CONGRATULATIONS EXTENDED TO THE DEARBORN REALTIST BOARD ON ITS 74TH ANNIVERSARY
Whereas, The Dearborn Realtist Board is the nation's oldest African-American Real Estate Trade Association active within the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois; and
Whereas, The Dearborn Realtist Board was formed in Chicago in 1941 by African American Real estate professionals out of a need to secure the right to equal housing opportunities, regardless of race, creed, or color; and
Whereas, For more than 74 years, DRB has participated in meaningful legal challenges and has supported legislative initiative that ensures the availability of fair and affordable housing for all Americans; and
Whereas, Today their mission is still one of improving social justice, expanding civic accountability, and providing access economic opportunities through real estate training and networking. The Dearborn Realtist Board and National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) continue to champion the cause of "Democracy in Housing"; and
Whereas, During 2015, the Dearborn Realtist Board will be celebrating its 74th Anniversary, and over seven dedicated decades of existence in the real estate industry, representing over one-hundred and fifty-three realtists in Chicago and across the State of Illinois. While their beginnings are rooted well before the passage of civil rights and Fair Housing laws, Dearborn continues to vigilantly safe guard the right to equal housing opportunity, standing up to fight whenever and where ever the Fair Housing Act of 1968 is challenged; and
Whereas, the organization was founded by Realtist Elmore Baker and twelve "feisty" brokers of color, and today continues that tradition under the stewardship of energetic, engaged and committed officers and board of directors; and
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Whereas, Among the many positive, progressive actions and initiatives that DRB has participated in over the last 74 years include the landmark U.S. Supreme Court Case with the NAACP, which struck down Restrictive Covenants in deeds barring people of color from the right to home ownership, which paved the way for open housing in America. DRB stood with Dr. Martin Luther King in 1966 to call attention to racial segregation in the City of Chicago, and continues to challenge the practice of red lining in housing insurance, and today opposing the implementation of HB4050; and
Whereas, On Sunday, May 26,2015, the DRB will officially honor and celebrate their 74th Anniversary; and
Whereas, Today, 8th Ward Alderman Michelle A. Harris honors DREB for their contributions to the 'Civil Rights Movement1, the fight for Fair and Open Housing in Chicago and the United States of America; now therefore,
Be it Resolved, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council assembled here this 6th Day of May, 2015, do hereby recognize, honor and congratulate the Officers, Directors, & Membership of the Dearborn Realtist Board of Chicago; and
Be it Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Dearborn Realtist Board as a sign of our deep respect, appreciation and esteem for their excellent and ongoing service to the residents of the City of Chicago.
Michelle A. Harris, Alderman - 8th Ward
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