Commit to Addressing Racial Injustice

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Since the killing of George Floyd in May, the topic of systemic racism has galvanized the nation’s attention. Many real estate professionals are becoming part of the movement for change. Here are five measures brokerages are taking that you can adopt to fight discrimination and foster inclusion.

1. Examine diversity in your office, and make sure many different voices are represented in the discussions you have at work. Brokerage leaders can create a task force to address racial disparities that may be present within the company.
2. Adopt policies that stand firmly against discriminatory practices and offensive communications, including inappropriate social media posts.
3. Develop partnerships with key community players like city councils, chambers of commerce, police departments, and health care facilities to help mobilize ideas for change.
4. Partner with local Black-owned businesses to help promote them and share referrals.
5. Learn from history. Research the historical real estate practices of redlining, steering, and blockbusting so you and your team are aware of where the industry has been. Find NAR resources for creating a more inclusive business at magazine.realtor/inclusive-plan.

Sources: Sandra Butler, AHWD, Sibcy Cline Inc., Cincinnati; Raelenna Ferguson, Realty Executives Edge; Cape Girardeau, Mo.; John Graff, AHWD, SFR, Ashby & Graff Real Estate, Los Angeles; Julia Israel, AHWD, Keller Williams Integrity Realty, Minneapolis; Nate Johnson, AHWD, GRI, Real Estate Solutions, St. Louis