May marks Mental Health Awareness month. A 2014 study reported in the REALTOR® Magazine found that the real estate industry has the second highest rate of clinically diagnosed depression. The stigmatization of mental illness may prevent individuals from seeking support and we should all work toward and support normalizing seeking mental healthcare services as we would with medical services. Taking care of your mental health is a key part of being successful in the real estate industry. In July of last year, the U.S. transitioned the suicide and crisis lifeline phone number to 988. 

The month of May also celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month. Support Asian Pacific Islanders in our community and enjoy local eats, drinks, and arts of Asian cuisine by attending the 2023 Asian Night Market held at River Front Stadium on May 27^th from 5pm-10pm. This event aims to unite and empower the community by serving a platform for showcasing the local talent of or AAPI community. 

If you weren’t able to attend the At Home With Diversity certification course last year, you have the chance to take it on May 4^th, instructed by Samar Edenfield and Traci Terrill. The At Home With Diversity® (AHWD) certification course covers how to work effectively with diverse populations so you can build business success in today’s multicultural real estate market. This course counts for 6 CE elective hours and counts as an elective for the Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) designation and counts towards the C2EX endorsement.

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Pride month is a celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and achievements, a time to reflect on the history of the movement, and a time to remember the lives lost to violence and HIV/AIDS. During June there is a push for greater equality, unity, and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. Wichita Pride has several events planned throughout the month including a parade and festival on June 25^th. Follow their Facebook page to learn about event details as they are announced and attend in support. 

In 2021 President Joe Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, recognizing June 19^th as a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. A few ways you can show your support is by eating and shopping at black-owned restaurants and businesses, getting involved in a community event, or watching the Juneteenth documentary, “13^th” available on Netflix to enhance your knowledge.

The local organization, JuneteenthICT, will have several events planned June 16^th-19^th. Be sure to bookmark their website to see updates on events. They are also seeking volunteers if you are looking to get involved.

Be on the lookout for information coming out toward the end of summer on the DEI Committee’s first book club focusing on, “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America,” by Richard Rothstein. Participating in this book club will help enhance your levels of professionalism, develop a deeper understanding of our common history (nations past) and impacts on everything from housing law to environmental law and policy, how past has informed our present, encourage healthy dialogue and foster personal growth, and develop and strengthen relationships with other REALTORS®.

Veronica Gillette