Sophia Tekola…
“Homeownership in Seattle, I think it is so very, very, very, times a million, very difficult, but I think it’s absolutely attainable. But I think every single day it gets harder with the affects of gentrification, it’s extremely harder for Black folks, indigenous folks and all people of color but specifically for indigenous and Black people. I think it is attainable when people come together and so when Black folks sell their houses to other Black folk or indigenous folks it keeps it moving and keeps it possible.”
Sean…
“I think so, it depends on the mindset of the person. If they think they can invest and come together I think it’s possible. But, at the same time, individually, if you do not have a foundation then no. But as far as teaming together, investing in oneself and also knowing how to go about it, where to start and where to look at I think it is possible.”
Mynique Adams…
“I think it really just depends on where in the city you’re talking about purchasing a home. If you’re talking about the Central District or any place that is central to Seattle I would have to say no, for the average Black person, absolutely not. But, if you’re talking about further south, pockets of West Seattle, I think there are some pockets of affordability but it’s shrinking every day. So I don’t want to say there is no way for Black folks to attain homeownership in Seattle, but I think that window is closing quickly as more and more people are heading into South King County and into Pierce County.”
Kanajia Williams…
“I do think it’s hard for my generation to own homes because a lot of them do not want to go to college and I feel when they don’t want to go to college and they can’t have a high paying job that will make it hard for them to own a home, because they feel like college is not worth it and good enough. But what they do not realize is you do need a higher level of education and a good working job to be able to afford a nice home and being able to own a home.”
Ray…
“I would say it all depends on a person’s mindset. I consider that I have a mindset of a successful person so you know it is like, I will struggle, I will grind and do what I have to, to attain that home if I need to. But there are some that give up easy, they fall today and they don’t want to get back up, but I am the kind of person that gets back up as many times as I may fall. I think it is attainable, a lot of people have them so why can’t I?”
Emme…
“Yes, I do believe it is possible for more people to become homeowners in Seattle area. I think it requires us to band together and because gentrification is a huge deal right now. But I think it is possible if we can get those good paying jobs. It’s a blessing and curse we have good companies in Seattle, so what we need to do is we need to start working for those high paying jobs which requires a college education, we can take back what was ours, but we have to have a group mindset”.
Photos/Aaron Allen
