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CLEVELAND,OH_ Squeezing into a packed room, almost 100 people came to an East Side Organizing Project (ESOP) sponsored meeting with Major League Mortgage, Inc., to catch a glimpse of the faces behind the infamous Major League Mortgage. Tensions raged as community leaders armed with questions, shot bullets of anger and frustration at Brian Davis, president of the company that many blame for taking their home.

"The people are tired of being ripped off! This meeting is about exposure! We have to join together and expose the loan sharks," said ESOP leader, Lil Bowers. After a series of questions and demands, Major League Mortgage would not agree to stop brokering loans for sub prime lenders that use predatory practices such as excessive fees, single premium credit life insurance and balloon payments. In fact, Davis himself seemed at a loss in defining a balloon payment and did not publicly recognize the often devastating effect it has on Cleveland area homeowners.

The final attack by community leaders addressed solutions: restitution, accountability and loan repair. The community declared victory when Major League Mortgage agreed to join a review board made up of ESOP community leaders and Major League Mortgage staff. This review board will review all loans brokered by Major League Mortgage and address issues of establishing a loan repair fund, choosing credible, consumer- friendly sub prime lenders and engaging in more responsible marketing tactics.

"I think you owe us an apology, Mr. Davis. I am sick of your people ripping off my community. We trusted you," said ESOP leader, Robert Garrett. Major League Mortgage commercials are also heard almost hourly on Christian radio station WBAQ, a station with predominately African-American listeners. "I got to the ESOP meeting, and I just couldn't believe my eyes. I kept staring at Major League Mortgage President, Mr. Brian Davis in disbelief. 'That's Brian Davis? It can't be," Bowers said.

Next battle? "We will not rest until we see action, for actions speak louder than words," said ESOP leader, Antoinette Anderson.