Host 100 at Prayer Breakfast to Kick-Off Realtist Week

The Women’s Council of Associated Real Property Brokers (WC of ARPB) held its Annual Prayer Breakfast to kick off Realtist Week, April 3-9, 2022, in observance of the trade association’s dedication to increasing Black wealth through homeownership.

This year commemorates the landmark enactment of the Fair Housing Act 54 years ago on April 11, 1968. WC of ARPB is the local chapter of the Women’s Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) and an affiliate of the Associated Real Property Brokers, the local chapter of NAREB, which is the country’s oldest, minority real estate trade association.

Realtist Week activities in Oakland, CA, are grounded in NAREB’s intent to increase the economic futures of Black Americans, by building black wealth through homeownership. The week-long series of events is designed to reach Oakland’s Black residents where they live, work, and socialize.

In addition, Realtists expect to meet with policymakers and elected officials to ensure that affordable and sustainable homeownership is supported legislatively, through regulatory or other city planning means.

Homeownership for Black Americans has been on a steady decline since 2004 when it reached its peak of nearly 50%. As of the fourth quarter ending 2021 as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Black homeownership rate hovered nationally at 44.6% compared to the non-Hispanic white homeownership rate of just above 74.2%.

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“Realtist Week events and activities raise awareness that Black homeownership not only strengthens the economic fabric of our city, but also increases the desirability of Oakland’s many neighborhoods,” said Cathy Adams, president of Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC).

It is appropriate that NAREB’s Realtist Week takes place during National Fair Housing Month which commemorates the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the federal legislation making it illegal to discriminate in housing based upon race, color, sex, national origin, religion, familial status, or disability.

WC of ARPB and ARPB scheduled a series of activities to heighten the community’s and policymakers’ awareness about the importance of affordable homeownership as the best and most effective wealth-building tool. Events and activities included were:

• Annual Prayer Breakfast -Realtist Week Kickoff 4/2
• Realtist Fitness Bootcamp Mon 4/4 9 at Tip Top Shape 472 9th Street Oakland
• Virtual City of Oakland Mayoral Candidate Town Hall Tuesday 4/5
• Brunch & Learn to discuss how Cryptocurrency and Blockchain affect the Real Estate Industry
• TownCONNECT Homeowner & Homebuyer Expo Sat 4/9 at the Black Cultural Zone, 7101 Foothill Blvd Oakland FREE Event, Complimentary lunch, Live DJ, Kids Activities, Raffles & More

Formed in 1947, NAREB’s founding motto of Democracy in Housing continues to serve as its purpose and focus. NAREB’s 2 Million New Black Homeowners (2Mn5) program was initiated to reverse the wealth drain among Black Americans.

While the country continues to experience economic recovery that same recovery has bypassed most Black Americans. NAREB’s approach to increasing Black Wealth incorporates financial education, homeownership preparation and counseling, outreach to the faith-based community along with expanding Black consumers’ knowledge base about the importance of advocating for public policies that support and increase affordable and sustainable homeownership.

WC of ARPB and ARPB joins NAREB chapters nationwide participating in Realtist Week. For more detailed information about the association and Realtist Week, contact Tammy Willis, president of Women’s Council of ARPB, 510-460-0248 and twillisbroker@gmail.com

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