Racial Injustice in Real Estate

What can I do to help?

Like many of you, this question has been running through my mind (on repeat), since the tragic murder of George Floyd and subsequent cries for justice.  I was tempted to immediately launch into action, but instead took cues from activists like Rachel Cargle and organizations like Black Lives Matter and the Equal Justice Initiative.  I decided to be quiet and listen in an effort to learn how I can best help in a meaningful and long lasting way.

I have also been examining my role as a Realtor.  Part of my job is to be an advocate for equality.  As agents, we study the history of housing discrimination and fair housing laws with the goal of treating everyone equally.  I have always taken these oaths seriously, but realize that I am operating from a place of privilege that requires me to do more.  This will be a lifelong pursuit of education and self-reflection, as I confront both overt and covert racism in housing. 

I am sure you've received emails and seen posts about racial injustice, places to donate and suggestions about how to become active in anti-racism in your own community. I have turned these broad suggestions into the following actions.  I share these specific ideas, in hopes that they may help you develop your own personal plan of action.  

1. I am working with the librarian at my sons' elementary school as well as a few black-owned local bookstores to sponsor the purchase a more diverse selection of books for the students.  If you are interested in the list, please reach out and I'll happily share it with you.
2. I have signed up for Rachel Cargle's, The Great UnLearn.  I have followed her on Instagram for a while and am excited to dive deeper in unpacking America's Birth Story.  
3. Donating $$ to the organizations listed above and many others.  

On that note, I would also love the opportunity to make your donations go further.  For the month of June, I will match any donation to Black Lives Matter or the organization of your choice that is also serving the mission of racial justice up to $1,000 total.  Simply shoot me an email letting me know the amount that you donated and I will happily match your donation.

I look forward to working with you to raise money for this important movement and hearing suggestions for what else we can do, moving forward. 

In the meantime, be safe, stay healthy and take care of one another.