Black History Month: Black Excellence in Real Estate & Community Wealth

Since 1929, the Greater Harlem Real Estate Board has served the real estate interests of the Harlem community, local professionals within the real estate industry and members of related industries. We are the oldest African American housing trade association in the United States and the only real estate association serving the Harlem community. We also serve residents in all of the boroughs of New York City. The founding members of the Greater Harlem Real Estate Board, Inc. came together to support each other at a time when it was almost impossible for African Americans to generate a successful livelihood in a predominantly white male real estate industry. Their main mission was to unite black real estate professionals conducting business in Harlem and surrounding communities, disseminate vital information to all members, promote and engage in activities that would benefit the members and community and increase the earning capacity of all members. They banded together at the time to fight illegal practices issues such as redlining, blockbusting and racial steering, today factors such as illegal subprime lending, falling homeownerships rates, as well as lack of affordable housing, are threatening our community. At a time where Harlem is facing un-precedented growth, it’s more important than ever for us to band together to make sure that we are a part of the future of Harlem.