Maryland Sisters Fight to Reclaim Ancestral Land

In the heart of Potomac, Maryland, a powerful story of resilience and determination is unfolding. The Gasaway sisters—LaTisha Gasaway-Paul, Teresa Gasaway-Gleaton, and LaTrice Gasaway-Johnson—are leading a bold fight to reclaim ancestral land that was unjustly taken from their family. Their mission is not just about recovery; it’s about building economic power, fostering community coalitions, and creating a vision for affordable housing rooted in their history.

A Legacy of Ownership Stripped Away

The story begins in the late 19th century with William Dove, a man born into slavery who made an extraordinary investment in his family’s future by purchasing 36 acres of land for $210. Though he didn’t live to see its full impact, his descendants understood the profound meaning of his choice. Tragically, over time, this land was systematically stripped away through eminent domain and discriminatory practices that routinely dispossessed Black landowners. By the time Dove’s great-great-granddaughters were born, every acre had been absorbed by Montgomery County and private developers.

Raised on the stories of this injustice, the Gasaway sisters heard the pain in their grandmother’s voice but also her unwavering determination. They promised not to forget, and that promise has transformed into a powerful mission. Today, they are not only running Montgomery County’s largest Black-owned childcare company but also hosting the region’s most significant Juneteenth festival, drawing thousands since 2021.

Economic Power as a Foundation

Their most ambitious endeavor is a plan to reclaim county-owned parcels that once belonged to William Dove, with the goal of developing affordable homes for families descended from those who were displaced. It’s a lofty undertaking, but their approach is steady and intentional. Teresa Gasaway-Gleaton emphasized the strategic advantage of their business success: ‘The business has given us something our ancestors didn’t have: economic power.’

Revenue generated from their childcare company fuels their Juneteenth festival and supports their long-term fight for the land. The sisters live by the philosophy that ‘ownership is power,’ a principle passed down from William Dove, who, despite losing his land, showed them the true value of having a stake in their future. This philosophy guides their work in Scotland, a historic Black settlement in Montgomery County, aiming to reverse the cycle of erasure that has plagued so many similar communities.

A Vision for the Future

LaTrice Gasaway-Johnson envisions homes on the reclaimed land that reflect the community’s identity: ‘This won’t look like every other development. It will look like us.’ Their advocacy has gained traction, earning recognition from Montgomery County leaders, Governor Wes Moore, Congressman Jamie Raskin, and Senator Angela Alsobrooks. However, progress hasn’t come easily; it’s the result of years of persistent meetings and meticulous planning.

‘Let me be clear: it isn’t easy, and it isn’t a handout,’ Teresa noted. ‘We’re fighting this fight every single day. But we’re powered by attorneys, architects, and our village, and we’re one step closer.’ Their Juneteenth festival has become a crucial tool for community mobilization, fostering a sense of collective power. This year, they united over a dozen historic Black communities for what they believe is the first ‘Kinship Communities Dinner,’ highlighting the shared struggles and the immense strength found in collaboration.

Our great-great-grandfather invested $210 in our future. We’re investing everything—our time, our resources, our very beings—in making sure his investment pays dividends for generations to come. — LaTisha Gasaway-Paul