Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors®
Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors®
GCAAR is hosting a webinar series highlighting our commitment to continuing the conversation about racism, particularly as it relates to real estate. Our goal is to generate a healthy discussion around the history of our nation’s legislative barriers on homeownership based on race - and how those barriers are still affecting today’s society.
On Wednesday, March 31, GCAAR co-hosted the second History & Power of Real Estate webinar of 2021 with the District of Columbia Association of REALTORS® and Prince George’s County Association of REALTORS®. We invited representatives from Historic Chevy Chase DC (HCCDC) to explain the history behind the proposal to re-name and revise the signage for Lafayette Park and Recreation Center in northwest DC. They had a great presentation with the background knowledge you need to market homes in this neighborhood!
GCAAR, the District of Columbia Association of REALTORS® and the Prince George's County Association of REALTORS® proudly presented a brand-new presentation featuring Richard Rothstein himself - the renowned author of the popular book, "The Color of Law" on Wednesday, Jan. 6. Rothstein built upon the earlier discussions we've hosted through our webinar series about how the residential segregation in the early/mid-20th century contributed to the racial segregation that characterizes every metropolitan area in the U.S. today.
Take a look at the additional resources Richard Rothstein provided to the presentation’s attendees here.
On Monday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m., GCAAR and DCAR continued their History and Power of Real Estate series with Dr. Miriam Bunow, Education & Outreach Manager of Peerless Rockville, to discuss the development of Lincoln Park, its context in Montgomery County history and significant homes/individuals/sites within.
On Monday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m., Sarah Shoenfeld, co-owner of research firm Prologue DC, led the webinar “Mapping Segregation in D.C.,” focusing on the development history and racial context of the District’s Bloomingdale neighborhood, as well as legal challenges that emerged from it
To kick off the new series, on August 20, GCAAR and the District of Columbia Association of REALTORS® presented the first webinar, "Race and Real Estate Context & History."
To set the stage for the rest of the series, 2020 GCAAR Secretary Harrison Beacher and Nicole Canole, East + Ivy CEO discussed the book, “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America”* by Richard Rothstein. Take a look at the slide deck and replay recording!
Links that contributed to this talk:
Point of view videos to assist with understanding:
Books:
BONUS READING:
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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