Black Land Ownership is a grassroots organization, founded by Christopher Banks Carr and Melissa Hunter Gurney, to combat the historical, systematic and institutionalized marginalization experienced by people of African descent. It is imperative that we recognize the outrageous mistreatment and disparity experienced by Black people not only in the U.S. but worldwide in regards to land ownership.

Short term: our goal is to centralize information, identify opportunities and empower Black people to purchase land - specifically in rural areas. Long term: we aim to fund land projects that support the Black community artistically, economically and educationally as well as connect the worlds of social justice, environment protection, permaculture and sustainability.

Our research, although specific to the Black community, unequivocally reveals the need to raise awareness for other marginalized groups — women, trans, indigenous, immigrants — with limited resources or capital.

Black Land Ownership has purchased a 150K property in Richfield Springs, NY with 22 acres, lake access, single-wide trailer in place, grape arbor, apple trees, wildflowers and more.

We will offer programming such as: conferences, workshops, seminars, outdoor immersion, yoga retreats, field trips for youth and other gatherings. This property will be the BLO hub for cultivating an arts driven, education center; geared around anti-racist and anti-colonialist theory. One rooted in Pan-African philosophy and indigenous health practices.

• A yearly outdoor music festival
• Artists residency programs
• Small level sustainable farming/Permaculture initiatives
• Outdoor art installations all around the property
• Reintroduction to wilderness survival training
• Self-defense for women/marginalized groups
• Rites of passage weekends for young people
• Water safety/swimming activities

Hiking and Camping for folks who feel less protected in state parks or common lands: There are numerous people who feel unsafe camping and hiking on public lands due to the history of racial violence in rural areas. We want our land to be a safe space for folks who would like to experience the great outdoors without the threat of harassment, intimidation and overt racism.

We would like to create a sculpture park made with all organic materials—stone and wood monoliths, microliths, sculptures that incorporate the sun, wind, seasons, and natural processes that utilize gravity and inclines and work with the forested areas of the property. This project will allow us to:
• Get to know the land and the resources it holds
• Promote creative endeavors that aim to sustain natural environments 
• Connect with the community by offering and explorative experience in nature 
• Support independent artists who may not get the chance to work in such a vast and natural environment