In the 1920s, African-Americans were denied the dream of homeownership across the state of New York and even on Long Island.

A white landowner on the East End sought to challenge segregation - by selling plots of land to African-Americans living in New York City.

Pop Gordon enlisted the help of developer Louis Fife in 1927 to sell the plots. Fife offered blocks of Gordon's land for as low as $10 a month.

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The hamlet became known as Gordon Heights, the first community on Long Island where African-Americans could build homes.

Leonard Gibbs, 88, says his family was among the first to build homes in Gordon Heights. He says the early settlers banded together to build a community.

Longtime residents say Gordon Heights has given them a sense of belonging. Currently, 4,000 people live in Gordon Heights.

Many residents say the tenacity and teamwork of the hamlet's pioneering settlers gave the community its strength.