“Working with the community isn’t optional – it’s absolutely everything.” 

This comment from the recent fireside chat with Kevin L. Newell, the CEO and founder of Royal Capital Group, a real estate development firm based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, struck me. In addition to being a trailblazing urban developer with several professional accolades under his belt – a $1 billion entertainment district with the Milwaukee Bucks; the first African American in Wisconsin to own multi-family commercial properties in downtown Milwaukee and Madison; and among the top 48 most influential African Americans in Wisconsin and more – Kevin is also my cousin. A cousin whose philosophy about community development mirrors my own in that community and family are one. We were taught that when both are nurtured with intention, they help to create a world where everyone looks out for each other. This is also his approach to equitable community development.

As part of our internal learning series, I talked with Kevin about how passion for family and community-centered development fuels his work. His latest project, ThriveOn King, is the ethos of this. More than a real estate venture, the project is a reminder about the extraordinary success possible when you put residents' needs, desires and perspectives first – when you look after the “community” like they are family. Located in Milwaukee’s Bronzeville neighborhood, the project is laser-focused on closing gaps and creating opportunities for many who’ve been historically excluded by combining affordable housing, a top-notch early childhood education center and job training programs. "It’s not just about getting by—it’s about thriving," he said.   

Kevin shared three pivotal strategies for building thriving, inclusive communities:  

  • Community First, Always: Community development begins by understanding residents’ hopes and concerns. “What you do without me, you do to me,” Kevin shared, emphasizing the value of meaningful, direct engagement with all partners and residents. He also stressed that community engagement isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing commitment. His organization does this in a number of ways – through town halls, charettes, “meet the developer” events and more. By connecting directly with residents, they’re building trust and ensuring projects align with community vision.

  • Collaborate Intentionally: Kevin’s mantra is: "Collaboration is the new innovation." ThriveOn King emerged from a partnership with the Milwaukee College of Wisconsin and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Royal Capital’s collaboration with these anchor institutions ensured that resources directly addressed the needs of residents. Whether pursuing stakeholder partnerships, hiring local vendors or empowering minority-owned businesses, Kevin believes inclusive practices work best to foster a sense of ownership among all. 

  • Preserve the Legacy: The ThriveOn King anchor site, a historic building with deep roots in the community, is undergoing a thoughtful restoration to preserve its heritage while introducing reimagined and fresh new uses. The site’s community meeting spaces and conference rooms bear the names of local legends from various fields, including politics, education, the arts and beyond. Kevin’s commitment to honoring the past reflects his broader philosophy: the physical environment should pay tribute to the individuals who’ve shaped it.

ThriveOn King is a masterclass in blending historical reverence with forward-thinking development. A true testament to this is Kevin’s choice to name the project’s residences after our uncle and aunt, Roosevelt and Ruth Wright. Well-known and respected in Milwaukee, they are legends in our family. “Auntie and Uncle” were the bedrock of our upbringing. For numerous relatives in our family who migrated from the South – including Kevin, his mom and my grandparents – their home served as a sanctuary. Auntie and Uncle’s support for the family while they got on their feet and their compassion made a lasting impression on him and how he works. Their legacy serves as a daily reminder to him that constructing buildings is secondary to empowering those who live in them. 

“Their sacrifices made my journey possible,” Kevin said. Because of Auntie and Uncle, we both understand the true essence of community and my wagon is hitched to your star. 

Learn more about Auntie and Uncle here from the groundbreaking ceremony of ThriveOn King where Kevin and my sister, Kieva Williams, shared brief reflections.