As nationwide protests continue over the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed when a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck last month, Dayton Realtors calls on each of our 3,000 members to address inequalities in our region and fight for change.
Racism is a pervasive social outrage. We agree with State Representative Juanita Brent who said, “Ohio must address racism by developing policy to address racial equity to protect all Ohioans, not just certain people…There are racial disparities in healthcare, housing, workforce development, and every fabric of our system. That is why we must continue to stand together, let our voices be heard, and fight just as our ancestors did.”
Compounding misery, the national outrage is happening during a global pandemic that is disproportionately affecting Black communities. Research shows that Black people are dying at a rate “nearly two times greater than would be expected based on their share of the population. In four states, the rate is three or more times greater.”
During this historic time, it is important to be honest about the dangerous racial disparities that Black people and other communities of color have faced in this country for centuries. While there are no easy solutions, we encourage Realtors and community members to take some first steps by supporting one of these initiatives that seeks to address inequality in our country:
- Concerned about racial inequality? The Equal Justice Initiative focuses on ending mass incarceration and challenging racial and economic injustice.
- Want to support families impacted by COVID-19? Donations to GiveDirectly is an effective organization that directly support those who are most in need.
- Looking for a humanitarian organization that has stood the test of time? For over 125 years United Way has focused on “advancing the common good” through health, education and financial stability projects.
- Passionate about something else? GiveWell provides in-depth research on the effectiveness of non-profit organizations, and Charity Navigator helps you discover helpers who share your values.
Dayton Realtors is committed to redressing housing inequalities of the past by enforcing a Code of Ethics that ensures discrimination on any basis is not allowed in the home buying or selling process. We partner with the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center to educate our members on the evolving fair housing rules and processes. Further, Dayton Realtors will continue to be at the forefront of fighting discrimination as this national conversation continues by following the precedent we set by being the first local Realtor association in the nation to sign with HUD on their Voluntary Affirmative Marketing Agreement.
There’s no doubt that these previous and current actions have helped our housing community, but these alone are not enough. Real change will require the support of all citizens as new measures are proposed and implemented across the nation. Let’s take action together in the midst of these challenges and help each other change the world for the better.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”― Edmund Burke
Dayton Realtors Executive Team
Sham Reddy, President
Sharon Geier, President-Elect
Billie Duncan-Hart, Treasurer
Jan Leverett, Past President
Carlton Jackson, CEO
