Rooted in Justice: Centering Underserved Communities in CLT Practice
May 5 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 pm UTC-5
This event is part of the 2026 Global Community Land Trust (CLT) Virtual Summit, a six-week series of online events from May 5 – June 10. Explore the full program and register for more events here.
On May 5, Rondo Community Land Trust, in collaboration with the Minnesota CLT Coalition, will host a session exploring how CLTs can more intentionally center underserved and underrepresented communities—particularly Black communities—and remain accountable to their movement roots.
Bringing together BIPOC CLT leaders from across the United States, the session will highlight strategies for authentic engagement, movement-rooted practice, and challenging dominant-culture norms within the sector. Speakers will reflect on how CLTs can stay grounded in and accountable to the communities most impacted by housing inequities.
Designed for CLT practitioners, residents, organizers, and partners across housing and policy, this session will offer practical insights and real-world examples. The event will be conducted in English, with live captions available in 60+ languages to support accessibility.
The global #CLTVirtualSummit2026 is a six-week series of free online events running May 5 – June 10, 2026, and anchored by World CLT Day on May 15. Organized by CLT and community land networks from around the world, the summit brings together practitioners, residents, organizers, and allies to reclaim and honor the Black and Indigenous leadership traditions that gave rise to the CLT model and continue to shape community land stewardship globally.
Speakers
Mikeya Griffin, Rondo Community Land Trust, Executive Director (US)
MIKEYA GRIFFIN is a visionary leader and a proud child of St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the city’s historic Black community while driving innovative solutions to combat displacement and foster economic growth. As the Executive Director of Rondo Community Land Trust (RCLT), she champions affordable homeownership and commercial opportunities for low-to-moderate-income families, residents, and entrepreneurs, ensuring that prosperity remains within the community.
With deep roots in Rondo—where her great aunt and uncle first settled after migrating from Mississippi—Mikeya understands firsthand the importance of community-driven development. Under her leadership, RCLT has expanded significantly, growing from a $300,000 annual budget to $2.5 million and increasing staff from 1.5 employees to 9. The organization is on track to help 600 families achieve homeownership and support over 300 businesses, proving that shared ownership models can be a powerful tool for economic mobility.
Mikeya is a passionate advocate for community-driven economic growth, focusing on homeownership, business development, and long-term neighborhood stability. She is leading efforts to revitalize Rondo’s historic African American Arts & Cultural Corridor, including initiatives like Golden Thyme, a hub for local entrepreneurs.
A dynamic spokesperson, Mikeya brings a practical, solutions-oriented perspective to discussions on housing, economic opportunity, and strategies to keep communities strong. She is available to speak on community wealth-building, land trusts as a sustainable approach to housing affordability, and the role of culture in economic revitalization.
Ashley Allen, Houston Community Land Trust, Executive Director (US)
DR ASHLEY ALLEN serves as Executive Director of the Houston Community Land Trust (HCLT), a county-wide affordable housing and community development non-profit organization in Houston, Texas. HCLT has provided permanently affordable homeownership to over 200 limited-income Houston families since 2019. HCLT implements a traditional Community Land Trust (CLT) model which centers the leadership and voice of residents on how their communities are developed and preserved. In 2025 HCLT expanded its programming to include affordable rentals, home rehabilitation and commercial space to support local businesses and community organizations. Her experience as a homeless youth is what ignited her passion to help increase housing accessibility and affordability for those that need it most.
Damon Mason, Rondo Community Land Trust, Associate Director (US)
DAMON MASON is the Associate Director at Rondo Community Land Trust.
Event Organizer
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The CLT Center convenes practitioners, researchers, and communities from different regions to share experiences and strengthen the CLT movement globally. This event is free and open to all. If you’re in a position to support our work, your contribution helps us continue offering free events, resources, and peer exchange opportunities across contexts.