On February 19, 2025, I had the honor of being a guest speaker at the Greater Bergen REALTORS® 5th Annual Black History Month Celebration, hosted by the Global Council and the DE&I Committee. This significant event, held at 405 N. Midland Avenue in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, brought together community members, industry professionals, and leaders to reflect on the past, present, and future of Black Americans in real estate.
As part of this important celebration, we delved deep into the history of real estate for black people, addressing the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our current landscape. The event focused on the ongoing challenges related to fair housing, redlining, and the barriers that have historically impacted black families’ ability to access homeownership. We also highlighted the progress that has been made in recent years and celebrated the successes of those working to break down those barriers today.
Honoring Pioneers and Advocates
Meet the speakers: Allegra House, Founder of the Black History Celebration, Global Advisor, REALTOR®, and 2025 State Liaison of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®; Senator Gordon M. Johnson; and Councilwoman Denise Belcher, Broker and Deputy Mayor of Teaneck. Their leadership and commitment to justice in real estate and beyond are truly inspiring.
Throughout the event, we focused on key issues like the historical impact of redlining and discriminatory housing practices, as well as the psychological and emotional factors that influence the decision to purchase a home. These discussions brought to light the very real and persistent gaps in homeownership rates between Black Americans and their white counterparts.
Understanding the Struggles, Celebrating the Progress
We took a closer look at the long-term effects of redlining, a practice that systematically denied Black families the opportunity to build generational wealth through homeownership. These policies are a painful reminder of the barriers that have been in place for decades, preventing many from owning homes in neighborhoods with better resources and opportunities. Yet, despite these struggles, the resilience of Black Americans in the face of these challenges has been nothing short of remarkable.
As we discussed current statistics on the homeownership gap in America, it became clear that while progress is being made, there is still much work to do. We need to continue advocating for fair housing policies, pushing for programs that support first-time homebuyers, and breaking down the barriers that prevent many from realizing the dream of homeownership.
Looking to the Future
One of the most powerful parts of the event was discussing the future of Black homeownership and the role we all play in creating a more inclusive and equitable real estate market. It’s crucial to continue empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to navigate the home buying process.
While we have made significant strides, the road ahead requires continued dedication to education, policy change, and community support. Together, we can bridge the gap and ensure that all families, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to own a home and build generational wealth.
Thank You to All Who Attended
I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Greater Bergen REALTORS®, the Global Council, the DE&I Committee, our sponsors and all those who attended for making this event such a memorable and meaningful experience. The conversation we started is one that we must continue, and I’m grateful to have been a part of this important dialogue.
Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to check out the photos from the event below!