Queen Mother Blakely decries deed theft, seeks justice at Harlem press conference

HARLEM, New York — Community leaders, legal advocates, activists, and residents gathered on Monday at 477 West 142nd Street in Harlem as Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely addressed the public over what she described as an ongoing battle to reclaim her home following alleged deed theft and systemic fraud.

The press conference, held on Monday, December 8., focused on Blakely’s decades-long ownership of the property, which she said she purchased in 1982 as part of the New Future Foundation to serve mothers and children in need. The respected community activist and former UN Goodwill Ambassador told supporters that the fight is not just personal, but symbolic of a growing citywide crisis impacting vulnerable homeowners.

“This is not just about my house — this is about justice, about protecting our elders, and about stopping a system that preys on the most vulnerable,” Blakely said. “I bought this home to serve the community, and I will not allow it to be stolen through deception and silence.”

Attendees listened as organizers outlined the legal challenges surrounding deed theft cases, noting a growing concern that attorneys are increasingly reluctant to take such cases due to their complexity. A call was issued to members of the legal community, public officials and well-meaning New Yorkers to step forward and provide assistance in what advocates described as a widening epidemic affecting homeowners across New York City.

The conference also underscored the broader implications of housing insecurity in historically Black communities like Harlem, where rising property values and legal exploitation have intensified displacement pressures. Supporters displayed signs denouncing deed theft and urging state authorities to strengthen legal safeguards.

Blakely, widely known in Harlem as the “Queen Mother of Hip Hop” for her cultural and social advocacy, closed her remarks with a renewed appeal for solidarity. “If this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone,” she said. “But together, we can expose it, challenge it, and stop it.”