Realtist Week Focuses on Community, Housing & Connection (April 12 – 18)
BIRMINGHAM, AL — A week dedicated to community impact, professional development, and housing advocacy is taking place in the Magic City as the Birmingham Realtist Association presents Realtist Week—a multi-day series of events designed to educate, connect, and uplift.
Advocacy, Affordability, Access
From worship and networking to policy conversations and community outreach, Realtist Week highlights the organization’s ongoing commitment to strengthening neighborhoods and expanding access to homeownership across Birmingham.
The Birmingham Realtist Association’s Politics and Pancakes panel at Vulcan Park and Museum brought together a dynamic cross-section of leadership during Realtist Week, offering attendees a powerful blend of policy, perspective, and community insight. The discussion featured former U.S. Senator Doug Jones, now a candidate for Governor of Alabama, alongside State Representative Rolanda Hollis and State Senator Rodger Smitherman, both known for their legislative advocacy on issues impacting urban communities. The panel also included Chief of Police at Talladega College Christopher Anderson, bringing a public safety and campus leadership perspective, as well as Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson, a longtime voice for economic equity and neighborhood development. Rounding out the panel was Jarrod Sims, representing the business and workforce development lens through his leadership with the Black Contractors Association – Alabama Chapter and Syms Contractors. Together, the panel delivered a meaningful conversation centered on economic opportunity, public policy, and the future of communities across Alabama.
As Realtist Week continues, the organization will shift focus to education and awareness with a special screening of Sarah’s Oil on Thursday at the historic Carver Theatre. The film explores the complexities of heirs’ property—land passed down without a clear will—and the legal and financial challenges families often face as a result. The event is expected to spark important conversations around generational wealth, land ownership, and the protections needed to preserve family assets for future generations.
What is the Birmingham Realtist Association?
The Birmingham Realtist Association is a local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, one of the oldest Black real estate trade organizations in the country.
Founded in 1947, NAREB was created by African American real estate professionals who were excluded from existing industry organizations at the time, with a mission rooted in advocacy, equality, and what they call “Democracy in Housing.”
Today, Realtists—members of NAREB—include professionals across the housing industry, from agents and brokers to developers and lenders, all working to expand access to homeownership and economic opportunity.
Locally, the Birmingham Realtist Association continues that mission by:
- Promoting ethical standards in real estate
- Supporting economic growth and housing access
- Creating opportunities for collaboration among industry professionals
- Advocating for better housing solutions across the community
Realtist Week 2026 Schedule
This year’s lineup features a mix of professional, social, and community-focused events:
April 12 – Day of Worship & Soul Food Brunch
📍 Hope Everlasting Ministries & Velvet Studios
🕙 10:00 AM & 12:30 PM
April 13 – Politics & Pancakes
📍 Vulcan Park Electra Room & Patio
🕗 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
A chance to engage in meaningful conversations around policy, housing, and community development—all over breakfast.
April 14 – Membership Appreciation Happy Hour
📍 Hemmings
🕔 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
April 15 – Fair Housing Class
📍 Birmingham Association of Realtors
Focused on education, compliance, and continuing the mission of equitable housing practices.
April 16 – Realtist @ The Movies
📍 Carver Theatre
🕔 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A cultural experience bringing members and the community together in one of Birmingham’s most historic venues.
April 17 – Day of Service
📍 Location TBD
April 18 – Community Outreach Day
📍 Bill Harris Arena
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Featuring a Homewise Expo in partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services—connecting residents with tools, resources, and information to support homeownership and financial growth.
A Reflection of a Larger Mission.
For decades, organizations like NAREB have worked to break down barriers in housing, advocate for fair policies, and help close the wealth gap through homeownership.
Here in Birmingham, that work continues through initiatives that bring together:
- Industry professionals
- Community leaders
- First-time homebuyers
- Families looking to build generational wealth
As Realtist Week builds momentum, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers invites professionals and aspiring leaders alike to continue the journey at its 78th Annual National Convention, taking place July 26–31, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Under the banner of “Closing the Gap: Advocacy, Affordability, and Access,” the convention will bring together the premier network of Black real estate professionals for a week of networking, education, and forward-thinking dialogue. Attendees are encouraged to secure their spot early, with registration opportunities available now, as NAREB continues its mission to expand homeownership and economic empowerment across communities nationwide.
🔗 Learn More
For more information, visit:
👉 BirminghamRealtist.org
🎟️ Tickets available via Eventbrite
Register for the national conference at http://www.narebconvention.com
