For many Black Americans today, the cost of living has completely outpaced our earnings. As a result, many of our people are turning to an innovative strategy to offset living costs. What is it?
Only 44.1% of Black Americans own homes. Most of us rent – but the cost of rent has been going up too.
That’s why the practice of intentionally sharing space with each other by living with roommates has been growing. This technique may not be standard in American society, but it actually has a long history in our community.
Single-family homeownership is the “American dream,” and is one of the best tools to build wealth in America. But as Black Americans, we can create our own dream.
It might seem odd, but living with roommates can push us forward toward liberation. Why?
Black people have historically lived together. Our communal spaces have provided us the safety to express ourselves freely.
Roommates don’t have to be just anyone – we can share our space with family members or other Black people.
We can get creative about how to share the costs of living. Living with other Black people can help us save to eventually buy a home, and can help renters avoid rising rental prices.
By using strategies like this, we can all survive the difficult economic times we’re in!