As the fight for equity in housing continues, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) is making bold moves to empower Black communities across the country. This November, NAREB will host its highly anticipated 2024 Black Wealth Summit at Clark Atlanta University on November 15, followed by a Building Black Wealth Tour event on November 16. These two back-to-back events are more than just gatherings—they are crucial platforms aimed at tackling the barriers to Black homeownership and wealth building in America.

NAREB’s Unyielding Commitment to Black Wealth

At the helm of NAREB is Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose, a powerhouse leader with a vision to increase Black homeownership and dismantle systemic barriers that have historically held Black families back. "NAREB is the leading voice of Black real estate professionals, and we are unyielding in our pursuit of advancing Black homeownership and wealth in America," said Dr. Rose. Her passion fuels the summit’s mission, providing a space for data, discussion, and action to drive systemic change.

The 2024 Black Wealth Summit will feature keynotes from national leaders and unveil multiple studies commissioned by NAREB, offering invaluable insights into the housing challenges faced by Black Americans. A key focus? Addressing the deep-rooted issues like appraisal bias and heir property dispersal—critical factors that have long plagued Black communities.

Why the Summit Matters

The summit isn’t just a think tank—it’s a launchpad for transformative change. NAREB’s 11th Annual State of Housing in Black America (SHIBA) study will take center stage, breaking down the historical barriers Black Americans face when attempting to purchase a home. In a country where the Black-White wealth gap is staggeringly wide, the SHIBA study aims to influence policymakers and real estate professionals alike. This data will push for equitable policies that give Black families a fair shot at homeownership—the cornerstone of building generational wealth.

Dr. Rose emphasized the importance of data in today’s action-oriented world: “NAREB and our partners invest in data and information that can help drive our communities forward. We will continue telling the stories of our communities, where the barriers of the past must be shattered.”

Building Black Wealth—One Community at a Time

As if the summit wasn’t enough, NAREB is doubling down on its mission with its Building Black Wealth Tour event on November 16. Partnering with the African American Mayors Association, The National Bar Association, The Church of God in Christ, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, this event at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church will bring valuable resources directly to the community.

Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant, the event will offer workshops, counseling, and classes on homebuying, real estate investment, and financial empowerment. For too long, Black communities have faced gentrification and the loss of family property. The heir’s property course—one of the event’s signature offerings—equips families with the knowledge to protect their homes and preserve their wealth for future generations.

The Urgent Need for Change

The numbers speak for themselves: NAREB’s 2023 study revealed that the 400 wealthiest Americans control the same amount of wealth as all 48 million Black Americans. Worse, there are over two million mortgage-ready Black families in the U.S. who don’t own homes—not because they can’t, but because systemic barriers continue to block their path.

“These families and individuals have the credit and income to qualify for a mortgage,” Dr. Rose pointed out. “But without the right guidance and support, they remain on the sidelines of homeownership. The NAREB Building Black Wealth Tour goes into communities nationwide to educate and inspire these consumers to take the next step in building wealth.”

A Legacy of Advocacy and Action

For 76 years, NAREB has championed democracy in housing for Black Americans. Its unwavering commitment has spanned generations, focusing on dismantling the racist structures that have kept Black families from achieving financial security through homeownership.

As Dr. Rose eloquently said, "Systemic racism has plagued our communities and impeded our ability to gain wealth. But we can overcome these challenges by working strategically and together."

With the 2024 Black Wealth Summit and the Building Black Wealth Tour, NAREB is proving that change is not only possible—it’s inevitable. Join the movement and be a part of the transformation that will build a stronger, more prosperous future for Black Americans nationwide.

Learn more about the tour at http://www.narebblackwealthtour.com.