The Chicago Association of Realtors (CAR) will induct its former president and noted community leader Frank Williams into the Hall of Fame at the 134th Inaugural Gala on Monday, Oct. 9 at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
A Chicago Realtor since 1971, Williams has built a legacy as “a community leader who has made a career of challenging inequality, championing education and professional opportunities for minority real estate brokers, and demanding fair housing rights for all,” according to a CAR press release.
In addition to his service as the president of CAR from 1989 to 1990, Williams has been president and an active volunteer for a variety of real estate and community organizations, including the Dearborn Realtist Board, the Southside Chicago branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Ada S. McKinley Community Services.
In 1991, Illinois Realtors honored Williams with the first-ever Distinguished Member Award for Community Service, and in 1992 CAR honored him as their Realtor of the Year. He has educated and inspired hundreds of Realtors as an instructor for the Realtors Real Estate School for over four decades.
Earlier this year, Williams was honored with the Gale Cincotta Community Visionary Award by the Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago for his work to ensure fair housing practices throughout the city.
“Frank has an incredible legacy, not only in the real estate industry, but throughout Chicago,” says Matt Silver, president of the Chicago Association of Realtors. “His induction into the Hall of Fame is a recognition of his efforts to ensure everyone, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity, has a seat at the table, a voice in the room and the right to pursue the American dream of owning a home. I cannot imagine a more deserving Realtor for this honor.”
The Chicago Association of Realtors Hall of Fame was created in 1986 to honor professionals who leave a positive and profound influence on the younger generations in real estate and who helped to shape Chicago’s skyline.
Great guy. Had the pleasure to meet him earlier this year.
Well deserved. Frank gave his life to helping others. There isn’t a more well deserved. Bravo Frank Williams for showing us a lifetime of true leadership!