On February 16, 1938 in what was the very segregated capital city of Washington, D.C. four African American real estate brokers met in a conference room within the 12^th Street YMCA to establish the Washington Real Estate Brokers Association (WREBA). These founding fathers Joseph H. Green, Thomas W. Parks, John R. Pinkette, Sr., and James E. Scott foresaw that greater opportunities were likely to occur for African American if African American real estate brokers were to create business and housing strategies that would ultimately help many to own a piece of the proverbial “rock”, and hereby share in the American Dream.

            In addition, the founders believed that through organizing into a single force they could collectively overcome common barriers of racial discrimination enabling them and their employees to participate more fairly in the local real estate arena. Unity, they strongly believed, would enable each to serve customers within well-defined communities where African Americans were relegated and would help them preserve the long battle to open new neighborhoods and communities where well-located, decent, safe and affordable housing could be rented and acquired. These men believed that as WREBA became larger and stronger it would provide information, training, jobs and superior housing opportunities for the community.

            WREBA, true to the direction of its founders, has over the years focused upon training and creating opportunities. WREBA has advanced its membership by providing a strong code of ethics, responding to the needs of the surrounding community, and become participating (or affiliate) members.

            In 1946, WREBA and several of its members joined collectively with African American real estate brokers from other cities and states to form National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). In that year, WREBA became Washington, D.C.’s chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. Today NAREB as at least one chapter in almost every state of our country. Eugene Davison, a member of WREBA, coined the name “REALTIST” which became copyrighted name by which the national membership of NAREB has become widely known nationally and internationally.

            It was approximately 25 years after founding of WREBA that other real estate trade associations in Washington, D.C. began to admit African Americans for membership. Federal housing policy brought about many needed improvements. However, today recent studies conducted by creditable parties still report the existence of discrimination in and around many American cities including our own. Discrimination is sometime more subtle, and less direct than previously. Sometimes today’s discriminatory practices are unintended but regardless of cause or intent, in any of its forms, discrimination and prejudice can often detrimentally affect the ability of person and families (minorities, the handicapped and others to acquire or rent available housing for which they qualify. It is therefore the continuing goal of WREBA and NAREB to work with others to promote fairness in the housing industry so that all Americans have equal opportunity to secure safe, decent and affordable housing for themselves and their families.

            WREBA is an organization dedicated to the advancement of its members, fair housing and community betterment.

            The goals and aspirations of the Washington Real Estate Brokers Association: “DEMOCRACY in HOUSING”.