Miami Gardens became the epicenter of financial empowerment on February 22, as more than 200 attendees gathered at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church for the 108th stop on the National Association of Real Estate Brokers’ (NAREB) Building Black Wealth Tour. This pivotal event, in collaboration with influential partners such as the African American Mayors Association, Inc., the Divine 9, and the National Bar Association, provided crucial education, hands-on workshops, and one-on-one counseling to equip Black Americans with the tools needed to secure homeownership and long-term wealth.

Citibank played a key role as a sponsor, demonstrating its commitment to advancing financial equity. "We extend our gratitude to Citibank for their unwavering support and for providing representatives who met personally with attendees to discuss homeownership pathways," said C. Renee Wilson, NAREB’s Executive Director.

A Proclamation for Progress Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris honored NAREB’s dedication with a formal proclamation, recognizing its relentless advocacy in dismantling systemic barriers to homeownership. "Through its consistent advocacy, NAREB plays a crucial role in addressing the systematic housing challenges that disproportionately affect Black Americans," the proclamation stated. "Its unwavering commitment to economic equity and social justice has empowered countless individuals with the knowledge, tools, and connections to create lasting wealth."

 Danny Felton Sr.

 

The Visionary Impact of the Building Black Wealth Tour Danny Felton Sr., NAREB’s 1st Vice President and a South Florida Board of Realtists member, lauded the tour’s remarkable achievements, attributing its success to the foresight of NAREB President Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose. Since its launch in Fall 2023, the tour has traveled to 108 cities, inspiring Black communities nationwide to pursue homeownership as a wealth-building strategy.

"African Americans have the lowest homeownership rate of any other minority or ethnic group, and that’s because of systemic racism," Dr. Rose emphasized. "However, our data reveals a tremendous opportunity for change. With over two million mortgage-ready Black Americans, our tour is strategically designed to reach them."

Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose

Dr. Rose further highlighted the event's welcoming and supportive atmosphere, ensuring that attendees felt at ease while engaging with industry experts. "We don’t want you to feel like you are walking into a bank," she said. "This is a Black church. We make sure our community feels welcome and safe as they gather the knowledge they need."

Empowering Attendees with Knowledge and Connections The event’s robust programming included educational classes on the ABCs of Home Buying, real estate investment, and an essential session titled What to Do with Big Mama’s House, developed in partnership with the National Bar Association to address heirs’ property challenges in Black communities. Attendees also had the invaluable opportunity to consult with attorneys, lenders, real estate professionals, and NID housing counselors to receive personalized financial guidance.

Looking ahead, Dr. Rose announced a groundbreaking expansion of the initiative. "This is a strategic, data-driven movement," she said. "On April 12, 2025, we will be in another 100 cities across the country on the same day for the 2025 National Building Wealth Day. We will continue marching forward, ensuring our communities receive this crucial information."

A Movement, Not Just a Mission Tamika Moses, President of the South Florida Local Board, reinforced NAREB’s core belief that Democracy in Housing is more than a mission—it is a nationwide movement. "As you see, we are traveling across the country, empowering our community with the necessary tools to achieve homeownership and real estate investing success," Moses said. "Today is not just an event; it is the beginning of a journey toward financial stability and generational wealth. And we’re taking that journey together."

With a steadfast commitment to eradicating economic disparities and fostering homeownership opportunities, the NAREB Building Black Wealth Tour continues to be a beacon of hope and action, reshaping the financial future of Black communities across America.