Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 8-5-22

Local
National Real Estate Organization Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Tampa Convention
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) kicks off its national conven- tion in Tampa this week, as the organization celebrates its 75th anniversary. Founded in Tampa in 1947 with the goal of securing equal housing op- portunities for all Americans, NAREB advocates for policies and practices that increase homeownership for African Americans.
Travis Brooks, the Local Board President of the Bay Area Association of Realtist, emphasized the rich history of
Travis Brooks, President of Bay Area Realtist
NAREB.
“Seventy-five years ago,
Tampa decided to fight for democracy. Now we are con- tinuing the rich tradition.”
Brooks, who was born and raised in Tampa, having the 75th Anniversary in Tampa completes the circle.
“To have the oldest Black organization of real estate to come back to Tampa is in- credible. Personally, the feel- ing is immeasurable.”
“We are proud of our ac- complishments,” said Lydia Pope, NAREB’s President. “America is at a crucial mo- ment as our struggle for jus- tice and equality faces strong opposition from segments of the population, as well as es-
tablished institutions, such as the Supreme Court. But NAREB is relentless in the fight to build equity in Black & Brown communities, espe- cially the benefits and family economic security that comes with home ownership.”
Tampa Mayor Jane Cas- tor welcomed NAREB, noting the organization was return- ing to its roots in Tampa, where it was launched.
“NAREB was established in 1947 in Tampa, Florida, as an equal opportunity and civil rights advocacy organization for African American real es- tate professionals, con-
sumers, and communities in America with a founding prin- ciple of Equal Housing Op- portunity for All,” Mayor Castor wrote in a welcoming letter. “It has become the na- tion’s oldest and largest Black real estate trade association. Advocating for Building Black Wealth Through Homeown- ers, its primary goal is Democracy in Housing.”
The convention theme is “Restore, Rebuild, Retain.” It includes a host of training and break-out sessions for atten- dees, receptions, workshops, an expo, and opportunities for networking.
PAGE 8-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022