Lee Davenport
By Lee Davenport
“There is no other organization that can end residential segregation like your organization,” Eddie S. Glaude Jr. told REALTORS® during the 2020 Leadership Summit. “We may work in integrated places, but in the intimate spaces, we don’t know each other. We are walking mysteries to one another, and that has everything to do with where we live and how we live. You’re in the heart of that—help change it.”
This moment in history may feel like all of the following conflicting emotions to you (because I know it does for me):
Intense.
Scary.
Hopeful.
Different.
Sad.
Challenging.
Horrible.
Unchartered.
Inspiring.
You may have seen images that you cannot unsee. Are you itching to do something positive and impactful at this moment to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion—but aren’t sure what? The courageous Rep. John Lewis called it “being on the right side of history.”
I have a simple challenge for anyone who wants to champion fair housing in a way that can snowball—whether its one, 1,000, or 1 billion of us who do these things.
Before spelling out the challenge, here is how I am defining key terms of the moment (as presented by the International Coaching Federation at its United: Strategies to Address Racial Bias, an International Coach Federation Southeast Region Town Hall).
DIVERSITY asks: Who is in the room?
EQUITY responds: Who is trying to get in the room but cannot? Whose presence in the room is under constant threat of erasure?
INCLUSION asks: Have everyone’s ideas been heard?
JUSTICE responds: Whose ideas won’t be taken as seriously because they are not in the majority?
As a real estate professional, you may wonder how such monumental terms can shift from lofty concepts to part of your day-to-day approach?
I hope you will join, share, and even repeat the J.E.D.I. Challenge. (J.E.D.I. stands for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as defined by our friends at Compass):
WEEK 1
What trustworthy publication or email newsletter can I sign-up with this week that promotes the American Dream of FAIR homeownership?
WEEK 2
What authoritative class can I sign up to take this week that promotes the American Dream of FAIR homeownership?
WEEK 3
What credible organization can I volunteer with this week to promote the American Dream of FAIR homeownership?
WEEK 4
What ethical conversations can I have today to promote the American Dream of FAIR homeownership?
Hint: This may be one-on-one, in groups, or through posts featured on your website or blog, social media accounts, e-newsletters, a video series, and so forth.
This four-week challenge is a simple starting point. This should not be the ultimate standard where afterward, we breathe a sigh of relief and believe our duty is done. Rather, let this challenge be your launching pad to proactively promote—for the long haul—the American Dream of FAIR homeownership for all.
I would love to hear from you. Give me a shout on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, or by visiting LearnWithDrLee.com. And, be sure to tell the real estate agents you know to get a copy of the five-star rated workbook, Plan to Win!, to transform their real estate sales game plan. Here’s to your success.
Dr. Lee Davenport is an Atlanta-based real estate coach who trains agents, teams, brokerages, and other business organizations on how to use today’s technology to work smarter. Join Lee’s free RE Tech Insider’s Club by visiting www.LearnWithLee.REALTOR.
Comments 2
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Thank you. I have been C.O.R.E. member in College..late 60s. ACLU member for many years. Member of area Coakition for Social and Racial Equity since late 80s. This has been so needed.
?MJ Moss (she/her) REALTOR
GRI SRES GREEN PSA AHWD
ePro C2EX RS Solar Cert RS Smart Home Cert RS Video Cert
Century 21 Covered Bridges Realty Inc. 395 Tenny St. Bloomsburg Pa. 570-784-2821 x21. cell ( USE THIS) 570-764-8903 LIC # RS193934L
mjmoss4dogs@yahoo.com
http://www.mjmosssells columbiacounty.com
Sold is the ONLY sign that matters