Realtists,
It is with current and forward-looking enthusiasm that I invite you to read the first edition of the NAREB newsletter of my administration. Yes, there is a new name…
REALTIST NATION
. Yes, the new title reflects not only how I view NAREB, but also how I want all of our external audiences to know who we are, that we are a vibrant, active, connected assembly of proud, qualified real estate professionals and increasing in numbers.
For those of you who attended the 72
nd
Annual NAREB Convention just a few weeks ago in Atlantic City, I previewed the term REALTIST NATION during my installation remarks along with my administration’s guiding motto:
Educate…Empower…Mobilize
.
Please know that these three words do not replace NAREB’s time-honored, three-word motto of
Democracy in Housing
.
In fact, my administration’s motto clearly supports and hopefully energizes our Realtist membership to act so that we move closer and closer to the reality of our founding slogan.
Realtists, we have an aggressive agenda. We will need all of your energy, knowledge base, and commitment to raising the Black homeownership rate above its current level. As long as it remains anywhere near what the U.S. Census Bureau reports at a staggering 40.6%, Black Americans are in economic jeopardy. That untenable and unacceptable situation also jeopardizes a Realtists' ability to grow their business.
It is both an and or proposition that’s driving my administration’s agenda. When Black America’s economic outlook improves, ours also advances. That’s why my agenda includes strengthening each member’s capacity as well as expanding NAREB’s membership base. With this approach we are empowered to make significant strides toward reversing the dire economic outlook of Black America. We are the beacon of light , we will lead the charge to educate, empower and mobilize Black Americans to wealth building through homeownership and or taking advantage of real estate investment opportunities.
I encourage you to take time to read through this first issue and be on the lookout for the upcoming editions. Each one communicates the “where we are, the where we’re going and how we intend to get there.” Stay tuned!
In the Realtist spirit,
Donnell Williams
President
