February is Black History Month. We’re honoring the month by sharing homeownership insights, uplifting Black leaders and celebrating the impact and contributions of Black communities.
Learn Homeownership Insights
The State of Housing in Black America is produced by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAHREB) and provides a detailed view into the real numbers and facts that impact and impede Black families from realizing the dream of homeownership. Read the 2025 report in full here.
Investing in our Community
The Chicago REALTORS® Foundation offers real estate scholarships specifically for Black students and professionals. Check them out below and share with your peers!
- Marki Lemons Ryhal Education Advancement Scholarship – For candidates who are seeking to obtain their real estate license OR attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
- Matt Silver Advocacy Endeavor Scholarship – For REALTORS® who are interested in participating in Chicago REALTORS®’s advocacy efforts and are first-time attendees to the Illinois REALTORS® Lobby Day and NAR Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C.
- Sarah L. Ware Empowerment Scholarship – Provides financial assistance for attending industry conferences, events and meetings or paying dues for membership in Chicago REALTORS®’s Industry Partners.
- Xavier O. Joy Higher Education Scholarship – Provides a scholarship for Illinois students wishing to pursue higher education at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.
- Zeke Morris Scholarship – Provides funds for pre-license study or for Chicago REALTORS® members completing post-license study at the REALTORS® Real Estate School.
Meet Our Leaders
These individuals have volunteered their time to our industry and association. Thank you for your dedication!
Trailblazers
Marion Maner
1st Black President in 1978
Michelle Mills Clement
1st Black Chicago Association of REALTORS® CEO
Nykea Pippion McGriff
1st Black Woman President in 2020
Zeke Morris
1st Black Illinois REALTORS® President in 2022
Past Presidents
Marion Manor
1977-1978 President
Nykea Pippion McGriff
2020-2021 President
Frank Williams
1989-1990 President
Sarah Ware
2022-2023 President
Zeke Morris
2011-2012 & 2012-2013 President
Board of Directors
President Lutalo McGee
Sherri Jordan
Dean Reid
Alonzo Abron Jr.
Marki Lemons Ryhal
Sheila Dantzler
Zeke Morris
Foundation Board of Trustees
Immediate Past Chair Antonia Mills Wesselink
LáShaun Brown Glenn
Shaun Pinkston
Travis Williams
Chairs & Vice Chairs
Elizabeth Elie
Chair, Young Professionals Network Advisory Board
Mallori Lockett
Chair, Member Care Task Force
Dean Reid
Chair, Professional Development Advisory Group
Cassandra Sneed
Chair, Diversity Committee (The 77)
CElebrate Black History Month in Chicago
February 1st
February 4th
February 8th – 22nd
February 17th
February 28th
Visit Choose Chicago for more events happening throughout the city and check out Black-owned businesses throughout Chicago.
Meet our Industry Partner
The Dearborn REALTIST® Board is the voice for the African American community in real estate and helps the economic development in housing in the African American community. Learn more about them here.