Alumnus John M. Queen Jr.’s (Belaire ’11) family real estate business is committed to providing housing where people of color need it most. John, a Gates Scholar who attended Morehouse College, teamed up with sister Ericka in 2019 to form a real estate investment company focused on renovating properties in the Greater Baton Rouge Area, known to have one of the lowest rental inventories nationwide. “We’re well aware of the housing shortage, and how African-Americans have been barred from building generational wealth through homeownership here,” said John. “That’s why it’s important for people who look like us to get involved in the real estate business.”

John and Ericka renovate each property (six and counting) themselves, acting as their own contractors and making decisions as a team. In true family business fashion, they employ relatives and close friends for everything from grouting to groundskeeping. “It’s beautiful to be able to take so many people we care about along on this journey with us, show them the ropes, share what we’ve learned,” John said. 

At home in Atlanta, John is busy renovating his own house. It’s a massive project, requiring a gut job down to the studs and building a brand new second story. While there are plenty of challenges, at only 29, John is grateful to have discovered his passion and looks forward to building on his and Ericka’s strong start for years to come.