Broadway Actor Robert Hartwell Purchases Home Built By Slaves: I’ve Never Been Prouder To Be A Black Man

Robert Hartwell

Broadway Actor Robert Hartwell Purchases Home Built By Slaves: I’ve Never Been Prouder To Be A Black Man

Broadway actor Robert Hartwell has purchased a home that was built by enslaved people.

Robert Hartwell, who starred in Broadway plays such as Motown: The Musical, Memphis, and Cinderella wrote a heartfelt caption about the process of finding the home and the plans that he has for it.

“3 weeks ago I found this house online. I said ‘this is my house.’ I called the seller and was told it was a cash only offer and that ‘I’m sure that takes you off the table.’ Don’t you ever underestimate a hard working black man. I saw the house last week and when I walked in I knew I was home.”

He provided a little history on the home and wrote,

The house was built in 1820 for the Russell family who owned the cotton mill in town. Slavery was still legal. When the agent asked me why I wanted such a large house I said it was ‘a generational move.’ I know this house is bigger than me. I wish I could’ve told my ancestors when they were breaking their backs in 1820 to build this house that 200 years later a free gay black man was going to own it and fill it with love and find a way to say their name even when 200 years later they still thought I would be ‘off the table.'”

He ended with,

“We are building our own tables. I’ve never been prouder to be a black man. Come to my White House any time. I can’t wait to have you! Glory to God in the highest. I’m a homeowner.”

Interestingly enough, he received mixed reactions over his big buy.

What are your thoughts on Robert Hartwell’s purchase? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.