To: Governor Kathy Hochul; New York State Attorney General Letitia James; NYC Commission on Human Rights; New York State Division of Human Rights
Stop Deed Theft in Central Brooklyn: Protect Black Elderly Homeowners NOW
Black elderly homeowners in Brooklyn are being targeted, displaced, and stripped of their homes through fraud and illegal evictions. We demand immediate emergency action.
Black elderly homeowners in Central Brooklyn are facing a human rights crisis.
Predatory actors are stealing homes through forged deeds, fraudulent contracts, coercive “family” transfers, and illegal lockouts.
Black elderly women are being targeted at the highest rates.
Black elderly homeowners in Central Brooklyn are facing a human rights crisis.
Predatory actors are stealing homes through forged deeds, fraudulent contracts, coercive “family” transfers, and illegal lockouts.
Black elderly women are being targeted at the highest rates.
This crisis is ripping away generational wealth and destabilizing Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights.
If this were happening to any other group, there would already be a state of emergency.
If this were happening to any other group, there would already be a state of emergency.
We call on:
Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, the NYC Commission on Human Rights, and the New York State Division of Human Rights
to take immediate action to protect our elders and stop the theft of Black homes.
Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, the NYC Commission on Human Rights, and the New York State Division of Human Rights
to take immediate action to protect our elders and stop the theft of Black homes.
We demand:
1. Declare a State of Emergency in Central Brooklyn
This crisis requires coordinated, immediate intervention.
2. A Moratorium on All Contested Property Transfers
Including intra-family disputes — until legal review and due process are completed.
3. Enforce Assembly Bill A7019
Financial institutions must place a temporary hold on suspicious transactions when elder exploitation is suspected.
4. Enforce RPAPL § 768 (New York’s Deed Theft Prevention Law)
Illegal removals of seniors based on contested deeds must stop now.
5. Investigate and Prosecute Deed Thieves Aggressively
Predatory investors, real estate entities, and individuals must be held accountable.
6. Provide Support for Victims
Legal assistance, housing stabilization, and financial help for elders fighting to reclaim their homes.
Why is this important?
Predators are targeting Black elderly homeowners — especially women — because they believe no one will protect them.
But we will.
Our elders built Central Brooklyn.
They deserve safety, dignity, and the right to age in place — not displacement through fraud and violence.
They deserve safety, dignity, and the right to age in place — not displacement through fraud and violence.
Add your name. Stand with our elders. Protect Black homes.
How it will be delivered
Formal letter.