This year is the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), which already incorporates the requirements of the Fair Housing Act as well as equal opportunity on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity into its Code of Ethics, will spend 2018 recognizing the history of fair housing in the nation and how REALTORS® are continually improving their commitments to fair housing and property rights. REALTORS® will also recommit to their role as leaders at the forefront of advancing fair housing and efforts to address community fair housing issues.

To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, three local professional real estate organizations, Central Mississippi REALTORS® (CMR), the Women’s Council of REALTORS (WCR), and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), are partnering to offer a special education event for real estate professionals in the Jackson Metro area. CMR, WCR, and NAREB are hosting Fair Housing: Myth vs. Reality scheduled for July 25 at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson.

The Fair Housing event focuses on the history leading up to the Fair Housing Act, promotes the newly opened Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, and provides educational tools and resources to ensure real estate professionals comply with all fair housing regulations.

NAREB, founded in 1947 brings together local minority professionals in the real estate industry to promote the meaningful exchange of ideas about the business and how to best serve clients. NAREB is the oldest minority association in America formed out of the need to secure the right to equal housing opportunities regardless of race, creed, or color.

“As Women’s Council of REALTORS® President for 2018, I am excited about partnering with CMR and NAREB for the Fair Housing Class,” says Katie Thomas. “I believe the class will bring renewed dedication in our hearts to have fair and honest dealings with all people.”

WCR is a network of professionals who also belong to the National Association of REALTORS® and pride themselves on being a diverse network linking resources and member expertise to drive business success.

NAR recognizes both NAREB and WCR as multicultural organizations striving to meet the needs of a diverse membership and public. CMR is the local chapter of the NAR providing education, advocacy efforts, and business tools to approximately 1900 real estate professionals in ten counties.

About the partnership, Rod Crosby, President of Central Mississippi REALTORS®, said, “We are pleased to be partnering with WCR and NAREB in our Fair Housing event since we all have the same goals – to provide the best possible service to our clients and customers. Together we are stronger.”