Create professional development programs that help REALTORS® strengthen their businesses.
Protect private property rights and promote the value of REALTORS®.
Advance ethics enforcement programs that increase REALTOR® professionalism.
Protect REALTORS® by providing legal guidance and education.
Stay current on industry issues with daily news from Illinois REALTORS®, network with other professionals, attend a seminar, and keep up with industry trends through events throughout the year.
Ezekiel “Zeke” Morris continues to seek new challenges.
The Chicago-area REALTOR® applied for a position on the 2019 Illinois REALTORS® Board of Directors earlier this year, and he’s now one of six nominees slated for a board vote during the Fall Business Meetings, Oct. 3 and 4 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center.
While the owner and managing broker of EMA Realty & Management in Chicago has found many opportunities to help others during his 29-year real estate career, he wants more. “When I first began serving people, the underserved (South Side) community was growing at a tremendous rate. When the market crashed, property values plummeted and the community was decimated. Today, the community is showing signs of recovery, and as a REALTOR®, I feel a strong commitment to the rebirth of the community in which I serve.”
The former Chicago Association of REALTORS® (CAR) president was honored earlier this year by the National Association of REALTORS® for his role as chair of the NAR Fair Housing Act Anniversary Implementation Group and for identifying ways to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act at the NAR Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo. He also played key roles in a fair housing video produced by Illinois REALTORS® and the dedication of a fair housing monument at the Illinois REALTORS® Bicentennial Plaza in Springfield.
History of involvement
Morris gained his experience working for several brokerages early in his career, volunteering for multiple CAR committees and becoming president from 2011-13 before participating in state and national realtor association levels. For Illinois REALTORS® he’s worked on numerous committees every year since 2008. He’s a former chair for the Public Policy & Government Affairs MIG and for the State Legislative Contacts Working Group. In 2018, he served as chair of the Housing Opportunity Working Group and he was inducted into the NAR RPAC Hall of Fame for reaching the $25,000 mark in lifetime aggregate contributions. He’s the current state legislative contact for state Sen. Kwame Raoul of Chicago.
Sharing knowledge can benefit the community
As an experienced professional, Morris believes he can help less experienced REALTORS® reach more potential homeowners. One way is by learning all the options at his disposal and then sharing it with others. Morris says the current design of his business is allowing him to realize his dream: to attract resources to the underserved community and to provide an educational center with the most talented instructors.
“I have a vision that our brightest and best REALTORS® will realize the value they provide the community,” Morris said. “When they understand what resources are available, not only will they be a part of the growth, but more importantly, they will prosper financially.”
In addition to Morris, other nominees for the 2019 Board of Directors include: Tommy Choi, Maurice Hampton, Nykea Pippion McGriff, Karen Robertson and Sarah Ware.
