February Luncheon Gallery - We Are Black History
On February 12, 2025, the Empire Board of Realtists® hosted a powerful and enlightening event titled “We Are Black History: Building Beyond Boundaries – Black Excellence in Development” at the Rice Center in Atlanta, GA. The event, moderated by President Marvetta Bozeman, brought together an esteemed panel of experts to discuss key issues affecting Black developers and the future of Black real estate.
Panelists included Dr. Courtney Johnson-Rose, President of NAREB; Wole Oyenuga, Principal of Urban Oasis Development; Jeanine Searcy, Founder of Black Girls in Real Estate; and Hakim Herring, CEO of The Herring Group. Together, they tackled critical topics such as overcoming industry barriers, collective development, funding sources for Black developers, and urban real estate growth.
Doors opened at 9:00 AM, followed by a continental breakfast and a timely 9:30 AM start. Attendees left informed, empowered, and inspired to push beyond boundaries and champion excellence in Black real estate development.
March Membership Luncheon - Trailblazing Women in Affordable Housing & Lending Advocacy
On March 19, 2025, the Empire Board of Realtists® hosted a powerful Women’s History Month celebration titled “Trailblazing Women in Affordable Housing & Lending Advocacy” at the RICE – Russell Center in Atlanta, GA. Led by President Dr. Marvetta Bozeman, the event spotlighted the achievements and impact of women leading housing and lending justice efforts across Georgia and beyond.
The event featured two dynamic panels. Panel 1 included Amanda Rhein (Executive Director, Atlanta Land Trust), Syeda “Sy” Moore (Founder, Street Angels), and Dr. Bambie Hayes-Brown (President and CEO, Georgia ACT). Panel 2 brought together Bonnie Stewart (VP, Calcon Mutual Mortgage), Iesha Barrow (Community Mortgage Consultant, Wells Fargo), and Natalia Marie Pack (Community Mortgage Consultant, Wells Fargo).
These trailblazing women shared their insights, experiences, and actionable solutions in the fight for equitable housing access, lending opportunities, and the elimination of discrimination. The morning began with breakfast at 8:30 AM, followed by an engaging and educational discussion starting at 9:30 AM. The event left attendees inspired and empowered to push forward in their advocacy for fair housing and lending.
April Membership Meeting Recap: From Pioneers To Advocates – The Empire Board’s Legacy In Fair Housing
On April 16, 2025, the Empire Board of Realtists® hosted a powerful membership meeting at the RICE Center in Atlanta, GA. Themed “From Pioneers to Advocates: The Empire Board’s Legacy in Fair Housing,” the event honored the organization’s historic role in advancing housing equity while reaffirming its ongoing impact.
Dr. Marvetta Bozeman, President of the Empire Board, opened the program, setting the tone for a morning of reflection, learning, and inspiration. The day began with a networking breakfast at 8:30 AM, followed by a robust program starting at 9:30 AM.
Attendees experienced two dynamic panels featuring past Presidents of the Empire Board and elected officials who champion housing justice. These panels offered invaluable insights into the ongoing fight for fair housing and the legacy of advocacy in Atlanta's West End.
The event also showcased “Then & Now: Atlanta’s Story,” a moving visual and spoken journey through the history of housing in Atlanta—from the roots of the West End to the present-day challenges the city faces.
Key segments included:
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Why the West End Matters: Highlighting the Empire Board’s enduring role in this historic community.
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Fair Housing Advocacy: Revisiting the organization's policy impact and the relevance of advocacy in today’s market.
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Community. Culture. Commitment.: A rallying call to reignite service, leadership, and advocacy in real estate.
The event was proudly sponsored by Rate and was a testament to the power of legacy, leadership, and the collective voice of a community committed to equity and progress.
