In a powerful and history-making move, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) hosted a record-breaking 106 Community Wealth-Building Day events across the country on April 12, 2025, reaffirming its unwavering mission to narrow the racial wealth gap by promoting Black homeownership and economic empowerment.

Held in cities from coast to coast, including key urban and rural areas, the second year of the NAREB Community Wealth Building Tour saw over 15,000 participants eager to explore pathways to generational wealth. The surge in attendance pushed the tour’s two-year total to nearly 50,000 individuals and families—a clear indicator of growing demand for tangible solutions to systemic wealth disparities.

“It was an incredible day, and a monumental leap forward in our mission to equip our communities with the tools to build lasting wealth,” said NAREB President Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose, who participated in the St. Louis event. “We showed families that wealth building is not a dream deferred—it’s a dream within reach.”

Empowering the “Mortgage-Ready” Majority

At the heart of NAREB’s mission is the focus on the more than 2 million Black families who are “mortgage-ready”—meaning they have sufficient credit scores and income—but have not yet purchased a home. Many of these families have been sidelined by limited housing inventory, rising interest rates, and historical mistrust in lending systems.

“Far too often, Black consumers do everything right—they get pre-approved, they save, they dream—but when they go to the market, they find few viable options,” Dr. Rose explained. “Our tour exists to reverse that frustration by connecting families with the resources, strategies, and support they need to cross the finish line into homeownership.”

Workshops That Make a Difference

The 106 events were rich with dynamic, informative sessions that went far beyond just talking points. Workshops included:

“What To Do With Big Momma’s House” – navigating generational wealth and inheritance

ABCs of Homebuying – first-time buyer guidance

Real Estate Investing – building wealth through property

Down Payment Assistance – accessing critical financial help

One-on-One Housing Counseling and Legal Clinics

Free Career Fairs and Health Screenings – a holistic approach to economic health

Strategic Partnerships for Collective Impact

The Wealth Tour was backed by a powerful coalition of community organizations and civic partners, including the African American Mayors Association, Church of God in Christ, National Baptist Convention, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and many others. These alliances extended the tour’s reach and amplified its ability to serve entire communities.

A Call to Action for Black Millennials

NAREB’s 2022 State of Housing in Black America (SHIBA) report revealed that Black millennials lag significantly behind other racial groups in homeownership, a trend that threatens long-term wealth creation. Dr. Rose sees this as a critical call to action:
“Homeownership is still the cornerstone of the American Dream, and it unlocks doors to so many other opportunities—from launching a business to funding a child’s education. That’s why we’re on this tour—because when Black families own homes, communities thrive, and America becomes stronger.”

Looking Ahead

As the momentum from the tour continues to build, NAREB is already planning its next wave of wealth-building initiatives. For those interested in joining the movement, learning more about mortgage-readiness, or attending future events, visit www.nareb.com.

In Houston and beyond, the message is clear: Generational wealth starts at home. And thanks to NAREB’s commitment, that home is increasingly within reach.