A Personal Reflection on Representation and Responsibility
When I retired from the NFL and stepped into the world of commercial real estate, I knew I was entering a space where I wouldn’t see many people who looked like me. As a Nigerian-American and former professional athlete, becoming a developer and founding Kingsley + Co. was about more than business—it was about creating a path that others like me could follow, and building a future that included voices that had long been left out of the conversation.
Minority-led development firms aren’t just important—they’re essential. When we talk about creating equitable urban growth, we need to talk about who’s sitting at the table when decisions are being made. Who is choosing the projects, who is selecting the locations, and who is benefiting from the outcomes? Because for too long, the answer has rarely included communities of color. And that’s something I’ve committed myself to changing.
Development Has the Power to Shape Communities—But Who Holds That Power?
The built environment affects everything. Where you live determines your access to quality schools, healthcare, transportation, job opportunities, and even how long you live. Development has the power to improve lives—but when it’s not inclusive, it can also destroy the very fabric of a community.
That’s why representation in real estate development matters so much. It’s not just about optics or diversity for diversity’s sake. It’s about lived experience. It’s about having developers who understand the needs of the neighborhoods they’re working in, because they’ve walked those streets, they’ve gone to those schools, and they’ve lived those challenges.
When developers share a cultural connection or background with the communities they serve, the work becomes personal. There’s a level of care, intention, and empathy that can’t be taught in a boardroom. It’s not just a project—it’s a responsibility.
Breaking the Cycle of Displacement
Too many times, development has meant displacement. A new project goes up, property values rise, and suddenly, the people who built the community can no longer afford to stay. I’ve seen it happen, and I’ve heard the frustration in the voices of longtime residents who feel invisible in the very places they call home.
Minority-led development firms have a unique opportunity—and in my view, an obligation—to do things differently. At Kingsley + Co., our focus has always been on revitalization without removal. We aim to invest in communities, not extract from them. That means working closely with residents, listening to their needs, and creating spaces that reflect their culture, values, and future goals.
Our projects are designed to create opportunity, not erase identity. Whether it’s affordable housing, workforce development, or mixed-use spaces that support small businesses, our goal is to build value that stays within the community.
Why Equity Requires Access
One of the biggest barriers in real estate development is access—access to capital, to networks, to land, and to institutional knowledge. For many aspiring minority developers, these doors are often closed or barely cracked open. That’s a structural problem, and it’s one that slows down progress for everyone.
I’ve been fortunate to build relationships with investors, civic leaders, and other developers who believe in inclusive growth. But I also know firsthand how hard it is to get a seat at the table. That’s why I believe in creating space for others, mentoring emerging minority developers, and advocating for policies that open up funding opportunities and remove unnecessary red tape.
If we want truly equitable urban growth, we need more minority developers leading the charge. That starts with giving them the tools, trust, and opportunities to succeed.
The Bigger Picture: Community Wealth and Ownership
Equity in development isn’t just about who builds—it’s about who benefits. Minority-led development firms are more likely to prioritize community ownership, economic mobility, and long-term investment. We understand that a project isn’t successful unless it leaves the neighborhood stronger than before.
This means thinking beyond short-term profit. It means investing in workforce training, supporting minority contractors, and designing spaces that help local families build generational wealth. It’s not always the fastest path, and it’s not always the easiest. But it’s the one that makes the most difference in people’s lives.
When I look at a piece of land or a neglected building, I don’t just see potential revenue—I see potential for transformation. That’s the lens through which minority-led developers often operate, and it’s why our voices are needed now more than ever.
Moving Forward Together
Equitable urban growth doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention. It takes diversity. And it takes leaders who are deeply committed to justice, representation, and shared prosperity.
I believe in the power of development to change lives. But I also believe that change must be led by those who understand the communities they’re investing in—people who have lived their stories, felt their struggles, and are now in a position to shape their future.
That’s why I started Kingsley + Co. That’s why I stay engaged in civic work and community boards. And that’s why I’ll continue to advocate for more minority-led firms to step into this space.
Because we’re not just building buildings—we’re building the future. And everyone deserves to be part of that.