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n a city where the cost of living continues to rise and generational wealth disparities persist, one woman is creating a movement that’s reshaping what Black homeownership looks like in Seattle—and beyond. Meet Anzhane Slaughter, a former legal professional turned real estate educator and advocate, and the visionary behind Young Black Homeowners (YBH). Through culturally relevant and trauma-informed education, community events, and groundbreaking down payment assistance programs, Anzhane is closing gaps and opening doors.
We sat down with Anzhane to talk about her journey, the mission of YBH, and the work that’s changing lives and neighborhoods, one home at a time.
Tell us about your path to founding Young Black Homeowners. What inspired this shift from law to real estate?
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Anzhane: After a career in law and government, I felt this deep pull to do something that made a tangible impact on Black families—something that would have real, long-term results. Real estate felt like the right space. I wanted our community to have access to not just homes, but the knowledge and confidence to own them. After getting my license, I immediately became certified to teach Washington State’s first-time homebuyer classes. But even then, I realized the standard curriculum didn’t speak to our lived experiences. That’s when the idea of culturally relevant, trauma-informed homebuyer education really came alive for me.
What makes YBH different from traditional homeownership education programs?
Anzhane: At YBH, we approach homeownership through both a cultural and trauma-informed lens. That means we recognize the historical and systemic barriers Black people have faced and still face in accessing homeownership—from redlining to financial exclusion. We don’t just teach about mortgages and credit scores; we talk about legacy, empowerment, and healing.
Our programs are built for the realities and resilience of our community.
What is the mission of Young Black Homeowners?
Anzhane: It’s simple but powerful: Encourage, Educate, and Celebrate Black Homeownership across the world. We want to change the conversation and the culture around homeownership in the Black community. It’s not just about getting the keys—it’s about what happens when we build stability, equity, and pride through property.
What are some of the key services that YBH offers?
Anzhane: We provide culturally relevant and trauma-informed homebuyer education, as well as training for real estate and financial professionals. We also host signature events like the Black Equity Ball, which celebrates our new and aspiring homeowners. We even have YBH-branded apparel—because representation and visibility matter! But at the heart of it all is our community-based model of education, coaching, and resource connection.
You’ve made headlines with your $100,000 down payment assistance initiative. Tell us more about that project.
Anzhane: That’s a project I’m incredibly proud of. In partnership with the African American Leadership Forum and their amazing Executive Director, Dawn Bennett, we secured funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce. This allowed us to provide up to $100,000 in down payment assistance to BIPOC families in King and Pierce Counties—with 0% interest. This drastically lowers monthly mortgage costs and removes one of the biggest barriers to homeownership: upfront capital. In 2024 alone, we’ve helped over 60 individuals access these funds.
What’s the overall impact YBH has made in just a few years?
Anzhane: Since our founding in 2022, we’ve grown rapidly. In 2024 alone, we’ve educated over 113 individuals—95% of whom identify as Black or African American. Beyond education, we’ve delivered real financial resources to dozens of families. We’ve also expanded our support to include up to $25,000 in debt relief and earnest money grants through the Community Reinvestment Plan. The goal is always the same: bridge the gap between what our community qualifies for and what they actually need to become homeowners.
Why is this work so urgent right now, especially in Seattle?
Anzhane: Seattle’s Black homeownership rate is one of the lowest among major U.S. cities. Gentrification, rising home prices, and a lack of targeted resources have pushed too many of us out. We’re not just losing homes—we’re losing history, legacy, and place. YBH is here to disrupt that cycle. We believe homeownership is the foundation of community stability, and we’re determined to ensure our people can still plant roots and thrive here.
How is 2025 going so far?
Anzhane: 2025 has already been an incredible year for YBH. We kicked things off with the Black Equity Ball on February 22nd—and it was nothing short of amazing. The event brought together new and aspiring Black homeowners, community leaders, and partners from across the region in a powerful celebration of legacy, progress, and pride. It was more than a party—it was a cultural moment that affirmed everything we stand for. Seeing families we’ve worked with walk into that room confident and proud of their journey was unforgettable. We’re continuing that momentum with more classes, client success stories, and deeper partnerships to reach even more people. The energy this year is different—bigger, bolder, and rooted in purpose.
What message do you have for someone who thinks homeownership is out of reach for them?
Anzhane: Don’t count yourself out. You are not alone. There are programs, people, and pathways designed with you in mind. Your story, your credit, your job—none of that disqualifies you from building wealth and legacy. At YBH, we’ll walk with you step by step. This is our moment. Let’s claim it.
Don’t count yourself out. You are not alone. There are programs, people, and pathways designed with you in mind”. – Anzhane Slaughter
