the congregation is pursuing a court case to retain it.
In Crown Heights, the Black Homeowners’ Preservation Coalition and Crown Heights Tenant Union gathered at 964 Park Place on Nov. 1 to support the Robinson-Torain family. Sherease Torain and her mother, Queen Afua, allege that a fraudulent 2015 transaction took the deed to their family home, purchased by their grandparents in 1951.
Supporters began a round-the-clock stoop watch on Nov. 1 and planned an eviction blockade for Nov. 6.
The gatherings reflect concerns about preserving generational wealth, housing stability and Black-owned community institutions in Brooklyn. For families and congregations, losing property can mean losing not only a home or place of worship but also a community anchor.
Organizers encouraged residents to document experiences, share information and connect with others facing similar disputes.
The coalitions are seeking neighborhood participation and stronger protections against deed theft.
Residents can support the Robinson-Torain family by joining efforts at 964 Park Place and following updates from organizers.
