Advancing Legacy, Expanding Opportunity
April 8, 2026
Founded in 1947, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) was established at a time when African American real estate professionals were excluded from industry associations, and homeownership opportunities were systematically denied to Black families. Today, NAREB and its members—Realtists—continue to champion Democracy in Housing. One way the association does so is by bringing together professionals, leaders, and communities across the country annually to celebrate Realtist Week.
Realtist Week 2026 will be held April 12th-18th, and it is a call to action! It is a time to recognize progress made in expanding access to homeownership and for advocating for fair housing, but also a time to reflect on the work that is still needed to build generational wealth in communities that have historically been underserved. As housing affordability challenges persist, and disparities remain, the voice and leadership of organizations like NAREB are more critical than ever. Partnerships with REALTOR® associations will help amplify the message and progress towards helping more people achieving the American dream of homeownership.
There are four NAREB chapters in Virginia, and the Realtist Week events they will host are below:
- The Hampton Roads Association of Real Estate Brokers is hosting an event on Friday, April 17th in Newport News.
- The Realtist Board of Charlottesville is hosting several events during Realtist Week.
- The Realtist Chapter of Richmond is hosting a full week of events including a Networking Mix & Mingle and a Reverse Mortgage Continued Education class.
- The Realtist Network of Northern Virginia is hosting a series of events that week, but the premiere event is the Community Advocacy and Wealth Building Day on Saturday, April 18th.
As we celebrate Realtist Week 2026, we honor the trailblazers who paved the way, the leaders who continue to push boundaries, and the next generation of Realtists who will carry this mission forward.
Cheers to legacy, leadership, and lasting impact!
1 Reader Comment
Thanks Leslie for posting this amazing article. The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) has had a long history of helping the disenfranchised, as well as, educating those that are ready, willing and able to partake in the American Dream of home ownership. As Realtist Week approaches I would encourage everyone that reads this article to reach out to a Realtist and learn how they too can aide in the mission of fighting Democracy in Housing. Rodney K Mims, President, Realtist of Northern Virginia.