The current issue of C.A.R.’s California Real Estate Magazine reports on the increase in homeownership for California’s Asian American community, noting that California’s Asian homeownership rate moved up to 61.1% in 2020 from 57% in 2010. This is undoubtedly a positive trend, although according to Asian American Real Estate Association of America’s (AREAA) report, low housing rates persist for California’s Burmese, Hmong, Cambodian, Nepalese,
Bangladeshi, Korean, and Pakistani communities.
 |
AAPI Heritage Month offers a chance to reflect on past exclusionary policies and practices that at one time severely restricted AAPI property ownership in California. Unfair takings, eminent domain and restrictive covenants targeting Asian Americans were unfortunately all too common prior to the 1970s. Not only do we remember these terrible practices but we honor those who courageously fought racism in homeownership. |
This month is of particular significance to the Vice Chair of C.A.R.’s Fair
Housing Policy Committee, Kelvin Wong:
“Being a U.S. citizen who was born in Hong Kong before migrating to Hawaii and then California, AAPI Heritage Month means a lot to me, my family and many Asian Pacific Communities. It commemorates the history of many Asian and Pacific Islanders’ lifetime contributions and their sacrifices for our country.”
Our magazine also features the story of the Sheng family, whose story made national news in 1952 as they bravely fought for the right to purchase a home in a segregated South San Francisco community. We also recognize individuals like George Shima and the Oyama family, who resisted attempts to restrict their right to property ownership.
We hope you’ll attend C.A.R.’s first-ever Fair Housing Day on May 17 from 9 AM to 3:30 PM.
The day will feature nationally recognized fair housing experts, including two of AREAA’s founders: Allen Okamoto and John Wong.
“AAPI heritage month is the time I pause and celebrate the dedication of my family and reflect on their strength to follow their dream to be a proud American and their path to homeownership, which they all achieved,” says Joyce Endo, Vice Chair of AREAA National Policy Committee and C.A.R. Director.
In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, we encourage all California REALTORS® to join C.A.R. as we work to increase homeownership and business opportunities for all Californians.