Howard County Association Of Realtors Honors Its 1st African American President

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — In honor of Black History Month, the Howard County Association of Realtors has recognized the achievements of Melvina Brown, the organization’s first African American president in 2005.

Melvina Brown, a realtor with RE/MAX 100, has been a member of HCAR for more than two decades and has been a leader in the Howard County real estate industry. In 2005, she was elected as the first African American president of HCAR. As an active member of the association, she has been a committee member of the Professional Standards Committee, Legislative Committee, Fair Housing Committee and the Realtors Political Action Committee.

Brown said she was tapped on the shoulder by her best friend and colleague, Ilene Kessler, who was president of HCAR in 1999 and president of Maryland Realtors in 2007.

"There had been no person of color in an HCAR leadership position at the time, and because Ilene tapped me on the shoulder, I not only joined the HCAR Board, I joined the Maryland Realtors Board, the RPAC Board and completed the Maryland Realtors Leadership Academy as well," Brown said.

During her tenure, Brown worked to ensure that HCAR was an inclusive and welcoming organization for all members and that diversity was embraced. She also worked to promote economic and housing opportunities throughout Howard County.

“Melvina has been a beacon of strength and a leader in the realtor community in Howard County for many years,” said HCAR President Robbyn Harris. "We are proud to honor her during Black History Month and to recognize her contribution to the growth and success of our organization. She's truly been an inspiration for me."