REDLINING WAS DEEMED ILLEGAL BY THE COURTS, BUT IT STILL PERSISTS

I’m the broker/owner of Hawkins Realty. We are one of the oldest African American real estate offices in San Diego County. Its founder, Mildred Hawkins, was equally passionate regarding the community when she established the office in 1965. The emphasis was placed on serving the community of Encanto when no other real estate company saw value there.

Mildred Hawkins was one of the trailblazers. It was unheard of for an African American woman to form a successful real estate company. Her first franchise was with Century 21, but she soon realized that this franchise was not supportive of her dream. Mildred served in many capacities with the San Diego Association of Realtors.

The office was located at 1005 Euclid Ave. in San Diego. After Ms. Hawkins was gone, I have offered that same quality of service in the real estate industry in the purchase and sell of real estate, property management and notary services for the past 28 years. I have maintained a strong relationship with the community and made sure clients felt valued and their homes mattered.

I fought hard and have consistently gone to bat for many clients in purchasing a piece of the American dream. But for many African American people here in San Diego, that dream has been hard to come by especially when trying to own a home.

One does not have to look very far to find the aftermath and ongoing subtle damage done by systemic racism in the form of redlining in San Diego County in the fourth and eighth City Council districts.

Redlining is very apparent in these districts south of Interstate 8. I have worked in these communities for the past 28 years. The communities have not experienced many changes and are still suffering from lack of investment by

STEVE BREEN U-T ILLUSTRATION