On My Stoop: Adrianne C. Smith

Published On: September 6, 2022
Contributor: Josef Adamu
Creative Credits: FourTwo Creative Agency | Creative Director – Josef Adamu, Founder of Sunday School Creative | Photographer – Kreshonna Keane

Highlighting the varied narratives of home ownership, ‘On My Stoop’ is a photo series and interview journal, by FourTwo Creative Agency and Josef Adamu of Sunday School Creative, sharing four compelling stories of Black women and their respective journeys of landing history-rich homes, including the coveted brownstone.

Each story gives a glimpse into each woman’s background and path to securing this valuable asset that holds both present-day and future generational benefit. In this interview, we hear from Adrianne C. Smith, who shares how patience helped secure her brownstone of 18 years — her contribution toward building generational wealth.

Highlighting the varied narratives of home ownership, ‘On My Stoop’ is a photo series and interview journal sharing four compelling stories of Black women and their respective journeys of landing history-rich homes, including the coveted brownstone.

“One of my favorite parts of my home is the stoop. I’ve watched many neighborhood kids grow up to be amazing adults …”

What is your occupation?

DE&I Executive and Entrepreneur.

Can you please share your nationality or cultural background?

Black.

How long have you owned your brownstone?

18 years.

Can you start from the very beginning and tell us about your path to ownership?

My father always instilled in me the importance of homeownership. His most common saying to me was, “The most important thing you can buy is property because they are not making anymore [properties].” When I first moved to NYC, I always dreamed of owning a brownstone in Harlem. I shared my dream with my financial planner and he introduced me to a broker, and the rest is history.

What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed in the community since moving in?

Since I moved into my home, there has been much more development happening in the community. There are more mainstream commercial stores within a 10-minute walk. Some of the property values have more than doubled, which is a double-edged sword. On one side, the amenities are great and convenient. On the other hand, many small mom-and-pop shops have gone out of business.

What is your favorite part about your home and why?

One of my favorite parts of my home is the stoop. I’ve watched many neighborhood kids grow up to be amazing adults from my stoop. I also enjoy sitting on my chocolate leather coach reading and coming up with my next creative idea or spending time in my backyard.

Can you share any obstacles you might have faced on your quest for ownership and how you overcame them?

The thing I remember most is the contractors missing critical deadlines. Once I learned to be very patient, my stress level reduced. Things happen when they are supposed to.

What advice do you have for young Black women who want to own, but feel there are too many roadblocks in their way?

The only roadblock is YOU. Keep your affairs in order, monitor your credit score, and make sure you have a decent amount of money saved for your down payment.

What do you believe is the generational significance of homeownership for Black people?

Homeownership for Black people is the simplest form of generational wealth. If done properly, property ownership allows us to pass down a working asset to our families for generations.