The Legacy of Black Land in White Hands in Texas.



The Legacy of Black Land in White Hands in Texas. By Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Worth and the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas



AUSTIN, TEXAS - The story of Pastor George Edwin Brooks and the Freemansville community in Millican, Texas, in 1868 captured the attention of Pastor Kyev P. Tatum and ignited a passion within him to create the Legacy of Black Land in White Hands Project. This initiative is designed to help Black families preserve the land passed down through generations—land that has often been stolen, neglected, or wrongfully seized throughout Texas’s painful history. Pastor Tatum’s drive to confront this injustice is personal and deeply rooted in his belief that land represents both heritage and the future of Black communities.




For over three decades, Pastor Kyev P. Tatum has been a force for racial justice in Texas, fighting relentlessly for fairness, equity, and systemic change. A visionary leader, historian, and community advocate, Pastor Tatum has spent his life addressing the inequalities that have hindered marginalized communities, especially Black Texans. Born and raised in Texas, his work is inextricably linked to the history of struggle and resilience within the state. Drawing strength from the leaders who paved the way before him, Pastor Tatum has made it his mission to continue their legacy by challenging oppressive systems and ensuring justice for future generations.


Pastor Tatum’s journey in advocacy began during his college years at Tarleton State University, where he served as the student assistant to the president, Dr. Barry B. Thompson. This early experience shaped his leadership approach and advocacy strategies. He continued to refine his skills at the University of North Texas and Texas State University in San Marcos, developing expertise in public policy, program development, and community revitalization. Now the pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Pastor Tatum’s leadership has expanded beyond the church, making him a trusted voice for change across Texas and beyond.




His advocacy spans many crucial areas, including confronting police brutality, advocating for education reform, addressing food insecurity, and creating economic opportunities for underserved communities. His projects, such as the Inner City Coffee Exchange, Farm Fort Worth, and The Texas 6888th Project, exemplify his innovative approach to solving systemic problems and uplifting marginalized populations while preserving their cultural heritage.


Pastor Tatum has also been at the forefront of some of Texas’s most challenging moments, such as the lynching of James Byrd Jr. in Jasper, the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, and the violent tragedy in Starville. His leadership during these crises has earned him a reputation as a voice of conscience, empathy, and unwavering commitment to justice.




Currently, Pastor Tatum is dedicating his efforts to what he calls the great civil rights battle of his lifetime—securing land rights for Black Texans. Through the Black Land in White Hands initiative, he is leading a fight against the systemic theft of land and the generational displacement of Black families. This issue is particularly personal to Pastor Tatum, as it aligns with his mission to provide economic empowerment and self-determination for Black communities in Texas. By bringing together scholars, legal experts, and impacted families, Pastor Tatum is spearheading an effort to reclaim land, restore justice, and preserve the historical legacy of Black landowners.




With over 40 years of experience in public advocacy, Pastor Kyev Tatum’s work transcends a simple fight for justice. It is a call to restore dignity, honor the history of Black Texans, and ensure that future generations can thrive on the land that is rightfully theirs. Through his leadership of the Black Land in White Hands program, Pastor Tatum continues to inspire others to join the fight for a more just and equitable society, one where the legacy of Black landownership is preserved for generations to come.


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