T
ammy Thompson and Mary Hester, founders of the annual Black Excellence in Real Estate Awards Gala, are tackling a pressing issue in Pittsburgh: African Americans lag behind Whites in homeownership rates. While 75% of White residents own homes, only 33% of African Americans do.

    Thompson and Hester's event aims to honor individuals and organizations working to increase Black homeownership statistics in the region. The gala has grown in popularity since its inception in 2021 at the Heinz History Center, selling out each year. This year's event, held on September 26 at the Wintergarden at PPG Place, sold out within two weeks.

    The evening recognized several honorees, including Deanna Davis as real estate agent of the year and Chrystyn Ballard as homeowner of the year. The Hill District Federal Credit Union was named community bank of the year, while Tina Daniels, owner of Concrete Rose Construction, received the developer of the year award for her work on affordable housing projects in Homewood.

    Catapult Greater Pittsburgh's mission is to create wealth-building opportunities for Black families through homeownership. Thompson emphasized the importance of education and intentional opportunity-building to overcome barriers to homeownership for African Americans. The organization offers a down payment and closing cost assistance program to support residents in achieving their goal of homeownership.