Celebrating Black History Month - February 2022

"I always contended that we as a race must not seek to rise from a position of disadvantage to one of advantage, but to create a moral balance in society where democracy and brotherhood would be reality for all men." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Black History Month is an annual reflection, recognition, and celebration of Black American accomplishments and contributions to the nation, past and present. Stellar MLS is proud to continue to amplify, advocate for and support Black voices.

Explore Black History Resources:

The History and Legacy of Eatonville, Florida

Did you know the oldest black-incorporated municipality in the United States is located in Central Florida? Founded in 1887, Eatonville has "great historical significance, a legacy of racial progress and ultimate success."

Florida Highwaymen

"In the segregated world of 1950s Florida, not many opportunities were available for African American artists. Unable to show their work in galleries, which were typically “whites only” venues for both customers and artists, Black artists had few options for marketing and selling their work. The group of artists who came to be known as the Florida Highwaymen painters found themselves creating opportunities where there were few, and in the process created a new style of art – and a new style of selling art – that earned these artists a place in history."

The Color of Law

From NAR®: As stewards of the right to own, use and transfer private property, fair housing protects our livelihood and business as REALTORS® and depends on a free, open market that embraces equal opportunity.

As we celebrate Black History Month, Stellar MLS believes it is critical as real estate professionals that we understand the history behind race and housing in America. In Richard Rothstein’s book, The Color Of Law, the history is made clear asserting that it was the laws and policy decisions passed by local, state, and federal governments that actually promoted the discriminatory patterns that continue to this day.

The Color of Law is recommended reading by NAR® and is available as an audiobook for NAR® members as part of the Fair Housing and Civil Rights collection (Member ID required). It is also available on the publisher's website, and on Amazon.com.

Audio version

NAR® Fair Housing Collection

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Black Leaders Making History Today

National Housing Conference recognized leaders making history today in housing policy, advocacy, research, and community development. Some leaders recognized include Maurice A. Jones of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Alanna McCargo of Urban Institute, Lisa Rice of the National Fair Housing Alliance, Bill Bynum of HOPE Enterprise, House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), and the committee’s Housing, Community Development and Insurance Subcommittee Chairman Lacy Clay (D-Mo.).