Dear Chicago REALTORS®,
We are saddened by the murders of the 8 individuals, six of whom were Asian women, in Atlanta earlier this week and horrified at the increase in Asian hate crimes over the past year. We acknowledge the horrific reports of attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the city and country. We stand with our AAPI friends, family and neighbors. Moreover, we stand in strong solidarity and support of our valued Industry Partner, AREAA Greater Chicago.
We are clear on where we stand: racism, in all its forms, cannot be tolerated. Hate crimes have no place in creating vibrant, diverse places to live, work and play. The joy of homeownership cannot be fully realized when people do not feel safe in their communities.
As an association, we will continue to speak out against hate and work tirelessly to create opportunities for residents and businesses to thrive. Chicago REALTORS® are critical in the fulfillment of the dream so many have of owning property. Our mission is not only to help you be successful in your business, but to also help drive the economic development of Chicagoland communities. We will once again rise above this moment by working together. And we will be part of the dialogue helping our communities heal.
What can you, as a REALTOR®, do to make a difference? The first step is education. Last summer, we hosted a webinar called Race & Real Estate: The Asian American Experience, where your Asian American peers shared their experiences with racism and how it affects our industry. Our fair housing CE course is free for all Chicago REALTORS® to refresh your fair housing knowledge. The Fairhaven fair housing simulation training will test your business practices and compliance, and Bias Override will educate you on your unconscious biases. And most importantly, you must always make sure to report violations when they occur. We must hold each other accountable for our actions.
We are all on this journey together. We encourage our community of REALTORS® to stand unified, listen and learn from one other, and practice compassion for all. As long as hate exists, we will continue to fight to ensure our communities are ones where all Chicagoans can live, work and play equally.