I am honored to serve as your 2025 President of the California Association of Black Real Estate Professionals (CABREP). I walk in the footsteps of trailblazing past CABREP Presidents—Malcolm Bennett, Dolores Golden, and Robert Johnson. Former NAR and CAR Director Michael Teer; LeFrancis Arnold, who served as the 2012 President of the California Association of REALTORS®; Evelyn Arnold, the 2018 recipient of the California Distinguished REALTOR® Award; and William E. (Bill) Brown, the 2017 President of the National Association of REALTORS®, iconic giants who envisioned CABREP's mission. Their legacy of leadership inspires me as we chart a bold path forward in these turbulent times. I stand with REALTORS®, REALTIST, our Affiliate members, community leaders, and allies who are committed to: • Developing Great Leaders • Growing Our Businesses • Strengthening Black Homeownership • Creating and Sustaining Generational Wealth You, our members, and sponsors, are the foundation upon which CABREP's success is built. Together, we will rise to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead, advocating for banks and mortgage industries to expand their community lending programs and invest in strengthening and increasing Black homeownership. These investments will yield profits and dividends for their stakeholders while creating generational wealth. Despite women comprising nearly two-thirds of all REALTORS®; and our membership, significant gender and racial income disparities persists. This is not just a statistic; it is a call to action. As a member-centric president, I am dedicated to providing our members with the resources and tools necessary to bridge both gender and racial income gaps. My mission is clear: to equip CABREP members, both women and men, with the skills to thrive in any real estate market. We will confront and dismantle societal barriers and systemic inequities, equipping our members with comprehensive training in business planning, niche marketing, winning negotiation, and media engagement. This year, we are offering classes on: • Developing and implementing effective business plans • Identifying and targeting niche markets • Mastering negotiation techniques • Leveraging media platforms for marketing Together, we will empower our members to compete successfully and achieve excellence in the real estate industry. ​ Rebuilding Altadena and Restoring Our Legacy ​ Altadena is a remarkable community that has thrived despite historical housing discrimination. Key statistics about Altadena include: ​ Educational Attainment: Approximately 53% of residents hold college degrees. Median Household Income: The median income is around $129,000. Median Home Value: The median home value stands at approximately $1,037,000. Black Homeownership: The Black homeownership rate is remarkably high at 80%. Demographics: The community is diverse, with 18% Black, 27% Latino, 42% White, and 53% female residents. The recent Eaton Fire has profoundly impacted Altadena, with over 9,000 structures damaged or destroyed and 17 confirmed fatalities. Notably, nearly half of the Black households were destroyed or sustained major damage, compared to 37% of non-Black households. ​ In response, the California Association of Black Real Estate Professionals (CABREP), in collaboration with the California Association of Realtors and our industry alliance partners, is committed to providing technical support to Altadena residents and business owners throughout the disaster relief and recovery process. Our initiatives include: 1. Real Estate Market & Temporary Housing: Assisting displaced residents in securing temporary accommodations. 2. Mental Health Assistance: Facilitating access to mental health services for affected individuals. 3. Mortgage & Foreclosure Prevention: Offering guidance on mortgage relief options to prevent foreclosure. 4. Understanding FEMA Assistance: Helping residents navigate FEMA assistance programs. 5. Insurance Claims Advocacy: Providing support in filing and managing insurance claims. 6. Community Planning: Engaging residents in the rebuilding and planning process to preserve Altadena's legacy. 7. Rental Assistance and Abatement: Assisting tenants with rental support and addressing rent-related issues. We Affirmatively Commit to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion​ Amid national efforts to dismantle affirmative action and DEI initiatives, CABREP stands firm in our belief that hard work and education are paramount. Our members are highly educated, diligent workers, who come from diverse backgrounds. Together, we form a resilient, strategic coalition, advocating for homeownership and generational wealth. Diversity is Our Strength! Our fight extends beyond diversity and inclusion; we actively promote equity in homeownership and business ownership—tangible assets that contribute to generational wealth. If you share our vision of inclusion and equity, we invite you to join our mission.​ CABREP's Call to Action: Join us, support us, and collaborate with us, help us close economic gaps and build bridges in our community. Mel Wilson, MRE, REALTOR® Emeritus, President, California Association of Black Real Estate Professionals (CABREP). Mel Wilson, MRE 2025 President