James Johnson, founder of Opportunities for Southeast Queens Millennials in partnership with Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA), and the Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica (NHSJ) last Saturday hosted the “First Annual Buy Back The Block.”
Johnson launched Opportunities for Southeast Queens Millennials to teach a generation how to fight gentrification by purchasing houses, understand the value of homeownership, create diverse opportunities through resources, and a vibrant network of like-minded professionals in Southeast Queens.
The highly anticipated event attracted over 150 attendees in Queens Village at the Maranatha Baptist Church 112-42 Springfield Boulevard Queens.
Johnson is a community organizer who is known for hosting numerous events in Southeast Queens to raise awareness on the importance of millennial participation, community engagement, and social change. As a result of his initiatives, he is known as the Founder of Opportunities for Southeast Queens Millennials and a diligent community advocate with a network of millennials and elected officials who proudly support his events and believe the organization is an undeniable movement.
“It was a pleasure to attend the launch party for Opportunities for Southeast Queens. I’m extremely proud to see young adults working collectively to promote financial freedom, homeownership, civic engagement, and professional advancement. I had an opportunity to meet leaders from Local 371, budding entrepreneurs and a variety of young professionals from various industries,” said Angela Williams, Assistant Vice President of Program Quality.
“Although many including myself attended the network, the founders seized the opportunity to discuss pertinent issues that impact the community such as housing, becoming local business owners, and most importantly how to become more involved in the decisions that drive the future of our community. I would love to see this organization flourish as their first event was standing room only. I fully support the mission of the organization and look forward to partnering in the future,” she added.
Mark Camphor, a revenue management consultant (third party medical biller) for Jzanus LTD said he believed millennials in the Southeast Queens community can benefit from this organization because there are many young adults who are looking to become successful homeowners and continue to achieve success within their careers, which can benefit from a network where there is a safe space to share ideas, communicate and develop as individuals.
In return, it will help the community become stronger through the next generation of young adults by allowing people to access resources like financial literacy, wealth management, and community awareness. Before being in contact with James Johnson and the peers I have met through him, I was out of touch with the community,” said Camphor.
Johnson is a leading community organizer and founder of Opportunities for Southeast Queens Millennials who diligently raise awareness and the importance of millennial participation, community engagement, and social change in Southeast Queens.
Johnson is a civil rights advocate and rising politician with a wealth of knowledge and experience working with youth. He has partnered with several political officials such as U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks, City Councilman Daneek Miller and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT).
As a result of his expertise, he desires to make a difference in society by building relationships with corporations, unions, nonprofits, and elected officials to showcase the positive attributes of Southeast Queens.
