Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors®
Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors®
In 2021, GCAAR officially recognized Juneteenth - June 19 - as a holiday to commemorate the date in 1865 when the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the last enslaved person in the United States.
In honor of this observance, GCAAR’s Montgomery County and District of Columbia offices will be closed on Friday, June 18. We are encouraging our membership and staff to observe Juneteenth on this day by taking part in community service or another activity. We’ve provided suggestions below for you to consider participating in on Juneteenth:
District of Columbia
Montgomery County
From June 14 until 11:59 p.m. on June 19, when you post your Juneteenth activities to Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtag #GCAARonJuneteenth, you'll be entered to win one of five GCAAR "Racism has no home here" t-shirts. Your post may even be shared to GCAAR's channels!
June 14, 2020
“I truly hope that what we see playing out around us continues to open our eyes to the problems, to the solutions and to how we can promote and make change together. May we all make leading with compassion and empathy a priority.”
I said this on June 2, as our nation began on its transformative path toward advocating for racial and social justice and equality in a way that history has never seen.
There is no question that all Americans are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. Racism has no place in our society. As REALTORS®, our Code of Ethics reinforces this in governing us to treat people fairly and equitably as we serve our communities.
Today—on Juneteenth—GCAAR is joining the country in celebrating the symbolic end of slavery, while also taking the opportunity to make sure the conversation doesn’t end here.
At GCAAR, we exist to serve our members, which includes providing education to encourage professional and personal growth. So we’ve compiled this webpage comprising information about Juneteenth and suggestions for small steps you can take to make a big difference in the midst of this societal awakening.
I encourage you to review this new resource page and share it with others. Let’s all take this opportunity to understand our current environment and re-commit to the core principles that make us “Who We R.” Together, we can create positive change as we continue to promote equal treatment for all.
Danai Mattison Sky
2020 GCAAR President
This day is celebrated annually on June 19th, commemorating the end of slavery in America.
The holiday dates back 155 years. On June 19, 1865, a band of Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas and were greeted with the news that the enslaved were now free, and that the war had ended. This news was delivered over two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued on January 1, 1863.
We’ve put together a resource guide to help you celebrate and honor the importance of the day.
1. Learn more about this important day in America’s history. Official Juneteenth Site
2. Celebrate Juneteenth by supporting Black-owned Businesses across the country or in your neighborhood. Official Black Wall Street
3. Learn more about art created by African Americans, such as the Miss Juneteenth film. Watch Miss Juneteenth
4. Juneteenth is often referred to as “Freedom Day.” Learn more from How Stuff Works. How Stuff Works Juneteenth Episode
5. Learn more about the African American minds behind some of the most common objects in our lives.History Stories
6. Listen to Lift Every Voice and Sing, a song which has been deemed by many to be the “Black National Anthem.” Lift Every Voice
7. Want to enjoy a book about Juneteenth? Learn more from this Juneteenth reading list. Juneteenth Reading List
8. Juneteenth celebrations can’t be stopped by COVID-19. Here are a few examples of how to take your celebration virtual:
9. Take this time to learn and reflect on this historic day and how we can continue the celebration of African Americans in our communities.
June 2, 2020
As the nation reels from the events happening across our country, GCAAR, in coordination with our National Association of REALTORS®, wants to share these thoughts with you.
“I truly hope that what we see playing out around us continues to open our eyes to the problems, to the solutions and to how we can promote and make change together. May we all make leading with compassion and empathy a priority.”
2020 Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® President Danai Mattison Sky
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Statement from the National Association of REALTORS®
"The shocking, senseless death of George Floyd is tragic. Our deepest sympathies are with the Floyd family and other families who understand and feel this pain and grief. Our neighbors in the communities where we work and live across America should feel safe and free from discrimination.
"As longtime champions of fair housing, equality and inclusion are among NAR's most cherished values. NAR is committed to leading the way on policies that address racial injustice and that build safe and inclusive communities. Building the future begins with equal access to housing and opportunity for all.
"We appreciate all you do as REALTORS® to listen, learn, and work with others to be a part of the solution. As leaders in your communities, America's 1.4 million REALTORS® are active participants in promoting equality, inclusion, and acceptance. We welcome your input and thoughts on how we can improve our communities together."
Vince Malta, president, National Association of REALTORS®
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