The landscape of housing equality in America underwent a profound transformation with the passage of The Fair Housing Act of 1968. Enacted just one week after the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this landmark legislation outlawed discrimination in the sale or rental of housing across the nation. Yet, the fight for equitable housing opportunities began decades earlier, spearheaded by pioneering professionals who recognized the urgent need for change.
Long before Black Americans were granted the right to join the National Association of Realtors in 1961 – and subsequently use its professional designation – a resilient community of real estate experts had already forged their own path. These dedicated individuals were known as Realtists, members of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), an organization founded on principles of equity, justice, and professional excellence for Black real estate agents and other housing professionals. The Dallas chapter of this vital organization was established in 1956, laying a crucial foundation for local advocacy.
Stephen Lewis, the current president of the Dallas chapter of NAREB, affectionately known as the Dallas Association of Realtists, reflects on this pivotal history. “We were Realtists before we became Realtors,” Lewis states, emphasizing the era when systemic barriers prevented Black professionals from participating in mainstream real estate associations. “Black professionals weren’t able to join before that,” he adds, highlighting the necessity and foresight behind NAREB’s formation.
Pioneering Fair Housing: The Legacy Before The Act
Established in 1947, NAREB stands as America’s oldest minority professional trade association. Its inception predates the Fair Housing Act by two decades, a testament to the organization’s visionary commitment to securing equal housing opportunities for all, irrespective of race, creed, or color. In a time when overt discrimination and segregation were commonplace, NAREB rose as a beacon of hope and a powerful advocate for change. The organization’s name, while emphasizing real estate brokers, encompasses a broad spectrum of real estate professionals, including mortgage executives, appraisers, property managers, and developers, recognizing that housing equity demands a multi-faceted approach.
NAREB’s foundational efforts included vigorous legislative activities aimed at dismantling discriminatory housing practices and establishing fair housing standards for everyone. Beyond legislative advocacy, the organization has consistently provided informative learning sessions designed to empower both its members and the communities they serve. These educational initiatives cover a range of topics, from understanding complex housing policies to navigating the intricacies of real estate transactions.
The Dallas Chapter of NAREB exemplifies this enduring mission. Each year, the chapter orchestrates numerous networking events and educational opportunities, fostering professional growth and community engagement. A cornerstone of the group’s objectives is to equip its members with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively assist underserved communities. This includes educating sellers, prospective homebuyers, tenants, and community organizations on the vital nuances of homeownership – from understanding mortgage processes to appreciating the long-term benefits of property investment.
During Black History Month, the Dallas chapter of NAREB undertakes a particularly impactful campaign. Members proudly display yard signs proclaiming, “Home Equity Matters,” strategically placed in yards across Dallas throughout February. This simple yet profound message aims to spark conversations and raise awareness about the critical role of home equity in building financial stability and promoting intergenerational wealth transfer within the Black community.
“We want people to understand the importance of equity and what it can do for generational wealth,” explains Stephen Lewis, currently serving his second term as president of the Dallas NAREB chapter and an associate with Ink Realty. Lewis and his fellow Realtists believe that understanding and accumulating home equity is not merely about personal finance; it is a powerful tool for community development and addressing historical economic disparities.
Championing Black Homeownership: A Pillar of Generational Wealth
The “Home Equity Matters” yard sign campaign transcends a simple awareness initiative; it has galvanized additional support and fostered a robust network of advocacy across North Texas. The message resonates deeply with allied organizations, demonstrating the collaborative spirit essential for addressing systemic inequities in housing. Janet Kane, CEO of the MetroTex Association of Realtors, proudly displays one of the signs herself, underscoring the solidarity between these crucial real estate organizations. “We always partner with the Dallas chapter,” Kane affirms. “We make sure we support each other’s events. It’s a great collaboration. Those signs were created to celebrate homeownership for everyone.” This partnership highlights a shared commitment to universal homeownership, recognizing that achieving this goal requires targeted support for historically marginalized groups.
The statistics surrounding homeownership rates vividly underscore the urgent need for NAREB’s advocacy. In the U.S., Black individuals constitute approximately 13 percent of the population, yet only about 40 percent of Black households are homeowners. This figure starkly contrasts with the homeownership rate for white households, which hovers around 70 percent. This significant disparity represents a profound wealth gap, as homeownership is historically one of the most reliable pathways to building equity and accumulating wealth over time. “We work with our kind to help them understand the value of homeownership and its importance in creating generational wealth,” Lewis reiterates, emphasizing the direct impact of their educational and advocacy efforts on closing this economic divide.
Stephen Lewis’s dedication to this cause is deeply rooted in family legacy. He follows in the esteemed footsteps of his father, Paul Lewis, a distinguished Realtist and a past president of the Dallas Association of Realtists. Paul Lewis began his career in real estate in 1984 and currently contributes his expertise through Texas Investors Realty, while also owning PC Peak Development. Over nearly four decades in the industry, the elder Lewis has witnessed substantial, albeit often slow, evolution in housing practices and opportunities for Black Americans.
“As a Realtist, we’re now able to basically live in any neighborhood that we desire,” Paul Lewis observes, acknowledging one of the most significant and tangible benefits of the changes brought about by legislation like the Fair Housing Act and decades of advocacy. This freedom of choice, once unimaginable, represents a crucial step towards true equality and mobility. “That’s certainly one of the benefits of how things have changed,” he remarks.
However, despite these strides, Paul Lewis notes that some challenges persist, though they have evolved into more insidious forms. Practices reminiscent of historical redlining and other discriminatory tactics in real estate continue to exist, albeit in far more subtle manifestations. One particularly pervasive example, according to Paul, is the phenomenon of appraisals coming in extraordinarily low for properties owned by Black individuals in predominantly Black neighborhoods, even when comparable properties in white areas receive higher valuations. “Of course, that economically restrains us,” he asserts, pointing out how such practices directly impede wealth accumulation and perpetuate systemic disadvantages.
Realtists’ Unwavering Fight Against Contemporary Discrimination
For those motivated to play an active role in elevating homeownership rates and fostering housing equity within the Black community, aligning with an organization that steadfastly combats discrimination, such as NAREB, is a powerful strategy. NAREB’s work is not confined to historical narratives; it is a living, breathing movement addressing present-day injustices. The Dallas chapter of NAREB convenes monthly, providing a consistent platform for engagement, discussion, and strategic planning. Meetings are held at 8:30 a.m. on the third Friday of each month at Luby’s, located at 5600 S. Hampton in Dallas. These gatherings serve as crucial forums for networking, sharing insights, and mobilizing collective action.
In commemoration of Black History Month, the Dallas chapter organizes special events designed to educate and inspire. One such significant event will feature Harold Carter, the esteemed owner of Harold Carter Realtors, who will share profound insights into the history of Dallas as it pertains to Black America and its intersection with real estate development and housing opportunities. Such discussions are vital for understanding the historical context of current disparities and for formulating effective strategies to build a more equitable future. By actively participating in NAREB’s initiatives, individuals can contribute to a legacy of advocacy that continues to shape the landscape of fair housing, striving for a future where homeownership is a truly accessible dream for all Americans, regardless of their background.
The journey from the segregated housing markets of the past to the more inclusive, yet still imperfect, present is a testament to the tireless efforts of organizations like NAREB and the dedicated individuals known as Realtists. Their commitment to ethical practices, robust education, and relentless advocacy remains indispensable in addressing the lingering effects of historical discrimination and confronting the subtle biases that continue to challenge housing equity today. Through their work, Realtists are not just facilitating real estate transactions; they are building communities, fostering economic empowerment, and championing the fundamental right to homeownership for every American.