Every April, the Greater Chattanooga real estate community joins hands with Realtors across the country to celebrate Fair Housing Month. This time of the year is more than a calendar event; it’s a heartfelt reaffirmation of our collective commitment to ensuring everyone has equal access to housing.
We take this month to honor the pivotal Fair Housing Act of 1968, engaging in events and educational activities that shine a light on the critical issues of housing discrimination and segregation.
Our dedication to fair housing principles isn’t just an April occurrence. It’s a yearlong journey, passionately led by our Diversity Inclusion Committee. This group tirelessly works to promote equality and cultural diversity within our industry, striving to create an inclusive association culture that cherishes the diverse fabric of our community.
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome Richard Rothstein and his daughter, Leah Rothstein, the co-authors of “The Color of Law” sequel, “Just Action: How to Challenge the Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law,” at the Bessie Smith Cultural Museum April 23.
While their first book explored the history of segregated housing policies, “Just Action” aims to empower citizens with strategies to combat segregation in their communities.
Moreover, we’re offering a unique opportunity for Realtors to participate in the “Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing” workshop. This free online course, created by the National Association of Realtors and the Perception Institute, is designed to help Realtors recognize and reduce implicit biases in their professional interactions. It’s an essential tool for fostering fair and equitable treatment in all our dealings.
We’re also excited to provide the At Home With Diversity certification for free to our Realtors April 5. This program enhances cultural sensitivity and provides a deeper understanding of fair housing laws, equipping Realtors to excel in a diverse market.
Last year, in a pioneering move, our association and the Diversity Inclusion Committee challenged brokerages to encourage their agents to complete the “Fairhaven: A Fair Housing Simulation.” This innovative training uses storytelling to confront and address discriminatory practices, offering an immersive experience that reflects real-life scenarios.
As we engage in these meaningful activities and initiatives, our aim is not just to observe a month but to weave the principles of fairness, equality and diversity into the very fabric of our professional lives. We’re not just Realtors; we’re community builders, dedicated to creating a more inclusive world, one home at a time. Let’s carry this spirit of Fair Housing Month throughout the year, making every interaction an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the rich mosaic of our community. That’s Who We R.
Founded in 1912, Greater Chattanooga REALTORS is the voice for real estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with more than 2,700 members, Greater Chattanooga REALTORS serves Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. The association is one of approximately 1,100 local associations and boards of REALTORS nationwide that comprise the National Association of REALTORS. Greater Chattanooga REALTORS owns and operates a Multiple Listing Service that is one of approximately 600 MLSs in the country and that services more than 3,000 users. Local association membership is comprised of REALTORS servicing the Greater Chattanooga area and specializing in a variety of disciplines, including appraisal, commercial, industrial, land, multi-family, property management and residential. Working alongside REALTORS are our affiliate members, who represent related industries in sympathy with the objectives of the association. Our affiliate members include mortgage lenders, home inspectors, title and closing services, pest inspection and control and insurance.