Justin Blake Fights to Save His Mother’s Home

Tammy Gibson CNW Staff Writer

The Blake family is no stranger to tragedy. On August 23, 2020, Jacob S. Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot in the back seven times and seriously injured by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The entire incident was captured on video and changed Blake and his family’s lives forever. Jacob Blake is now paralyzed from the waist down, his children traumatized and his family demanding justice. The family is now fighting to save their family home. Justin Blake is the son of Rev. Jacob Blake, Sr., who was a civil rights activist and a pastor at the historic Ebenezer AME Church in Evanston, IL. Justin Blake has been sleeping on the bridge at 93rd & Lafayette over the Dan Ryan expressway during rain, sleet, and snow. To keep himself warm, Blake covers up with plastic. Drivers can see Blake raising the sign that says “Save the Blake Family Home,” and pedestrians that cross the bridge can see Blake sitting in a chair with a red, black, and green flag, talking about his mission. Blake needs to raise $30,000 to save his mother’s home located on 70th & Wabash. The Blake House was purchased by Blake’s great-grandparents, Arthur and Lola Williamson and grandparents, and L’ouverture and Jean Goudeau. Blake’s father was not the only one in the family that was part of history. Arthur Williamson was a Pullman Porter for 40 years, and L’ouverture Goudeau was an instructor for the Tuskegee Airmen. Blake’s family was the first Black family that lived on the east side of the Dan Ryan. Blake compares his family to the movie “A Raisin in the Sun” written by playwriter Lorraine Hansberry which tells a story of a black family’s experience living on the South Side of Chicago dealing with racism and housing discrimination. “This home is a legacy that should be on the historical listing in Chicago and the nation. We must do everything we can to save this home,” says Blake.

Blake’s mother, Patricia, has lived in the home for over 30 years. Blake’s mother has dealt with health issues, and her income has been reduced significantly. Unfortunately, Blake’s mother fell behind in paying her property taxes for a few years. The home was purchased at a Cook County scavenger sale.

Blake says that many seniors, like his mother, on a fixed income, must make difficult decisions and decide what to pay for to survive, such as medication, groceries, and household expenses. Blake says there needs to be something done about the taxes in Chicago, especially back taxes. “It’s another tool of gentrification that has been used all over the city and the country,” says Blake. After Blake resolves the issues for his mother, he plans to go to the Cook County Commissioner to raise awareness and find a way to help families, especially seniors, that are struggling to pay property taxes.

Blake refuses to give up. Blake did not live in the home but has fond memories of spending the summer growing up. Blake is fighting to the last second. “We are choosing to stand in the face of the 11th hour. The property could be gone at any second. We are fighting for every inch of the property we gained over the years. Property is the biggest purchase people make in a lifetime and should be recognized as such, especially if they have been in the community for over 70 years. They are the anchor of the community,” says Blake.

Blake says the fight to save the home is not over. Blake is keeping the faith to protect the house, an essential part of their family legacy and a staple in the community. “I will not leave this bridge until we make them an offer they can’t refuse,” says Blake. To donate to save the Blake family home, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/savethe-blake-family-house

Tammy Gibson is a Black history traveler. Find her on social media @sankofatravelher.1