Heirs of Dennis & Emma Allen

The Ancestral Value of Land = 3 P’s

Protect:

• Heirs’ property is particularly vulnerable to exploitation and development

• Many African-American families have lost their property due to heirs not being able to agree on how to take care of the property (pay taxes, upkeep, etc). As new generations are born, this becomes increasingly difficult because more people have rights to the property and a say in what happens to it.

• The threat is ongoing – as long as it is classified as heir’s property real estate developers will continue to mark their territory in and around you. The tactics and tricks are so devasting that many families are forced to sell.

• Stand up and fight for what is rightfully yours! Imagine the turmoil that your ancestors went through to purchase and maintain the land throughout the late 1800’s, The Great Depression, Civil Rights Act, and the economic downturn of 2008.

 

Preservation:  Why should you preserve your family land?

• Pass down to your heirs the beauty of your family’s legacy. Let them walk the grown that many of slaves worked on and sacrificed their lives to achieve. This instills the value of hard work and family values.

• The land has been in your family for several generations. This may be your family’s most valuable asset.

• Once the land is sold – that is the point of no return! The land is no longer in the hands of your family. Your family’s history and legacy will be completely removed once the bulldozers arrive to make room for more condominiums, golf courses, and hotels.

• No matter who actually lives on a piece of land, no matter who actually takes care of the land, and no matter who actually pays the taxes, every heir has a right to (also called an "interest in") the property.

 

Prosper:  What are your options to generate income other than selling?

• Historical restoration – provided you have the history and evidence to support consider registering your land as a historical African-American site. Is your property a former slave plantation? Are there slave graves on your site? Another consideration is an archaeological dig partnered with a university who may have an interest in African-American history pre/post the Civil War. Are there enough findings and history available to support a Gullah Geechee Museum or Tourist attraction?

• Produce agriculture. Have the soil evaluated and determine the best crops to grow. Additionally, contact the forestry division if there are a surplus of trees. Pine trees are valuable. Also, consider growing organic produce.

• Partner with a highly reputable corporation for a long term lease. With a lease, your family will still own the property however their payments would be shared with the tenets (owners) of the property. Make sure that you hire a reputable attorney to assist with all contracts. Through due diligence on anyone you engage in conversation with is critical. Check references, better business bureau, etc.

• Raise capital to make your own renovations on your property. Many developers may approach you about a partnership, but be careful. This is extremely risky. Why take the risk when you can collectively with your family make the renovations to improve the upkeep and appearance of your property? We would be happy to share case studies from families who were able to maintain their property. We are also working on this within the Allen Family, learn from our success and mistakes! .