Missouri REALTORS® are so much more than real estate professionals. They dedicate their time to serving on school boards and running for elected positions. They educate, serve on panels, volunteer, and facilitate industry discussions. Their philanthropic efforts are inspiring, and the difference they are making within their communities is significant. Our Member Spotlight series highlights these efforts and introduces some of our wonderful members.
This month, we are highlighting Kansas City native Tenesia Brown. Serving as the broker/owner of Key’s Realty Group in east Kansas City, Brown is dedicated to changing her community for the better. Not only has Brown committed herself to advocating for and educating black renters to become homeowners, but she has also set a goal to convert 1,000 black renters into homeowners within the Kansas City area.
After a childhood of relocating from one home to another with her mother, Brown found passion in helping others overcome homeownership obstacles. “We probably moved about every three to six months and I’ve probably gone to almost every elementary school here in Kansas City,” said Brown. According to KCUR, gentrification has impacted black communities throughout the country, Kansas City being no exception.
A recent study conducted by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) highlights this move, stating the gap between black and white homeownership is nearly 30%. “The homeownership rate gap between white and black households grew even further in 2020,” said Brandi Snowden, NAR Senior Analyst of Research Survey. “According to our analysis, the U.S. homeownership rate experienced the largest annual increase on record, though Black homeownership remained lower than a decade ago.”
To learn more about Brown’s story, including her passion for serving others, visit The Grio’s recent highlight of Brown titled Missouri real estate agent working to help 1,000 Black families become homeowners.