Jeff Dade's Journey from Finance to Community Economic Development
Photos by Jordan Somers
In a recent interview on The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday spoke with Jeff Dade, Director of Community Partnerships at Homestead Community Land Trust. Dade shared his inspiring journey into the world of housing and community economic development. With a background in finance, Dade transitioned from banking to focusing on community development, driven by a desire to understand and address the underlying issues affecting Black Americans.
Dade's interest in community economic development was sparked by witnessing the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina on Black communities. He recognized the need for a deeper understanding of the systemic issues at play and sought to find his place in addressing them. This led him back to school, where he learned about community economic development and gained valuable insights into the complexities of racial and economic inequality.
After working in financial counseling, Dade eventually found his calling in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington. While not originally from Hilltop, Dade has been embraced by the community and is dedicated to its well-being. He is actively involved in the development of the Aya Community Land Trust, a project aimed at providing affordable housing and preventing displacement in the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.
Dade's work with the land trust is inspired by the rich history of community land trusts, which were originally created by Black Americans. He sees the land trust model as a powerful tool for empowering communities and ensuring long-term affordability and stability.
In addition to his work on the land trust, Dade is also a strong advocate for education and awareness. He, along with Marcus Harrison Green, will be hosting an event with Isabel Wilkerson, author of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent, to discuss the historical and systemic roots of racism and inequality in America. Dade believes that Wilkerson's work is essential reading for understanding the complexities of race and caste in both American and global contexts.
Jeff Dade's journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community engagement. His work in housing and community economic development is making a real difference in the lives of countless people, and his commitment to education and advocacy is helping to build a more just and equitable future for all.
For tickets and more information, visit https://www.homesteadclt.org/.
Tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
