Introducing the Greater Dayton Realtist Association
- Greater Dayton Realtist Association
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
By GDRA Contributor • Dayton Weekly News
Who We Are
The Greater Dayton Realtist Association (GDRA) is a proud local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)—America’s oldest minority real estate trade association.
Founded in 2005, GDRA unites real estate professionals, community advocates, and allies committed to opening doors of homeownership, wealth-building, and fair housing for Black and minority families across the Miami Valley.
Our Purpose & Mission
At GDRA, we champion the mission of “Democracy in Housing” by:
Expanding Black homeownership in Dayton and surrounding communities
Providing education, advocacy, and professional training for Realtists
Empowering consumers through workshops on financial literacy, credit, and estate planning
Addressing systemic barriers to wealth through civic engagement, policy, and revitalization
A Brief History of Impact
The Realtist movement began in 1947 as a response to redlining and housing discrimination.
In 2005, local leaders founded GDRA to bring this legacy of equity and empowerment to Southwest Ohio.
Since then, GDRA has:
Trained dozens of Realtist professionals
Helped families achieve sustainable homeownership
Advocated for tax fairness, down payment support, and fair appraisals
Hosted annual Realtist Week events to educate the community
Our Vision for the Future
GDRA is committed to making Dayton a model city for housing equity.
Upcoming initiatives include:
A Youth Realtist Program to introduce high schoolers to real estate careers
Tools to support heirs’ property protection and generational wealth transfer
Partnerships to revitalize abandoned properties and reduce neighborhood blight
Advocacy for affordable housing and equitable lending policies
Why It Matters
The racial wealth gap continues to grow—and unequal access to homeownership is a major cause.
Black homeownership rates still lag nearly 30% behind White households.
In Dayton, GDRA is on the front lines, working to close that gap—because homeownership is more than a roof.
It’s the foundation of family stability, community investment, and generational wealth.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or a passionate community member, there’s a place for you in GDRA.
👉 Attend a monthly meeting
👉 Join a workshop
👉 Get involved in housing equity advocacy
Learn more or become a member at: greaterdaytonrealtist.com
Or email: info@greaterdaytonrealtist.com
About the Author
Traci Martin is a contributing writer for Dayton Weekly News and a community advocate for equity in housing, wealth-building, and Black economic empowerment.
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