In 2012, a family named the Elys was subjected to a lawsuit with the intention of pressuring them to sell their shares of ancestral land in Alabama. It is estimated that over 90% of farmland owned by Black Americans has been lost or stolen in the past century. However, this year, the Elys successfully fought against the lawsuit and are now using the land to honor their family’s legacy.
Michael Robinson, a member of the Ely family, only discovered the extent of their land ownership when they were sued by a stranger twelve years ago. The lawsuit was filed by James E. Deshler II, who purchased a fraction of the Elys’ land from two of Robinson’s cousins and used that ownership to attempt to obtain the rest of the property. The 127-acre farmland held both monetary and sentimental value for the family, serving as a gathering place for family events throughout the years.
The loss of land by Black Americans is a long-standing issue, with millions of acres being lost since the end of slavery in the United States. Historically, white farmers and landowners have taken advantage of heirs’ property disputes to seize land from Black farmers and their descendants. This loss of land, primarily farmland, amounts to an estimated $326 billion. Urban land dispossession has also impacted Black Americans, as seen in the case of Bruce’s Beach, a California property that was seized by eminent domain and only returned to the Black family in 2022.
Robinson, as a corporate and nonprofit advisor, took on the responsibility of leading the family’s fight against the lawsuit. However, they faced challenges due to the large number of heirs involved. To overcome these hurdles, Robinson and his cousin formed a “land retention committee” to unite all family members. The lawsuit proceeded at a slower pace than usual, as any family members who passed away during the process resulted in the land transferring to their children, requiring the court to notify them again.
Ultimately, after 12 years of legal battles, the judge ruled in favor of the Elys in August of this year. They were also able to reclaim the portion of the land owned by Deshler. This victory holds significant meaning for the family, particularly considering the history of disenfranchisement and land loss experienced by Black Americans. Robinson discovered that a fifth of their land was once a plantation, adding a deeper significance to reclaiming and owning the property. The family has placed the land in an LLC named after their grandparents to honor their legacy and is exploring business opportunities to maximize its potential.
For Robinson, this process symbolizes reclaiming their birthright and honoring the legacy of their ancestors. The land holds immense sentimental value, and he is determined to ensure that future generations recognize the family’s fight to keep the land within their ownership. By preserving the hard work and sacrifices made by their grandparents, Robinson aims to change the narrative and history associated with the land, creating a meaningful resource for generations to come.
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