Photos: Wikimedia Commons
New York, NY (April 7, 2026) – The National Action Network (NAN) will host “The Equity Blueprint: A New Strategy for Home Ownership & Wealth,” a landmark panel discussion on Wednesday, April 8th, as part of its 2026 Annual Convention. The session will take place from 3:35 PM to 4:20 PM in the Metropolitan East Ballroom at the Sheraton New York Times Square.
The racial homeownership gap remains one of the most persistent and damaging legacies of systemic discrimination in America. Black Americans continue to face significant barriers to homeownership from discriminatory lending practices and lack of access to capital, to inequitable housing policy and generational wealth deficits rooted in decades of exclusion. Now, with rising foreclosure rates and a possible property tax increase set to
This panel will bring together housing advocates, financial leaders, elected officials, and community organizers to move beyond diagnosis and toward action, presenting concrete strategies for closing the gap and building lasting wealth in Black communities.
The panel will be moderated by Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and will feature a distinguished lineup of voices from across the housing, finance, faith, and policy sectors.
MODERATOR
Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
PANELISTS
- The Honorable Mercedes Narcisse, Council Member, 46th District, New York City Council
- Ewuniike N. Brady, VP, Customer Growth Segments Lead, Wells Fargo, Home Lending
- Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church of Brooklyn
- Jamie Smarr, President and Chief Executive Officer, New York City Housing Partnership
- Ashley Thomas III, National President, National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)
WHEN
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 3:35 PM – 4:20 PM
WHERE
Metropolitan East Ballroom, 2nd Floor
Sheraton New York Times Square
811 7th Avenue (at West 53rd Street)
New York, NY 10019
