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Four HBCUs Receive Nearly $2 Million In Grants & Gifts

1. Howard University — $1 Million
Howard University in Washington, District of Columbia has received a nearly $1 million grant from Gilead Sciences to increase HIV prevention, anti-stigma, and health equity efforts for Black cisgender and transgender women. The funds will support a collaborative effort between the historically Black university and HealthHIV, focusing on engagement and awareness through artistic endeavors such as podcasts, blogs, fashion shows, and workshops geared towards Black women.

2. North Carolina Central University — $300,000
The School of Education at historically Black North Carolina Central University has received a $300,000 grant from the Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity to support its existing collaboration with Durham Public Schools.

The partnership aims to recruit and prepare diverse, qualified teachers who are equipped to address the needs of racially, ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse students.

3. Clark Atlanta University — $225,000
The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University has been awarded a $225,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The grant will enhance the institute’s scholarships, mentoring programs, and leadership workshops, to create a pipeline of qualified HBCU executives.

4. Wiley University — $150,000
Wiley University, a historically Black college in Marshall, Texas, has received a $150,000 grant from the T.D. Jakes Foundation and Wells Fargo. The funds will support the university’s Financial Literacy Wellness Center, which aims to help Wiley students achieve greater financial freedom.

Congratulations to all the HBCUs for these outstanding contributions!

SOURCE HBCU Buzz

BALTIMORE (February 26, 2024) – La Cité Development, LLC, an award-winning real estate development corporation, and T.D. Jakes, global leader and noted entrepreneur, announced their plans to fuel future growth in Baltimore, Maryland, with plans for expansion across the U.S.

As the Chairman & CEO of the T.D. Jakes Group, a global conglomerate dedicated to solving society’s problems through strategic alliances that create equity and provide solutions for underrepresented and underserved communities, Jakes’ investment in La Cité’s plans for Baltimore demonstrates Jakes’ continued effort to create local and national social impact, making La Cité an ideal ally in Jakes’ mission to address housing disparities across the U.S.

The investment within La Cité from Jakes marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing transformation of West Baltimore’s Poppleton neighborhood. The premise of the initial investment between Jakes and La Cité’s President Dan Bythewood, is their joint commitment to address the fundamental issues and challenges facing underserved and underrepresented communities with the objective of developing sustainable and thriving communities.

Ongoing and recent statistics and data on the city of Baltimore underscore the urgent need for progressive housing solutions in the city. The lack of affordable and accessible housing has become a pressing concern for residents, contributing to socio-economic challenges and hindering the city’s growth potential. With a vision to address these critical issues, La Cité’s investment from Chairman Jakes has placed La Cité in a position to be one of the torchbearers for transformative initiatives in this region.

“I believe in the power of investments to bring about positive change. As the nation reflects on the history of Black Americans this month, we celebrate not just our past but also the strides we are making towards a brighter future. By addressing housing issues, we are contributing to the ongoing legacy of empowerment and resilience that defines Black history”, remarked Jakes. “As leaders in our community, I recognize the responsibility we bear in contributing to the betterment of our communities. This investment is not just about housing; it’s about creating opportunities, empowering families, and leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

The announcement represents the latest in the ongoing transformation of the West Baltimore Poppleton neighborhood with new residential and retail projects by La Cité Development, the Black-owned MBE master developer of Center\West.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome T.D. Jakes as a strategic investor to La Cité Development and our transformative Center\West development, which comes at a time of significant momentum for the company. Through a shared vision, we aspire to harness our unwavering commitment and execute impactful initiatives dedicated to rejuvenating neighborhoods and fostering lasting change.” said Dan Bythewood, President and Co-Founder of La Cité Development.

As an established and progressive leader in global markets, La Cité has brought distinct value in the local community by investing so far over $102 million in the Poppleton area with its first two mixed-use buildings that are home to both market rate and affordable rental units, contributing to a significant increase in home values and a 40% reduction in crime.

Recently, Jakes’ own real-estate development company, T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures (TDJREV), announced plans build two affordable housing developments in South Florida. One, located in Hallandale Beach, 20 miles north of Miami, will be comprised of a multifamily, mixed-income development featuring 200 units on five acres at the center of a historic Black community with limited affordable housing options. The second, will be a senior living development in Miami Gardens that will house 150 units on seven acres, featuring a clubhouse and walking trails.

Jakes’ TDJREV is a Dallas-based real estate company dedicated to implementing T.D. Jakes’ vision of creating attainable and sustainable communities in a global marketplace and developing 21st Century solutions to address rudimentary needs in targeted communities with a focus on economic development, job training, financial literacy and education enrichment. Its real estate portfolio includes Capella Park, a 400-plus acre community in south Dallas that includes single-family homes, live-work space and a pre-k-8 school.

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About La Cité Development:
Founded in 2001, La Cité Development, is an award-winning real estate development corporation investing in strategic real estate ventures in the US and abroad, which has built a portfolio in affordable housing, multi-family and hotel development. La Cité’s philosophy embraces investment in neighborhoods that have been largely overlooked and promotes developments with a strong commitment to providing transformative change in the lives of local communities.

For more information, please visit La Cité Development https://lacitedevelopment.com.

About T.D. Jakes & T.D. Jakes Group:
T. D. Jakes is a global philanthropist, one of the world’s most revered communicators, a New York Times bestselling author and serves as Chairman and CEO of The T.D. Jakes Group.

The T.D. Jakes Group is a global conglomerate that’s worked for more than four decades at the intersection of mission, ministry and marketplace to solve society’s problems through strategic alliances creating equity and providing solutions for underrepresented and underserved communities. The organization’s four pillars operate globally: T.D. Jakes Enterprises is a civil rights award-winning social impact holding company reaching millions through entrepreneurial training, minority business accelerator initiatives and trailblazing representation in streaming unscripted series, film, music and publishing that has grossed over $500 million worldwide through original entertainment content; T.D. Jakes Foundation is building bridges by unlocking the power of global competition through workforce training that prepares workers to compete in today’s economy through STEM/STEAM education, financial literacy and inclusion, and a laser focus to close the racial wealth gap and support minority women in corporate leadership; T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures is actively developing sustainable communities with a focus on economic development, eradicating food deserts and opening doors for home ownership and wealth building where none existed before.; T.D. Jakes Ministries is a faith-based international organization who’s inspiring content is translated to over 90 languages each week, and whose returning citizen advocacy work has helped over 30,000 individuals create lasting, generational change.

Learn how the T.D. Jakes Group is creating a more equitable society through innovative concepts and disruptive partnerships by visiting tdjakes.org/newsroom.

Forbes reports a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at addressing societal challenges and revitalizing forgotten communities. On Feb. 7, renowned pastor T.D. Jakes and Wells Fargo announced a $9 million grant initiative. The partnership, born out of a shared commitment to social impact, seeks to bring positive change to underserved areas, emphasizing financial literacy, affordable housing, and community development.

T.D. Jakes, founder and pastor of The Potter’s House, had proposed a foundation to address sociological issues four years ago, estimating a need for $100 million. Undeterred by the absence of immediate funds, Jakes, known for his faith-driven initiatives, went public with his vision in January 2020.

“I’m not normal. I stepped out on faith,” said Jakes of his belief in the transformative power of faith.

The partnership includes a significant financial commitment from Wells Fargo, the $9 million grant is intended to aid in revitalizing marginalized communities, particularly Black and brown neighborhoods. The announcement specified a $500,000 allocation to Augusta, Georgia’s Laney Walker neighborhood, where plans include the construction of a much-needed grocery store.

Last year, the collaboration between the T.D. Jakes Foundation, T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, and Wells Fargo crystallized into a $1 billion investment initiative. The multifaceted approach aims to refurbish underserved areas, fostering economic growth and community well-being. Jakes envisions combating financial disparities through increased financial literacy programs and addressing issues like predatory payday loan businesses.

“Incrementally, we will attack some of the issues,” affirmed Jakes, who has already initiated mixed-use real estate development plans in South Florida, including senior housing. Notably, the pastor has enlisted the support of billionaire Tyler Perry for a project around the Fort McPherson military base in Atlanta.

The combined developments in Atlanta and Florida are projected to include 2,000 homes, with plans to build an additional 10,000 nationwide over the next five years.

Jakes emphasizes his commitment to creating opportunities for Black Americans and empowering communities.

“For years [Black Americans] had people making decisions about us without us,” Jakes said. “And often, even when well-meaning, it’s been to our detriment.”

Addressing concerns about Wells Fargo’s historical relationship with Black Americans, especially regarding mortgage discrimination, Jakes expressed trust in the bank’s current leadership. He noted CEO Charles Scharf’s commitment to rectifying past issues and emphasized the ongoing endeavor to build equity, opportunity, and affordable housing.

“I’m here to represent our people in an ongoing endeavor to build equity, opportunity, to build a commodity of affordable housing,” Jakes said. “Wells Fargo is standing alongside to provide capital.”

(Marshall, TX) Wiley University is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the T.D. Jakes Foundation in collaboration with Wells Fargo. This transformative funding is part of a groundbreaking philanthropic investment of $9 million aimed at fostering community development initiatives nationwide.

The grant from T.D. Jakes Foundation and Wells Fargo is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to address historical disparities and empower marginalized communities. Wiley University joins a select group of 16 community-based organizations across the United States that will leverage this funding to bring about positive change.

The funds awarded to Wiley University will be utilized to create the Financial Literacy Wellness Center at Wiley University. This includes a dedicated space for literacy wellness, the addition of a finance/accounting professor who will increase student experience, and experiential learning that uses financial incentives to strengthen participation and alignment with the University’s career readiness/exploration goals. As a result of the gift, we will assist our community, starting with Wiley students, in achieving greater financial literacy and freedom.

“We are elated to be a recipient of such a generous grant from the T.D. Jakes Foundation and Wells Fargo,” said Herman J. Felton, Jr., Ph.D., J.D., President/CEO at Wiley University. “This support allows us to increase engagement in financial wellness and introduce opportunities that improve economic mobility through a series of activities and experiences. We are excited to open a financial wellness center and not only impact our campus community, but our surrounding residential community, aligning with our mission as a premier liberal arts institution, with an intentional focus on social good and leadership.”

The T.D. Jakes Foundation and Wells Fargo’s 10-year strategic partnership reflects a commitment to creating opportunities for historically underrepresented communities. “We have worked at the local and national level to build meaningful partnerships that help us cultivate cultural and economic shifts, and our relationship with Wells Fargo advances what we are aiming to achieve at T.D. Jakes Foundation,” said Kelley Cornish, CEO of T.D. Jakes Foundation. “The grantees will use the funds to arm the next generation of college students with financial literacy and career-building skills and will create much-needed support for entrepreneurs, homebuyers, and the underserved population who have not had access to life-changing and uplifting resources.”

For more information about Wiley University please visit www.wileyc.edu

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About Wiley University
Wiley University, formerly known as Wiley College, is a premier liberal institution, affiliated with the United Methodist Church, with an intentional focus on social good and leadership.

About T.D. Jakes Group and Wells Fargo Partnership

The T.D. Jakes Group and Wells Fargo have joined forces in a 10-year strategic partnership to invest in transformational community development across America. This partnership, which includes a philanthropic investment of $9 million in grants, from the T.D. Jakes Foundation aims to address economic disparities and empower underserved communities.

Televangelist T.D. Jakes wants to help Augusta’s Laney-Walker community eradicate its food desert.

The T.D. Jakes Foundation, in collaboration with Wells Fargo, announced Wednesday a $500,000 grant to the Community Foundation of the CSRA to “fund the introduction and development of a grocery in the Laney-Walker neighborhood of Augusta,” according to a news release.

Bishop T.D. Jakes/Courtesy T.D. Jakes
The grant is part of a $9 million philanthropic effort by the T.D. Jakes Foundation and Wells Fargo to improve historically underrepresented communities, it said.

The Laney-Walker district, Augusta’s historically Black business district, has relied on dollar stores, fast food and churches to eat for years. The closest grocery, a Kroger on 15th Street, closed in 2017. City leaders have said bringing convenient fresh healthy food options to the area was a priority.

“Disruption is the only solution to systemic inequality. Partnerships with impactful and relevant organizations enable us to provide even more opportunities to transform historically marginalized groups and areas across the entire nation,” Jakes said in the release.

The city has had a partnership with T.D. Jakes Ministries for some time and inked a memorandum of understanding with the church last year. Mayor Garnett Johnson mentioned the partnership in his state of the city address.

The MOU’s stated initiative was to “facilitate development of a grocery/market/wellness center located within the Laney-Walker and Bethlehem communities.”

The store is a separate effort than that of the MCG Foundation to develop a grocery store on 15th Street across from the former Kroger, Foundation President and CEO Ian Mercier said.

Jakes’ real estate arm has undertaken full-blown redevelopment projects in some cities and recently acquired 94 acres of former Fort McPherson land adjacent to Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta for a mixed-use village.

By Susan McCord

DALLAS (February 7, 2024)- The T.D. Jakes Foundation (TDJF), in collaboration with Wells Fargo, are creating opportunities for historically underrepresented communities with a philanthropic investment of $9 million in grants to 16 community-based organizations across the United States. This funding is poised to support the creation of financial wellness and innovation centers, help organizations convert underutilized land into affordable homes, and drive impactful change for college students.

In April 2023, T.D. Jakes Group and Wells Fargo announced a 10-year partnership that could result in up to $1 billion in capital and financing to support underserved communities across the United States.

The philanthropy spans across diverse communities, including Black, Brown, and impoverished White populations. The alliance is a resounding commitment to narrowing divides and empowering marginalized communities with tools and resources for generational wealth. The grants are funded through a donor-advised fund managed at the Communities Foundation of Texas on behalf of T.D. Jakes Foundation and Wells Fargo.

“This partnership allows both of our organizations to catalyze change in a myriad of sectors and to help craft better lives for those benefiting from the work of the T.D Jakes Foundation and other community organizations funded by the partnership. While our work is just beginning with Wells Fargo, this is a continuation of our organization’s commitment to providing financial literacy, career development opportunities and financial resources for underserved students and communities,” said T.D. Jakes, CEO of T.D. Jakes Group. “Disruption is the only solution to systemic inequality. Partnerships with impactful and relevant organizations enable us to provide even more opportunities to transform historically marginalized groups and areas across the entire nation.”

“To create transformational change, we need to collaborate simultaneously across the multitude of issues facing our communities,” said Darlene Goins, head of philanthropy and community impact at Wells Fargo. “With our philanthropic investment, Wells Fargo is aiming to expand the reach of the T.D. Jakes Foundation across housing, small business, and financial health to help tackle the complexities of the wealth gap.”

The 16 community-based organizations represent a combined effort to strengthen the economic, entrepreneurial and cultural infrastructure across America. These grant recipients will use the funds to further financial literacy in Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), build career centers and offices, support affordable housing projects and cultivate top-tier careers for college students.

Organizations receiving grants include:

“We have worked at the local and national level to build meaningful partnerships that help us cultivate cultural and economic shifts, and our relationship with Wells Fargo advances what we are aiming to achieve at T.D. Jakes Foundation,” said Kelley Cornish, CEO of T.D. Jakes Foundation. “The grantees will use the funds to arm the next generation of college students with financial literacy and career building skills and will create much needed support for entrepreneurs, homebuyers and the underserved population who have not had access to life-changing and uplifting resources.”

About T.D. Jakes Foundation
T.D. Jakes Foundation is building bridges by unlocking the power of global competition through workforce training that prepares workers to compete in today’s economy through STEM/STEAM education, financial literacy and inclusion, and a laser focus to close the racial wealth gap and support minority women in corporate leadership. For more than 40 years, T.D. Jakes has connected diverse communities across socio-economic divides. Through the work of T.D. Jakes Foundation, Chairman Jakes is harnessing decades of resources and connections to prepare people for success in the 21st-century workforce, lift underserved populations and connect corporations to new, highly skilled pools of talent amid increasing global competition. For additional information visit: https://tdjfoundation.org/

About The T.D. Jakes Group
The T.D. Jakes Group is a global conglomerate that’s worked for more than four decades at the intersection of mission, ministry and marketplace to solve society’s problems through strategic alliances creating equity and providing solutions for underrepresented and underserved communities. The organization’s four pillars operate globally: T.D. Jakes Enterprises is a civil rights award-winning social impact holding company reaching millions through entrepreneurial training, minority business accelerator initiatives and trailblazing representation in streaming unscripted series, film, music and publishing that has grossed over $500 million worldwide through original entertainment content; T.D. Jakes Foundation is building bridges by unlocking the power of global competition through workforce training that prepares workers to compete in today’s economy through STEM/STEAM education, financial literacy and inclusion, and a laser focus to close the racial wealth gap and support minority women in corporate leadership; T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures is actively developing sustainable communities with a focus on economic development, eradicating food deserts and opening doors for home ownership and wealth building where none existed before.; T.D. Jakes Ministries is a faith-based international organization who’s inspiring content is translated to over 90 languages each week, and whose returning citizen advocacy work has helped over 30,000 individuals create lasting, generational change.

Learn how the T.D. Jakes Group is creating a more equitable society through innovative concepts and disruptive partnerships by visiting www.tdjakes.org/newsroom

The rise of A.I. is forcing industries to confront antiquated practices and ideas about approaching business. Fortunately, T.D. Jakes, a self-proclaimed businessman, is dedicated to ushering entrepreneurs and spiritual leaders into the next phase of technology.

T.D. Jakes’ 2024 International Leadership Summit will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center from March 21-23, 2024 and the theme will focus on tackling the challenges of tomorrow: A.I. and innovation.

This is timely as the AI market is projected to hit a valuation of $407 billion by 2027. Most worryingly, according to a recent report from Forbes, 77% of people shared their concern that AI could wipe out their jobs.

“In a volatile culture, understanding and leveraging optimal timing is crucial for leaders, and no matter the industry, timing is everything,” a news release announcing the summit states. “This year’s International Leadership Summit will focus on harnessing the power of timing. The event will help leaders and visionaries gain a competitive edge by equipping them with the wisdom to recognize the rhythms to effective leadership and innovation to capitalize on emerging opportunities.”

The conference will include a robust lineup of speakers that include T.D. Jakes, CEO of the T.D. Jakes Group, Sarah Jakes Roberts, A.R. Bernard, pastor, civil rights activist and founding senior pastor of Christian Cultural Center, Angela Williams, president and CEO, United Way Worldwide, Cynthia Marshall, CEO, Dallas Mavericks, Keion Henderson, author, entrepreneur and senior pastor of The LightHouse Church, John Hope Bryant, founder and CEO, Operation Hope, Dale Bronner, co-owner, Bronner Brothers Manufacturing Co., Beth Myers, CEO, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, and Henry Cloud, clinical psychologist among others.

BY JASMINE BROWLEY

T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures and New Urban Development announced a partnership on Dec. 12 to build two affordable housing developments in South Florida, according to a joint statement about the venture.

One of the developments, located in Hallandale Beach, about 20 miles north of Miami, is expected to break ground in the first quarter of 2024. The multifamily, mixed-income development features 200 units on five acres at the center of a historic Black community with limited affordable housing options.

The second property will be a senior living development in Miami Gardens. It will have 150 units on seven acres, featuring a clubhouse and walking trails.

“Florida continues to grow and the need for more living options is at an all-time high,” said Marcus Dawson, managing partner of T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures.

The Dallas-based real estate company implements non-denominational pastor and founder of The Potter’s House Bishop T.D. Jakes’ vision of creating attainable and sustainable communities. Its recently launched comprehensive community development platform focuses on economic development, job training and education.

“It is our mission to create the necessary alliances that help address the most glaring issues like affordable housing,” Dawson continued. “New Urban Development shares our vision for community transformation for seniors and underserved populations, and their accomplishments in South Florida model what development should look like in our communities.”

New Urban Development, founded in 2005, is the real estate development affiliate of the Urban League of Greater Miami. According to the press release, New Urban Development is Miami’s largest Black-owned real estate developer, focusing on revitalizing South Florida neighborhoods.

“The relationships and access to funding sources through T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures will help us expand the work we’ve been doing to improve the housing options in overlooked and underserved neighborhoods of Miami-Dade County and surrounding areas,” said Oliver Gross, president of New Urban Development.

“We all believe in a holistic approach to community revitalization that values transformation over transactions and incorporates education programs, financial literacy and other resources to residents.”

In April, Jakes announced a 10-year partnership between the T.D. Jakes Group and Wells Fargo on CBS Mornings. The bank has committed up to $1 billion to fund various community development projects.

“The future looks very bleak, particularly for minorities,” Jakes said. “Black people, Brown people and also poor White people who are finding it difficult, workforce people, to find a job, to find opportunities to get housing, to get upward mobility.”

Jakes’ inaugural project with Wells Fargo is a mixed-income housing development with retail facilities on 95 acres outside Atlanta on former U.S. Army base Fort McPherson.

Bishop T.D. Jakes is continuing to take action in real estate. As previously reported by AFROTECH, the senior pastor of The Potter’s House is behind T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, which works to create affordable housing across the U.S.

On Dec. 12, the Dallas, TX-based company announced that it has partnered with New Urban Development, “Miami’s largest Black-owned real estate developer,” according to a press release. As a way to tackle the housing crisis in South Florida, T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures and New Urban Development are set to build two affordable housing developments, one in Hallandale Beach, FL, and one in Miami Gardens, FL.

“Florida continues to grow and the need for more living options is at an all-time high,” Marcus Dawson, managing partner of T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, shared in a press statement. “It is our mission to create the necessary alliances that help address the most glaring issues like affordable housing. New Urban Development shares our vision for community transformation for seniors and underserved populations, and their accomplishments in South Florida model what development should look like in our communities.”

The press release shares that in Hallandale Beach, the construction will be for a multifamily, mixed-income development consisting of 200 units, while the Miami Gardens project will be for senior citizens and have 150 units.

“The relationships and access to funding sources through T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures will help us expand the work we’ve been doing to improve the housing options in overlooked and underserved neighborhoods of Miami-Dade County and surrounding areas,” Oliver Gross, president of New Urban Development, said. “We all believe in a holistic approach to community revitalization that values transformation over transactions and incorporates education programs, financial literacy and other resources to residents.”

So far, the Hallandale development is set to start in the beginning of 2024.

DALLAS—December 12, 2023 – T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, LLC (TDJREV), a real estate company leading the creation of healthy and sustainable communities in a global marketplace, today announced a partnership with New Urban Development, Miami’s largest Black-owned real estate developer, to build two affordable housing developments in Hallandale Beach, Fla., and Miami Gardens, Fla. The strategic partnership signifies a concerted effort to provide affordable housing for in-need areas of South Florida while also helping to revitalize and stabilize the communities. This project is the continuation of Chairman T.D. Jakes’ push to create affordable, accessible housing nationwide for those who need it most.

“Florida continues to grow and the need for more living options is at an all-time high,” said Marcus Dawson, managing partner of T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures. “It is our mission to create the necessary alliances that help address the most glaring issues like affordable housing. New Urban Development shares our vision for community transformation for seniors and underserved populations, and their accomplishments in South Florida model what development should look like in our communities.”

As Miami’s largest Black-owned real estate developer and real estate development affiliate of The Urban League of Greater Miami, New Urban Development has been revitalizing neighborhoods in South Florida for nearly two decades. The company has facilitated the development of more than 13 housing projects including multi-family and senior living units.

“The relationships and access to funding sources through T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures will help us expand the work we’ve been doing to improve the housing options in overlooked and underserved neighborhoods of Miami-Dade County and surrounding areas,” said Oliver Gross, president of New Urban Development. “We all believe in a holistic approach to community revitalization that values transformation over transactions and incorporates education programs, financial literacy and other resources to residents.”

The multifamily, mixed-income development located in Hallandale Beach will feature 200 units on five acres, located at the center of an historic African American community with limited affordable housing options. The development is expected to break ground in Q1 2024.

The senior living development in Miami Gardens will consist of 150 units on seven acres. Located adjacent to Miami Gardens Senior Family Center, this will be the first housing complex developed for seniors in Miami Gardens and will feature a clubhouse and walking trails. The City of Miami Gardens awarded the land to New Urban Development to complement the existing senior recreation center while Miami-Dade County awarded funding for the housing development.

“It is my absolute honor to welcome the partnership between T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures and New Urban Development to Miami-Dade County,” said Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Chairman of the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners. “Their joint venture in Miami Gardens exemplifies a purposeful commitment to not only create housing options but to create an environment tailored to the unique needs of our senior residents, embodying a vision of dignity, comfort, and community.”

TDJREV established a development in Dallas called Capella Park, which is a master planned community spearheaded in 2007. TDJREV is also slated to break ground on Ft. MacPherson, a former U.S. Army base in Atlanta, which will be transformed into mixed-income housing, businesses, and a master planned community. Similar developments are planned for Chicago, Houston and other areas across the country.

Nationwide affordable housing is a top concern for all Americans, but particularly, African Americans and those living on the margins of society. Recent reports show the Black homeownership rate was 45% in 2022, 30% lower than White households, making the gap wider than it was 50 years ago. In addition to soaring interest rates and home prices plaguing all homebuyers, other obstacles to Black homeownership still include discriminatory public and private housing policies that hinder Blacks from being approved for loans, the devastating impact of student loan debt, which disproportionately impacts Black women, and the wage gap where Black employees are still paid substantially less for equal work.

About T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures
TDJREV is a Dallas-based real estate company dedicated to implementing T.D. Jakes’ vision of creating attainable and sustainable communities in a global marketplace and developing 21st Century solutions to address rudimentary needs in targeted communities with a focus on economic development, job training, financial literacy and education enrichment. Its real estate portfolio includes Capella Park, a 400-plus acre community in south Dallas that includes single-family homes, live-work space and a pre k-8 school.

About New Urban Development
Founded in 2005 as the housing development affiliate of the Urban League of Greater Miami, Inc., New Urban Development’s primary responsibility is the financing, acquisition, development, construction oversight and asset management of the myriad of commercial and residential housing developments owned and/or managed by the Urban League of Greater Miami and its subsidiary entities. New Urban Development transforms dwellings into homes, homes into neighborhoods, and neighborhoods into opportunities.

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