The Empire Board of Realtists 63rd Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala

THE EREB FOUNDATION 

PRESENTS 

rd ANNUAL 

SCHOLARSHIP 

AWARDS 

Gala 

ATLANTA CITY HALL 

. .

CONGRATULATIONS 

EMPIRE BOARD OF REALTISTS 

CHASE AD

GREETINGS FROM 

NAREB PRESIDENT 

1

2 


NAREB LEADERSHIP


NAREB LEADERSHIP 

3

4 


EBR PRESIDENT


EBR BOARD CHAIR 

5


EBR FOUNDATION CHAIR 

6


GALA CHAIR 

7


THE STATE OF GEORGIA 

8


THE CITY OF ATLANTA 

November 18, 2023 

Greetings, 

As the 61st Mayor of Atlanta, it is my pleasure to welcome attendees and honorees to 

the Empire Board of Realtists 63rd Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala. 

Since its inception, the Empire Board of Realtists, Incorporated, has created an 

environment where creativity flourishes in both the workplace and the marketplace. As 

a strong advocate for safe and quality housing, I applaud the organization’s 

committment to promoting democracy in housing and assisting individuals within our 

city and across the state in obtaining home ownership. I also commend the 

organization’s efforts to elevate the dreams of our youth by providing scholarships to 

deserving high school and college students pursuing careers in real estate. 

On behalf of the peope of Atlanta, we congratulate this year’s honorees and extend our 

wishes on a successful and memorable occasion. 

Sincerely, 

Mayor Andre Dickens 

9

GREETINGS FROM DEKALB 

COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 

10

GREETINGS FROM THE GEORGIA 

REAL ESTATE COMMISSION 

Mr. Lynn Dempsey, Commissioner 

Georgia Real Estate Commission 

Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board 

Suite 1000 International Tower 

Atlanta, Georgia 30334 

November 18, 2023 

To the Attendees of the 63rd Annual EREB Foundation Scholarship & Awards Gala - EREB first 

organized in 1939 and is this year celebrating 94 years of Democracy in Housing! 

What an honor to be able to welcome my friends at the Empire Board of Realtists, Inc., as they 

welcome distinguished guests, tonight’s honorees, their families, and other attendees! From the 

moment I was blessed to take on the role of Real Estate Commissioner for the State of Georgia, 

the Realtists have made me feel at home whenever Ihave met with you and witnessed the work your 

organization has done to grow our community and make sure opportunity was increased for all. 

The scholarships are a great blessing to those who will receive them tonight and I know you will 

continue your valuable service to the great State of Georgia. 

I hope for you a very successful event and I think the Empire Board of Realtists for organzating 

this event. Best wishes for an enjoyable gala! 

11

2023 

EBR OFFICERS & 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Archie Emerson 

President 

Jeffrey Hicks 

Board Chair 

Stephanie Kennedy 

1st Vice President 

Tiffany Boazman 

Secretary 

Andrea Hall 

Financial Secretary 

Tawanda Hanks 

Assistant Secretary 

Vivian Lyons 

Chaplain 

Latikia Archuleta 

2nd Vice President 

Shaniqua Covert 

Treasurer 

Shatima Tankson 

Parliamentarian 

Marvetta Bozeman 

3rd Vice President 

Terri Copeland 

Assistant Treasurer 

Michele Calloway 

Sergeant at Arms 

O 

F 

F 

I 

C 

E 

R 

S 

12 

Fran,ika Ford 

Board Member at Large 

Johnette Brown 

Board Member at Large 

Gail Davenport 

Salesperson Appointee

2023 

EBR OFFICERS & 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

P 

A 

S 

T 

P 

R 

E 

S 

I 

D 

E 

N 

T 

S 

Bilal K. Shareef 

Past President 

Sharon Henry 


Leonte Benton 


Edward C. London 


Karen C. Johnson 


Lawrence Batiste 


Stacey Mollison 


Priscilla Harrell 


A 

F 

F 

IL 

I 

A 

T 

E 

O 

F 

F 

I 

C 

E 

R 

S 

Marlon Day 

President 

National Society of Real Estate 

Appraisers, Inc. (NSREA) 

Eboni Killian 

President 

Women’s Council 

of EBR 


EBR School 

Whitney Kennedy 

President 

Young Realtist Division 

William Murray 

Honorary Past President 

13

2023 

GALA COMMITTEE 

EREB CHAIRWOMAN 


CHAIRWOMAN 

Terracia Brown-Wilkinson 

CO-CHAIR 

Marvetta Bozeman 

PAST PRESIDENT LIAISON 

Sharon Henry 

SUB-COMMITTEES 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Shaniqua Covert 


Dionne Sanford 

Franmika Ford 

ENTERTAINMENT 

Ronald Boyd DeVoe, Jr. 

PAST PRESIDENT PROTOCOL 


COURTESY 


Bertina Banks 

Jazyln Williams 

Adrienne Archuleta 

Tangie Pounds 

SOUVENIR JOURNAL 

Latika Archuleta 

Tawanda Hanks 

Jill Harrison 

14 

AWARDS 

Archie Emerson

HISTORY OF THE 


HOW WE BEGAN 

The Empire Real Estate Board Inc. (EREB) was organized in 1939 by seven real estate brokers who were 

dissatisfied with the housing conditions in Atlanta for Black people. 

Additionally, they were unhappy with the conditions for Black real estate practitioners, and were denied 

membership in the REALTORS trade organization. The Founding Members: W.H. Aiken, John G. 

Allen, O. T. Bell, Wendell Cunningham, Roger Henderson, J.R. Wilson, Jr. and N. D. Jones. With the 1950's 

came many challenges, changes, new memberships and accomplishments, which occurred under the 

administration of Q.V. Williamson who was elected President In 1954. It was during the mid-1950‘s that 

EREB opened its doors to the professional involvement of women. Mrs. Nina King Miller was elected 

Treasurer and was the first female to hold an office. She was the only officer to maintain the same position 

for ten consecutive years. 

OUR FIRST BANQUET 

The mid 1950's spawned the birth of EREB’s first Awards and Installation Banquet, chaired by W.L. (Bill) 

Calloway. Subsequently, at each annual banquet the “Distinguished Service Awards” are presented to 

outstanding community leaders for meritorious achievements. The first recipient of this award was the late 

E. M. Martin, Vice President and Secretary of Atlanta Life Insurance Company. In addition, members of 

EREB who have contributed outstanding service and professionalism in the real estate industry are 

presented such awards as "Realtist of the Year”, "Broker of the Year" and "Salesperson of the Year. 

ACHIEVEMENTS 

The late 1950's brought about the innovation of Urban Renewal. EREB embarked upon the effort to 

educate it’s membership and inform the public of the concepts and complexities of the Urban Renewal 

program. Additionally, EREB served as succor to the public by being a financial source of "Bail Bond" for 

the Civil Rights Protesters (Sit-ins). In the midst of the tumultuous 1960’s, EREB revised its constitution, 

increased membership, organized a non-profit corporation for participation in the 221-Housing program , 

gained financial status, and instituted educational programs, which accentuated its public relations through 

the news media. 

W. L. Calloway was the first Black to be elected as an officer of Central Atlanta Progress. Harold A. Dawson 

was the first Black to be appointed to the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC). EREB was host to the 

NAREB National Convention in 1971 and 1977. EREB fought and defeated the DeKalb County Sign 

Ordinance prohibiting the placement of "For Sale" signs in yards. Legal counsel for EREB in fighting this 

sign ordinance was Allied member, Attorney J. Wyatt, who was later elected as the first Black County 

Commissioner. 

The first professional quarterly newsletter was created and initiated by Barbara L. Clay which she later 

revised in 1991. The EREB Training Center was organized to prepare students for the Georgia Real Estate 

Examination as a result of special efforts of W. C. Ponder, Dorothy Kelly, Otis L. Thorpe, Chris Dobbins, 

Willie Ware, and Larry Cameron. Otis L. Thorpe was appointed to the National Advisory Committee for the 

Minority Business Enterprises; the Housing Appeals Board; the Policy Review Committee of the Central 

Atlanta Progress; and later, the first Black to be appointed as an assessor of the Atlanta-Fulton County 

Joint Board of Tax Assessors, and elected as Chairman. Brady Barnett, Jr. was appointed first Black VA 

Appraiser in the Southeast. He was also appointed to the Board of Aldermen by Mayor Sam Massell. 

In 2002, Brady Barnett, Jr. was appointed as Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Assessors. 

15



The 1980’s reinforced the continuous competency and innovation of EREB, through the achievements of its 

members. Harold A. Dawson, Sr. was appointed to the Atlanta-Fulton County Zoning Committee, For the 

purpose of enhancing practitioners specializing in real estate management, the Georgia Chapter of Real Estate 

Management Brokers Institute, Inc. (REMBI) was organized. 

MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS 

Wendell White was elected to serve as the REMBI chapter’s First President. Al Knox was appointed Vice 

Chairman of the Zoning Review Board. Harold A. Dawson was elected to serve as Chairman of the Georgia 

Real Estate Commission (GREC) and was also the first Black elected to serve as President of the National 

Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (NARELLO). Joe Richardson was appointed to the 

Commercial and Industrial Institutional Appeals Board. Mrs. Barbara J. Alexander was appointed 

Commissioner of the Atlanta Housing Authority. Mrs. Dot Kelly was appointed to the Atlanta Housing 

Authority and later elected to serve as Chairman. Willie Ware was appointed to the Fulton County Housing 

Authority. Miller Johnson, Jr. was appointed to the Fulton County Zoning Appeals Board and was later 

elected to serve as Chairman. Mrs. Jocelyn C. Peters organized the Women's Council of EREB and was 

appointed to the Water/Sewer Appeals Board and elected to serve as Chairman. 

EREB purchased its first building and the future home site during the administration of Miller Johnson, Jr., 

and with the special efforts of Wendell White and T.J. Locke. J.T. Bickers was appointed by Mayor 

Andrew Young to serve on the Building Permits Task Force. E. Pearl Presley was elected to serve as EREB’s 

first female President. 

EREB’s new home was completed under the Chairmanship of Barbara Ann Alexander with special recognition 

to committee member the late Q.V. Williamson for raising over $30,000 from EREB’s membership to pay 

for the construction and furnishing of it’s building under the Presidency of Alfred L. Knox. 

W.F.”Preacher” Smith was appointed to serve on the Georgia Real Estate Commission’s Advisory 

Committee and elected to serve as Chairman. 

SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS 

In honor and memory of the late Q.V. Williamson Sr,. EREB established the Q.V. Williamson Memorial 

Scholarship Fund to assist deserving students in their pursuit of real estate education. EREB took giant 

steps in education by first awarding a monetary grant to Morehouse College of Real Estate Institute and, 

secondly, annually awarding monetary scholarships for students attending Clark Atlanta University or any 

of the colleges affiliated with the Atlanta University Center. 

Under the chairmanship of Delories Gibson, the EREB Education Committee received its largest educational 

grant of $18,900 from the Georgia Real Estate Commission for the development of thirty (30) hour post 

licensing courses: “Management of Housing for the Elderly”, “Inner City Property Valuation” and 

“Commercial Property Sales & Leasing”. Through it’s Education Committee EREB organized its first 

Student Chapter. 

16



In 1990, under the leadership of Edward London the EREB conceived and developed the “Homes for the 

Homeless Project”. The first “Home for the Homeless” is located at 581-583 Auburn Avenue is a duplex 

home owned by Cornelius King & Son Inc, a member of the Empire Real Estate Board: and the home is 

located near the M.L. King home inside the boundaries of the M.L. King National Historic District. 

Willie Ware was appointed Chairman of the Fulton County Housing Authority. Al Knox was appointed Vice 

Chairman of the Georgia Real Estate Commission and later became Chairman. September 11, 1991 was the 

opening of the EREB’s School of Real Estate. This approved school offers Salespersons and Broker Pre- 

License Courses. Lewis S. Conn was School Director and Barbara Ann Alexander was Coordinator. 

EREB’s Education Program grew extensively. In 1991-1992 under the direction of Maria Williamson- 

Johnson, another grant was obtained from GREC. Several other courses and seminars were added. The 

school continues to serve Realtists today. 

VICTORIES 

In May of 1994, The Empire Board announced that a settlement had been reached with the Fletcher L. 

Thompson Realty, Empire Real Estate Board, Inc et al and the Metropolitan Multi-List, Inc., D/B/A metro 

Listing Service and DeKalb Board of Realtors. The parties entered into the following agreement: 

“Metropolitan Multi List, Inc, D/B/A metro listing service(Metro MLS) shall not hereafter require any 

potential or actual participant of Metro MLS to join a Board of Realtors in order to become a member of 

MLS.” “This decision not only affected the State of Georgia, but also Alabama and Florida, the areas in 

which the 11th Circuit Court covers. The ramification of this decision is far reaching and could cause many 

real estate professionals and local boards across the country, to re-examine their association options.” 

In February 1995, the late Porter Sanford III, President: proposed a resolution for an organizational name 

change ratified, the organization’s name became The Empire Board of Realtists, Inc. (EBR). 

Through diligent work to fulfill its purpose, and being ever cognizant of its plight, the organization 

continues to serve all citizens within its boundaries. As stated by past president Q.V.Williamson, “A free 

man’s most cherished dream is to own his own home, in the place of his choice”. EBR continues to dedicate its 

energies toward making this dream come true. Our Motto “Democracy in Housing” truly provides the 

stimuli and stamina for EBR to remain an important cog in the economic wheel of Atlanta. 

17

EBR PAST 

Chief Walter Aiken 

1939-1944 

T.M. Alexander, Sr. 

1945-1953 

Q.V. Williamson 

1954-1959 

J.T. Bickers 

1960-1962 

Otis Thorpe 

1968-1969 

Harold Dawson 

1970-1972 

W.C. Ponder 

1973-1974 

Willie Ware, Sr. 

1975-1976 

Dot Kelly 

1985-1986 

Wendell White 

1987-1988 

Dr. Edward C. London 

1989-1990 

Barbara Alexander 

1991-1992 

Bobbie K. Sanford 

2000-2001 

Linda Avery 

2002-2003 

Lawrence Batiste 

2004-2005 

Gloria Key-Taylor 

2006 

18 

Sharon Henry 

2016-2018 

Leonte Benton 

2019-2020

PRESIDENTS 

W.L. Calloway 

1963 

William T. Robie. 

1964-1965 

Allen Caldwell 

1966 

J.A. Alston 

1967 

Willie Jackson 

1977-1978 

Miller Johnson, Jr. 

1979-1981 

E. Pearl Presley 

1982-1983 

Alfred Knox 

1984 

Maria W. Johnson 

1993-1994 

Porter Sanford III 

1995-1996 

Dr. James A. Stokes 

1997-19981 

William R. Little 

1999 

Gloria Key-Taylor 

2007-2008 

Jeffrey Hicks 

2009-2010 


2011-2012 

Stacey Mollison 

2013-2015 

Bilal K. Shareef 

2021-2022 

19

MISTRESS & MASTER OF 

CEREMONIES 

THE WONDER TWINS OF REAL ESTATE 

RONALD BOYD DEVOE, JR. 

AND MARVETTA BOZEMAN: 

Ronald Boyd DeVoe Jr. and Marvetta Bozeman, popularly known 

as the "Wonder Twins of Real Estate," are a dynamic duo on a 

mission to transform the housing industry and address the disparities 

in minority homeownership. With their combined expertise and unwavering 

commitment to creating positive change, they have become prominent 

advocates for democracy in housing and powerful mentors for real estate 

professionals seeking to make a difference. 

Ronald Boyd DeVoe Jr. 

Boyd DeVoe Jr., widely recognized as Ronnie DeVoe, first gained fame as a member of the legendary 

R&B group New Edition. Beyond his musical talents, Ronnie's entrepreneurial spirit led him to venture 

into the world of real estate. As the founder of DeVoe Real Estate, Ronnie recognized the critical issues 

facing minority homeownership, it has become his mission to use his platform and influence for the 

betterment of communities across the nation. Ronnie's journey in real estate began as a passion project 

but quickly transformed into a mission-driven career. Leveraging his fame and charisma, he and 

Marvetta embarked on the nationwide"Live Your Legacy Tour," an initiative aimed at raising awareness 

about housing disparities and empowering real estate professionals to become advocates for change. His 

dedication to educating and uplifting others in the industry has made him a respected figure in both the 

entertainment and real estate worlds. 

Marvetta Bozeman, DBA 

Marvetta Bozeman, Broker and founder of Mission Bound Real Estate & Business Academy," brings a 

wealth of expertise and experience to their mission. With a deep understanding of the complexities of the 

housing market, Marvetta has dedicated herself to dismantling barriers that have historically hindered 

minority homeownership. 

Marvetta's journey in real estate began with a passion for truly educating first-time homebuyers. She has 

worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between underserved communities and access to affordable housing. 

Her strategic vision and commitment to equity have enabled her to create innovative solutions and 

partnerships that bring real change to those who need it most. 

Together, Ronnie DeVoe and Marvetta Bozeman represent a powerful force for positive change in the 

housing industry. Their "Wonder Twins of Real Estate" initiative is not just about business; it's about 

addressing systemic inequalities and empowering others to do the same. With their charisma, knowledge, 

and unwavering dedication, they continue to inspire real estate professionals and communities 

nationwide to join the fight for democracy in housing and the eradication of minority homeownership 

disparities. 

20

DISTINGUISHED PARTICIPANTS 

DR. DENNIS KIMBRO 

Dr. Kimbro is a New York Times Best-Selling author and 

has been a revered professor at Clark Atlanta University 

for many years. His extensive body of work is deeply 

rooted in his unwavering commitment to empowering 

individuals, particularly within the Black community, to 

achieve their highest potential and build generational wealth. 

Among his many notable accomplishments, Dr. Kimbro is the 

author of influential books such as "Think and Grow Rich: A Black 

Choice" and "The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires." These works 

have not only received critical acclaim but have also served as transformative guides, 

providing invaluable insights into leadership, wealth-building, and success strategies. Dr. 

Kimbro's passion for uplifting the Black community is evident in his writings, teachings, 

and mentorship, which have inspired countless individuals to overcome challenges and 

pursue their dreams. He is a visionary leader whose impact on the journey towards 

economic empowerment and prosperity for future generations within the Black 

community is immeasurable. We are truly privileged to have him as our keynote speaker 

tonight. 

Dr. Kimbro is Sponsored by DeVoe Real Estate, Mission Bound Real Estate & Business 

Academy and Kim Hughes & Associates. 

21


JAMES M. “JAY” BAILEY 

PRESIDENT & CEO 

H.J. RUSSELL INNOVATION CENTER FOR ENTRPRENEURS 

Jay, is a dynamic force dedicated to his unwavering motto, 

"Build As We Climb." With a transformative vision, he 

embodies the essence of a change agent, thought leader, 

entrepreneur, and emerging philanthropist, channeling his 

life's mission towards uplifting others. 

As President and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for 

Entrepreneurs, he leads the world's largest entrepreneurial hub dedicated 

to empowering Black businesses. In just four years, under James's visionary leadership, RICE has 

grown to support over 360 entrepreneurs full time, these companies generate an impressive $114 

million in annual revenues, sustain 1,400 jobs in the community, and have produced a staggering 

$450 million dollars of new economic impact in the Metro Atlanta area. James and his team have 

transformed RICE into an economic empowerment and innovation powerhouse, rooted in 

creating Access, Opportunity, Exposure, and most importantly – Belonging. 

An Atlanta native and die-hard Georgia Bulldog, James has a track record of success. His 

exceptional leadership and commitment to the community have been recognized by three U.S. 

Presidents. In 2012, he was one of eight Americans honored at the White House as a "Champion 

of Change: Following in the Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.". In 2016, President 

Barack Obama bestowed upon him the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition 

of his dedicated volunteer service. 

Jay is a dedicated member of the Atlanta Rotary Club, embodying the motto "Service Above 

Self", his extensive board service includes roles on the Georgia Chamber and Metro Atlanta 

Chamber Board of Directors. Focused on education, he serves as an Agnes Scott College Trustee, 

the University of Georgia Board of Visitors, on the Atlanta Speech School Board of Directors, 

and the Executive Board of the Veritas School of Social Sciences. Nationally recognized as a 

prominent landowner, he serves as a Trustee for the Georgia Forestry Foundation, and founded 

the Black Land Institute, while in his role as founding Chairman of Citizens Trust Bank's Next 

Generation Advisory Board. 

An alumnus of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Atlanta, and the Regional Leadership Institute, 

James has been honored with the prestigious Whitney M. Young National Community Service 

Medallion, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Service Award, the Maynard 

Jackson Community Impact Award, recipient of the Startup Atlanta Lifetime Achievement 

Award, and the Bernie Marcus Downtown Economic Impact Award. He is a proud member of 

Alpha Phi Alpha, and the 100 Black Men of Atlanta. 

22 

Currently residing in East Atlanta, James shares his life's journey with his wife, NBC 

News correspondent Blayne Alexander, and their cherished daughter, Sage..


RICHARD SHAW, JR. 

Richard Shaw, Jr., a native Atlantan, at an early age, 

developed a strong passion for music. There was never a 

doubt that his desire was to play the alto saxophone. In the 

beginning of 2019, Richard was featured on 11 Alive 

News/NBC playing the most popular kid’s song, “Baby 

Shark” with two saxophones simultaneously! 

His reputation in the southeast is that he is the gentleman who plays up to three 

saxophones at once in complete harmony. He is considered to be a phenomenon, smooth, 

and classy! Richard is said to sound like a human voice through his saxophone melodies. 

In his career, Richard has shared the stage, recorded, or supported many celebrities and 

large corporations, such as Steve Harvey, Jennifer Hudson, Wynton Marsalis, CeCe 

Winans, William Murphy, Tasha Cobbs, Chick-fil-A, Walmart, Fox Theater, MGM 

Studios, and many more. 

In his travels he has been featured on “Its Show Time at the Apollo,” Gospel Choice 

Awards, NAACP, Tennessee State University, and the City of Refuge Church with Bishop 

Noel Jones. Richard’s first CD entitled, “The Seasons of Life” was released October 2002, 

selling over five thousand copies independently in the first quarter. His second album was 

even more of a success. Now, he has released his third album, entitled “Believe Again.” 

Richard Shaw, Jr. is all about excellence in its finest musical form. 

23


SHAMARI DEVOE 

ACTRESS, TV PERSONALITY, & POP SINGER 

Shamari DeVoe is an American actress, tv personality, and pop 

singer. She serves as one of the main vocalist within Pop and 

R&B girl group, BLAQUE, a group whose debut album was 

certified Platinum by the RIAA. 

Expanding her stage presence and acting chops, Shamari acted 

alongside Gabrielle Union and Kirsten Dunst in the pop-culture 

box office hit movie, “Bring It On”. She was casted as the character of 

Lava, the spunky little sister of Gabrielle Union’s character, Isis. DeVoe 

later went on to guest star in the movie “Honey” (featuring Jessica Alba) for 

which her group released the track “I’m Good," which was the lead single for the movie’s soundtrack. In 

1999, she appeared on Pamela Anderson’s show "VIP” playing herself. The group also lent their vocals to 

soundtrack for Martin Lawrence’s blockbuster hit movie, “Big Momma’s House," with the song “You Can 

Always Go.” During the peak of their commercial success for their debut album, Shamari appeared 

alongside her bandmates on Disney’s “2 Hours Tour” series in 2000. 

Stepping out in to the reality television world, Shamari most recently appeared on season 11 of BravoTV’s 

hit reality show, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”. Shamari was praised by the show’s fanbase for her fun 

and free spirited personality which was an invited breathe of fresh air to the franchise. Shamari’s reality 

television momentum continued with her and her husband, Ron DeVoe of the R & B Group “New Edition” 

being featured guest on MTV’s Couples Retreat 2022 and 2023 series. 

Shamari never stops working. She and surviving bandmate, Brandi Williams, are gearing up to record new 

music and tour in 2022. She balances recording and performing with BLAQUE with also working on music 

and marriage ambassador work with husband, Ronnie DeVoe, of New Edition fame. The DeVoes, who 

record music together under the moniker “Me and Mari," released their single “Love Comes Through," 

which had behind the scenes recording studio footage highlighted on an episode of “The Real Housewives of 

Atlanta.” 

Much like the rest of the world, in 2020 amid the Coronavirus pandemic, Shamari spent most of her time 

indoors to remain healthy with her family. But she also used that downtime to venture in to another 

interested - retail. In the spring of 2020 she launched an online boutique named “Mari Jaqua” which 

contained inventory of fashionable and comfortable womenswear at great price points. The merchandise was 

available via her eBay store and quickly sold out to shoppers who gravitated towards the trendy pieces. 

More recently, at the top of 2021, Shamari chose to return to reality tv via BET’s “The Encore”. “The 

Encore” featured an ensemble cast of some of music’s most notable females that birthed their careers within 

popular girl groups in 90’s and early 2000’s. The show chronicled the ladies as they attempted to bond both 

personally and creatively while trying to complete a full body of work and performance together. Having 

filmed for 30 days, Shamari avoided most of the drama and focused on her first love: music. At the end of 

the series, the group, which named themselves “Bluprint”, performed all 5 songs from their self-titled EP 

flawlessly. Shamari was a standout performer both vocally and stage-wise, leading vocals on most of the 

songs. The EP was critically received well, peaking at number one on the R&B iTunes chart upon its release 

after the show’s finale episode in summer 2021. 

Shamari has also resumed touring as a member of BLAQUE, who she also plans to record new music soon. 

24

ESTEEMED HONOREES 

Realtist of the Year 

Lawrence Baptiste 

NAREB-Chair 

Broker of the Year 

Labrescia Dawson 

Dawsons Realty & Mortgages, Inc. 

Allied Member of the Year 

April Alexander 

Prosperity Home Mortgage 

Salesperson of the Year 

Dimple Chandhok 

Coldwell Banker Realty 

Young Realtist of the Year 


EBR YRD President 

Distinguished Servant of the Year 

State Representative 

Billy Mitchell 

HD 88 

Trailblazer of the Year 


Immediate Past Board Chair 

NAREB 

Partner of the Year 

Cerita Battles 

J. P. Morgan Chase Bank 

Presidential Awardees 

Sean Dacey 

Southern First Mortgage 

State Senator 

Gail Davenport 

HD 44 

Jennine Hunter 

United Community 

Mortgage 25

63 

rd 

ANNUAL 


SCHOLARSHIP 


AWARDS 

6:00 PM 

VIP RECEPTION 

RED CARPET INTERVIEWS/PHOTOS 

7:00 PM 

PROGRAM 

Marvetta Bozeman & Ronald DeVoe, Jr. 

Mistress & Master of Ceremonies 

Welcome........................................................................................ 

Past Presidents’ Processional ........................................................ 

Introduction of Master & Mistress of Ceremonies.......................... 

Black National Anthem.................................................................. 

“Lift Every Voice & Sing “ by James Weldon Johnson 


EBR Sergeant at Arms 

EBR Past Presidents 

Terri Marie Gleaton 

EBR Member 

Shamari DeVoe 

R&B Recording Artist 

Greetings from NAREB National.................................................. Travis Brooks 

Regional Vice President, NAREB Region VI 

Invocation ..................................................................................... Dr. Edward C. London 

Past NAREB & EBR President 

DINNER IS SERVED 

Musical Selections by Richard Shaw, Jr., Jazz Saxophonist 

26 

Recognition of 2023 Scholars ......................................................... 

Shatima Tankston 

EBR School Director 

Dionne Sanford 

EBR Education Chair 

Kaylin E. Johnson 

Scholar

63 

rd 

ANNUAL 


SCHOLARSHIP 


AWARDS 

Introduction of Guest Speaker........................................................ 

Latika Archeleta 

2nd Vide President 

Guest Speaker ............................................................................... James R. Bailey 

President & CEO 

H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) 

Presentation of 2023 EBR Awards................................................. 

Introduction of Keynote Speaker..................................................... 

Stephanie Kennedy 

1st Vice President 


YRD President 

Mistress & Master 

Of Ceremonies 

Keynote Address ........................................................................... 

Dr. Dennis Kimbro 

Author & Clark Atlanta University Professor 

Introduction of 2023 EBR President ............................................... 

Presentation of Distinguished Service Awards.................................. 


EREB Foundation Chair 


2023 EBR President 

Special Presentations ...................................................................... 


Chair, EBR Courtesy Committee 

Acknowledgements & Closing Remarks .......................................... 

GUEST 

SPEAKER 


2023 EBR President 

27

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES 

Andrew Boazman 

Westlake High School 

Atlanta, GA 

Plans to attend Tuskegee University 

Lee Bozeman II 

New Manchester High School 

Douglasville, GA 

West Georgia Technical College 

LaGrange, Ga 

(Dual Enrollment) 

Plans to attend a HBCU 

Matthew Cook 

Alabama State University 

Montgomery, AL 

Freshman - Biology Major 

Jonas Cullen 

Douglas County High School 


University of West Georgia 

Carrollton, GA 


Plans to attend a HBCU 

Kellan Frenelle 

University of Georgia 

Athens, GA 

Freshman - Mechanical Engineering Major 

Kyndall Frenelle 

University of Georgia 

Athens, GA 

Freshman - Biology Major 

Paige Harrison 

New Manchester High School 


West Georgia Technical College 

LaGrange, GA 


Plans to attend Southern University and A & 

M College 

Kaylin E. Johnson 

Dutchtown High School 

Hampton, GA 

Southern Crescent Technical College 

Griffin, GA 


Jordan McDaniel 

Sandy Creek High School 


Plans to attend the University of Georgia 

or Florida A & M University 

28 

Taylor Pugh 

West Lake High School 

Atlanta, GA 

Timothy T. Smith III 

Darlington School 

Rome, GA 

Sydney Williams 

Dekalb School of the Arts 

Avondale Estates, GA 

Georgia Piedmont Technical College 

Decatur, GA 

(Dual Enrollment)

29

30 

Congratulations 

Empire Board of Realtists


Empire Board of Realtists 

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38 


EMPIRE BOARD OF REALTISTS

39



Georgia Association of REALTORS® 

40

41

42 





43

44

45

46

47

48


on a successful 

63rd Scholarship 

& Awards Gala 


49



T. Dallas Smith & Company 

50


on a successful 

63rd Scholarship 

& Awards Gala 


51

52 



53

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS & 

PARTNERS! 

Angelia Davis 

E.C. London & 

Associates

The Empire Board of Realtists 63rd Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?