Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Martin Luther King Jr. Day serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of equality, fairness and justice. At the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS® (SPAAR), these principles foster Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) within the real estate industry.

This week, SPAAR shares a statement from Ken Alger, vice chair of SPAAR’s Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Ken’s words capture why diversity matters and how individuals can take meaningful steps to ensure fair housing for all.

"As Vice Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for the St. Paul Area Association of REALTOR® (SPAAR), I, Ken Alger, am committed to ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream of homeownership. Real estate is about more than buying and selling properties—it’s about creating thriving communities that welcome everyone and allow them to grow, flourish, and succeed. When we exclude people, we don’t just harm individuals; we hold back the full potential of our communities.

"Homeownership should never be determined by arbitrary barriers or outdated practices. Instead, it should be about ensuring everyone who has the means and commitment to take on this responsibility has a fair shot at achieving it. This is the foundation of fair housing and the driving force behind DEI in real estate.

"To achieve this vision, we must:

• Expand opportunities: advocate for down-payment assistance programs and initiatives like Minnesota’s First-Generation Homebuyer grant to make homeownership more accessible for all.
• Invest in education: equip real estate professionals with a deeper understanding of housing inequities, the industry's history, and actionable steps to foster inclusion and fairness.
• Strengthen accountability: close loopholes and enforce stricter penalties for discriminatory practices, ensuring fair housing laws are upheld across the board.

"DEI in real estate is about leveling the playing field and creating a future where communities can thrive because they embrace inclusivity. By fostering fairness and opportunity, we not only strengthen our neighborhoods but also uphold the values of progress and equality that are at the heart of the American Dream.

"The work ahead is not just about acknowledging the past; it’s about taking meaningful steps toward a better future—one home, one family and one community at a time."

Ken Alger
Realtor®
2025 SPAAR DEI Vice Chair