Greater Bergen Realtors ®Equal Opportunity & Cultural Committee Hosts Online Black History Month Sessions
Keynote Speakers Discuss Housing Issues Facing Black America and Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Saddle Brook, NJ – (March 1, 2022) GBR’s Equal Opportunity & Cultural Diversity Committee’s annual Black History Month celebration attracted forty-five guests to a series of online information sessions, focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, we continue to offer members unique educational and informative webinars to engage in meaningful conversations and provide steps we can each take to recognize and address racism, Fair Housing, and other discriminatory issues.
Committee chair, Rosa Santos opened the session with a historical background on the history of Black History Month in America and the advances made over the years. Santos was followed by renowned Markie Lemons Rhval, who presented on Inclusion, past present, and workable solutions for the future.
The day’s other featured speaker, Shanta Patton-Golar, President, National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), addressed the state of housing in Black America (SHIBA), and the damaging effects of Covid-19, along with government and industry policies which have impacted homebuying opportunities for Blacks.
“Discussing the decline in Black homeownership is a task I take very seriously Patton-Golar said. Educating my fellow real estate professionals about the history and solutions to this important matter elevates our profession and allows for open and honest dialogue. Speaking to groups about these issues, especially during Black History Month, is extremely rewarding and important to furthering the conversation.”
GBR’s Equal Opportunity & Cultural Diversity Committee works to increase awareness and appreciation of our community's multi-cultural diversity and eliminate discriminatory housing practices.
The session was sponsored by Family One Funding of Hackensack.
About Greater Bergen REALTORS®
Greater Bergen REALTORS® is a not-for-profit trade organization that serves more than 8,800 REALTOR® members throughout Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties in New Jersey. We empower the success of those we serve by focusing on Connections, Advocacy, Resources, and Education. As the leading voice of real estate in Northern New Jersey, we advocate to protect private property and home-ownership rights.
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