Film screening features surprise ending

Published 12:00 am Sunday, November 24, 2024

Those gathered at the Rowan Public Library to view documentary film “Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land” were in for a surprise ending last Monday evening. Even the event organizers were surprised to find that the film’s writer and director, two time Emmy-nominated Eternal Polk, was in the audience.

Entering the darkened room after the film began, his presence wasn’t known until the lights were turned on. Polk currently lives in Charlotte and was tipped off by a friend that his film was being screened in Salisbury.

In closing the program Rev. Olen Bruner, co-chair of Actions in Faith & Justice, welcomed Polk, who took questions and offered insights about the film. Audience interest focused on a major aspect of the film, the relationship of heirs’ property rights to the building of generational wealth. Heirs’ properties are those that have been handed down for generations without recorded deeds. Owners who wish to sell, mortgage, claim damages or address concerns without having documented title to their property often require specialized and costly legal action. Although the film primarily focuses on family farms, other property owners also face these challenges. Families inheriting homes or property within city limits without customary documentation may also encounter legal dilemmas.

The film, and the follow-up conversation with its creator, presented work that is being done to help property owners gain legally documented ownership to reclaim and maintain their family legacies. The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation and the Federation of Southern Co-Operatives are two organizations that bring awareness and legal expertise to help Black and traditionally under-represented land owners gain clear title to their property.

The discussion turned to local concerns when Salisbury City Council member David Post shared his experiences in providing legal services to families and municipalities facing these challenges in Rowan County.  His description underscored the need for heirs property owners and government agencies to prepare for these barriers  When the ownership of heirs’ property interfaces with municipal services and projects solutions to these dilemmas are often difficult or out of reach.