On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Dearborn Realtist Board hosted its 84th Annual Set up Gala & Awards Ceremony at ROW 24, situated at 2411 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. This vibrant spring afternoon introduced collectively trailblazers, neighborhood leaders, and actual property professionals beneath the theme “Spring Into Management & Legacy.” The occasion was a celebration and a name to motion, honoring those that have dedicated their lives to constructing wealth and alternative within the Black neighborhood by means of housing advocacy and financial empowerment.
Wearing backyard celebration stylish and pastel tones, attendees witnessed a momentous event: the official set up of the 2025 Board of Administrators and the formal passing of the gavel to the Dearborn Realtist Board’s newly put in president, Fosta Wilson. The set up makes Wilson the forty fourth president of the Dearborn Realtist board. The ceremony marked each a brand new chapter and a continuation of an 84-year legacy rooted in justice, service, and neighborhood uplift.
Rolling out requested Wilson what it means to guide the Dearborn Realtist Board on this present political and financial local weather, she shared:
“It means to proceed on the work that we’ve been doing for the previous 84 years and proceed on democracy in housing, empowering our communities, growing house possession. There’s a lot extra work to do, and I’m simply getting began.”
Following the set up, the Awards Ceremony honored extraordinary people and organizations who exemplify the mission and spirit of the Dearborn Realtist Board.
2025 Award Recipients:
Ripley B. Mead Jr. Excellent Service Award
Brian Williams
Marion Maner Particular Recognition Award
Alexis Richardson & Willie Edwards
Ronald Department Realtist of the 12 months
Sweet Thomas
Affiliate of the 12 months
Camilo Escalante w/ Charge
Vernon Jarrett Legislative Award
State Consultant Marcus C. Evans Jr.
Eric B. Touchdown Member Service Award
Tiffany Gaji
Diamond Key Award
Coldwell Banker – Natalie Carpenter
Dearborn Realtist Excellence Award
Darell Lee
President’s Particular Recognition Awards
- Neighborhood Service: Natasha Robinson
- Rising Stars: Sheryl Carter & Latesha Steele
- Impression: Kim Collins
Barbara Johnson Realtist Legacy Award
Ronald L. Department & Lavena Norris
Elmore Baker Award (Highest Honor)
Every award recipient stands as a robust reminder that our best progress is made after we lead collectively, with intention and coronary heart.
The legacy of the Dearborn Realtist Board
Referred to as “The Conscience for the African American Neighborhood,” the Dearborn Realtist Board (DRB) is the oldest African American actual property commerce affiliation within the nation. Based in 1941 within the historic Dearborn neighborhood of Chicago—stretching from twenty second Road to 63rd, from the Lake to Wentworth—the group was born out of necessity and resilience. Black professionals got here collectively to create a community rooted in advocacy, service, and financial empowerment.
As we speak, DRB upholds that very same legacy with a renewed urgency. The Board is a proud supporter of the two Million New Black Householders in 5 Years initiative launched by the Nationwide Affiliation of Actual Property Brokers (NAREB), an formidable motion aimed toward closing the racial wealth hole by means of elevated homeownership. By means of training, coverage advocacy, housing counseling, and neighborhood occasions, DRB continues to drive tangible change and generational wealth.
As President Fosta Wilson steps into this new management position, she carries ahead a robust torch lit by 84 years of advocacy and motion.
