Breaking Silence, Breaking Stereotypes: Chicago’s Real Estate Industry Takes a Stand Against Hate
"Good fences make good neighbors," Robert Frost once mused. But hey, wouldn't a good neighborhood that stands against hate and discrimination make an even better community? Welcome to the blog, where today, we're diving into something more serious than where to get the best deep-dish pizza in town—although, come on, that's pretty serious too.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
Why Now?
Real talk. Our nation's feelings towards diversity and inclusion are more tangled than a pair of earbuds left in a pocket. According to Pew Research, a staggering 81% of Americans believe Black people face discrimination. Hispanic people? 76%. And let's not forget the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities—71%. Women, 4 in 10 face discrimination at work. And for my LGBTQ+ folks? The Human Rights Campaign declared a "National State of Emergency." These numbers aren't just stats; they're a magnifying glass on the fractures in our society.
The Pledge - Not Just Words
Now, let’s strip this down to the studs: What's this pledge all about? Participating professionals commit to combating discrimination and hate, promoting homeownership for all, and believing—no, insisting—that they can influence their community for the better. No more standing idly by while someone's dream home becomes a nightmare due to prejudice.
The Real Estate Majority - Agents of Change
Now, here’s where things get passionate. As real estate pros, we're not just key-holders; we're gatekeepers to communities. We can either oil the creaky wheels of the status quo, or we can be the battering ram that breaks down the barriers. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), we contribute between 15-18% to the U.S. GDP. We're not just moving houses; we're movers and shakers in society.
So What's Next?
What's next is, we roll up our sleeves and get down to work. We foster dialogues, not just transactions. We don't just negotiate contracts; we negotiate a better future. After all, it's not just about selling homes; it's about building a society we're proud to live in.
So, whether you're buying, selling, or just scoping out the market, remember: You have a role to play in making your community a better place.
And for my Realtor friends: Take the pledge. Be a catalyst for change. Because really, isn't it time the "real estate majority" steps up to make every community feel like home?
Let’s be more than deal-makers; let’s be peacemakers. Ready to make some magic? Let’s do it! 🌈🏠
Stop The Hate in Real Estate is the collaborative effort between The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and WomanUp! to Stop the Hate in Real Estate. To learn more, visit stophateinrealestate.org.