(l to r) Tracey Taylor, Greg Mitchell, Howard Brookins, Walter Burnett, Leslie Hairston, Rod Sawyer, Michael Scott, Jr., Toni Foulkes, Will Burns, David Moore, Pat Dowell and Mark Buford.

The Chicago Association of REALTORS® (CAR) and the Dearborn REALTIST® Board co-hosted a Legislative Symposium for the City of Chicago’s City Council Black Caucus at U.S. Cellular Field (home of the Chicago White Sox) last week.

Dearborn is keen to address the inequities that plagued the housing market generations ago and used this opportunity to make sure the history is understood so it is not repeated.  Dearborn had more than two dozen members in attendance with one of the most esteemed being Frank Williams, previous president of both CAR and Dearborn. Williams personifies the bridge that was made between the two organizations and how important is to make sure these type of joint events continue.

Current Dearborn President, Tracey Taylor also a former officer of CAR provided opening remarks.  CAR volunteer leadership was represented by Sarah Ware, Vice Chairperson of Public Policy and current and future board members, Sonia Anaya and Nykea Pippion-McGriff.

Photo courtesy of Bigstock

Two presentations were made by Dearborn REALTIST® Board Members Mark Buford and Gerald Williams (Williams currently serves as CAR Fair Housing Forum Chairperson). The presentations were titled, “Democracy in Housing” and “Driving Community Economic Growth: Opportunities for Chicago Communities.”

Well into the 21st Century, REALTORS® are recognized as leaders of economic development and neighborhood improvements. REALTORS® have a fiduciary motivation in seeing neighborhoods thrive. Good schools, safe communities and amenities, such as coffee shops and cuisine of various price points, are things all REALTORS® want.  Having them on the south side and west side of Chicago is good for all of Chicago.

After the presentations, the audience was addressed by Black Caucus Chairman Roderick Sawyer of the 6th Ward (Greater Grand Crossing, West Chesterfield and Chatham). Future initiatives and synergies between the Dearborn REALTIST® Board and the Black Caucus include crafting a legislative agenda.

CAR was glad to provide the assistance needed to make this meeting happen. Dearborn President Taylor said, “The Dearborn REALTIST® Board would like to express its gratitude for the collaboration on this and future events.” The meeting was one of the tenets of the strategic partnership agreement executed by CAR and the Dearborn REALTIST® Board.

Aldermen in attendance included:

  • Pat Dowell (3rd Ward),
  • Will Burns (4th Ward),
  • Leslie Hairston (5th Ward),
  • Roderick Sawyer (6th Ward),
  • Greg Mitchell (7th Ward),
  • Toni Foulkes (16th Ward),
  • David Moore (17th Ward),
  • Howard Brookins (20th Ward) and
  • Michael Scott, Jr. (24th Ward).