NAREB Empowers Minority Real Estate Professionals

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers is the nation’s oldest and most historic Black real estate trade association. It is dedicated to promoting democracy in housing and embracing a community of Black real estate professionals. Its members, called Realtists, represent a wide range of disciplines within the real estate industry. 

NAREB was founded on July 29, 1947, a time when racial discrimination was high and Black Americans were not allowed to join Realtor® associations. At this time, NAREB offered a community for Black real estate professionals that had previously been missing in the industry. 

Now, the association focuses on five pillars and publishes an annual State of Housing in Black America Report, which highlights data-driven insights, policy advocacy, awareness and education, and community empowerment. It also produces a Women Invested in Real Estate Report, which covers the impact and contributions of Black women in the industry. 

There are currently two local NAREB chapters in Pennsylvania: the Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist and the Pittsburgh Realtist Professionals. 

“The Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist was established in 1937 and merged with the national chapter in 1947,” says PMBR President Arica Bryan-Miller. “At PMBR, our charge is to carry forward NAREB’s founding purpose of democracy in housing. We lead with education, policy advocacy and community engagement so that Black families are not just participants in the market, but owners of their future.” 

“PMBR membership is open to all real estate professionals committed to equity, excellence and community impact,” she adds. “Learn more about joining and become part of the movement for democracy in housing.” 

“Pittsburgh Realtist Professionals is committed to advancing fair housing, equal opportunity and expanded homeownership — particularly for Black Americans and historically underserved communities,” says Gloria Besley, president of the Pittsburgh Realtist Professionals.

“We focus on advocacy, professional development, fair housing policy, education and generational wealth building, supporting real estate brokers, agents (Realtists) and allied professionals who lead with purpose and integrity,” she says. “Check out our website and join today.”

National NAREB membership is open to all real estate professionals as well. Learn more about joining NAREB here.