Renita Holmes is an American housing activist. She runs consulting practice OUR Homes, specializing in issues related to African-American and inner-city women. [1]
Holmes was raised by a single mother with 11 children. [1] [2] She was raised in foster care, where she experienced and witnessed abuse. She began a landscaping company as a teenager, later hiring formerly incarcerated women. [3]
Holmes lives in Little Haiti, Miami, where rent has been raising due to rising sea levels. [1] [2] She calls this climate gentrification, in which the poor are pushed out by the rich for climate reasons. [2]
Holmes runs business and property consulting practice OUR Homes and campaigns for housing rights for marginalized communities. [1] [4] She also helps local housing agencies on issues related to African-American and inner-city women. [1] Holmes's work and other activism frequently bring her into conflict with the Miami government and leadership, and has reportedly included physical altercations. [5] [6]
In 2016, Holmes was honored by the Miami Commission for risking her life to save a teenager injured by a bullet. [5]
In 2020, a video of Holmes hugging a police officer during the George Floyd protests went viral. [7]
Holmes is a fellow of Cleo Institute's Empowering Resilient Women program. [8] In 2023, she was one of the 100 Women (BBC). [1]
Holmes is a senior living with disabilities. [1]
Holmes lost a child to gun violence. [9]
Renita Holmes is an American housing activist. She runs consulting practice OUR Homes, specializing in issues related to African-American and inner-city women. [1]
Holmes was raised by a single mother with 11 children. [1] [2] She was raised in foster care, where she experienced and witnessed abuse. She began a landscaping company as a teenager, later hiring formerly incarcerated women. [3]
Holmes lives in Little Haiti, Miami, where rent has been raising due to rising sea levels. [1] [2] She calls this climate gentrification, in which the poor are pushed out by the rich for climate reasons. [2]
Holmes runs business and property consulting practice OUR Homes and campaigns for housing rights for marginalized communities. [1] [4] She also helps local housing agencies on issues related to African-American and inner-city women. [1] Holmes's work and other activism frequently bring her into conflict with the Miami government and leadership, and has reportedly included physical altercations. [5] [6]
In 2016, Holmes was honored by the Miami Commission for risking her life to save a teenager injured by a bullet. [5]
In 2020, a video of Holmes hugging a police officer during the George Floyd protests went viral. [7]
Holmes is a fellow of Cleo Institute's Empowering Resilient Women program. [8] In 2023, she was one of the 100 Women (BBC). [1]
Holmes is a senior living with disabilities. [1]
Holmes lost a child to gun violence. [9]