Dear Realtists,
This month, I am humbled that we are able to honor one of our legacy leaders as the
Empire Board of Realtists, Inc. (EBR)
celebrates its 80
th
anniversary. The ground our founders broke and the doors of equality they opened are sacred acts. Now, the time and the obligation to act is put in our hands to make substantive and lasting socioeconomic change. That torch passed on to us must continue to light the way as it guides us to
Build Black Wealth through Homeownership.
Accomplishing EBR’s goals takes many forms, but we have a single voice. Whether in your communities, states, regions or on the national level, we deliver our message of building Black wealth through the right to home ownership. We research. We advocate. We propose. We offer sound and just alternatives. We collaborate. We coalesce. We innovate. We initiate. We create larger communities of concern. We share our knowledge and expertise. We are ever vigilant and speak out against inequality wherever it exists. We use every means at our disposal to clear the path toward expanding the opportunity for more Black Americans to own homes and build wealth.
In 2019, EBR along with our national organization are focused on changes needed in three areas that support Black homeownership and needed change in the nation’s housing finance system. These principles form the basis of our 2019 Policy Agenda. You can learn about the principles by visiting NAREB’s website and downloading the Federal Policy Agenda. You will be learning about them and our strategies at NAREB’s Mid-Winter Conference and at the 72
nd
Annual Convention.
In closing, know that you are an integral and important member of the Realtist family, as well as to your own family. I look forward to working with you. And together, we chart a course to achieve
Democracy in Housing.
Leonte Benton
President
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William T. Robie, EBR Past President and NAREB Honorary Past President & Foundation Member
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EBR Past President and NAREB Honorary Past President William T. Robie was asked to share his reflections to of his 68 years in the real estate profession. He founded the Robie Real Estate Company, an Atlanta, GA-based brokerage and appraisal firm from which he is now retired.
”From the beginning and throughout the years, we have fought for Democracy in Housing. And not only with respect to the sale and rental of housing, our efforts to provide equal opportunities for our members and undeserved communities have always included marketing, construction, financing, appraising and government services; i.e., in cases of expert witnesses in condemnation cases. Prior to and even after the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, many of us were accused of “Block Busting” in Atlanta when we attempted to sell homes to Blacks in white neighborhoods. Our actions were deemed to be disruptive. Black neighborhoods were surrounded by white communities. And whenever we tried to venture into those areas, sometimes our licenses were suspended, and sometimes cancelled or revoked.
It was a tough job to locate adequate housing for Blacks, then. And the fight is still not over. Yet, we have fought a good fight. But, while we have made progress, there are still challenges. To be effective, you need to be organized, united, unified, and represented by well-trained, ethical leadership committed to continuing the pursuit of equal and fair housing opportunities for all who desire the American dream of homeownership. And down through the years, NAREB has provided such leadership. Thus, the need for NAREB is as great today as it was in 1947 when it was founded."
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Save The Dates
February 12, 2019 6 - 9 PM
Women’s Council February Mixer,
Register
February 14, 2019 at 10:00 AM
February 20, 2019 at 9:00 AM
Empire Board of Realtists, Inc. General Membership Meeting
FREE for Members,
Non-Members: $25
Register
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EBR Monthly General Membership Meeting Topic
"The History of Black Housing in Atlanta"
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You don't want to miss this month's
Empire Board of Realtists, Inc. General Membership Meeting
Join us to discuss
"The History of Black Housing in Atlanta,"Back to the Future - The Era of History to the New Wave of the Future. Empire Members are
FREE. (Non-Members: $25)
Register
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Our organization was founded in 1939, making it one of the oldest minority trade association in America. Since its inception, we have participated in various meaningful challenges and legislative improvements, to establish fair housing for all. As stated by past president Q. V. Williamson, "A free man's most cherished dream is to own his own home, in the place of his choice." Our motto "Democracy in Housing" truly provides the stimuli and stamina for EBR to remain an important institution in the economic engine of metropolitan Atlanta and the state of Georgia.
Learn More
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