I found this house online three weeks ago, and my first thought was, “This is my house.” I called the seller and asked about it, and they told me it was a cash deal. They said, “I’m sure that takes you off the table.” But you should never underestimate a working black man.
I went to see the house the other week, and as soon as I stepped inside, I knew in my heart that I had finally come home. The house was built in 1820 by the Russell family, who owned the local cotton mill. Back then, slavery was still happening. When the agent asked me why I wanted such a big house, I told her it was a “generational move.” I know this house is bigger than me.
If only I could have spoken to my ancestors in 1820 while they were building this house. I would have said, “If someone told you 200 years later, a black man would own this house, love it, and find a place to remember you, even though 200 years later, people might still think you’re ‘off the table,’ just know that we are building our own tables.”
I am so proud to be a black man, and this is the proudest moment of my life. My White House is open for you whenever you want to visit. I’m so excited to invite you there! And yes, I am now a homeowner.