We are currently witnessing a brazen, frontal assault on the hard-fought gains of the civil rights movement with openly hostile attempts to roll back equity, diversity, and access for people of color. ing.
As progress in the civil rights movement faces challenges such as equity, diversity, and efforts to reduce access for people of color, a group of notable Black real estate brokers in Brooklyn are emerging as a beacon of hope. There is. These professionals are known not only for skillfully navigating the complex real estate market, but also for their dedication to their communities and broad perspective on the global diaspora.
Today, we highlight five Black real estate brokers who “get the mission” and embody these qualities. Selected for their respected reputations, exceptional expertise, and the trust they have cultivated within their communities, these individuals are the ones who help black homeowners avoid deed theft, undervalued property appraisals, and unfair mortgage loans. It symbolizes resilience in times when we encounter obstacles such as lending practices.
The importance of their role becomes even more pronounced when viewed against the backdrop of a long history of systemic discrimination against Black homebuyers and sellers in the United States, and the perpetuation of black homebuyers and sellers through practices such as redlining, blockbusting, and steering. will have a significant impact.
Their contributions go beyond typical real estate brokerage and are focused on empowering clients and ensuring equitable access to real estate opportunities essential to wealth creation and uplifting communities.
-
mTkalla Keaton – Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, VORO's Skybridge Team
With more than 20 years in the real estate industry and over $100 million in sales, mTkalla (pronounced tu-kala) stands as a beacon of trust, professionalism, and community advocacy in Brooklyn. His travels are deeply intertwined with the region's political and cultural life, highlighting his commitment not only to real estate but to Brooklyn's broader social fabric.
mTkalla is more than just a large broker. He is an art and design enthusiast who combines artistic talent with his expert understanding of business and numbers.
As the founder of the Sunspot Foundation in Brooklyn's Prospect-Lefferts neighborhood, he expresses his “mission to create spaces that foster a dynamic combination of culture, commerce, and connection by harnessing the magnetic energy of the Black community.” We are actively working on our mission to He is visual arts, performing arts, and culinary arts. ”
Prior to joining VORO, mTkalla was with the Corcoran Group, where his work earned him membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Club and Silver Council, and established him as a prominent Brooklyn broker. His career continued to blossom with success at Compass Real Estate and Engel & Völkers NYC.
Currently, as the leader of VORO's SkyBridge team, mTkalla has a strong focus on connecting clients to South Africa's sophisticated lifestyle, cultural and economic opportunities, while helping clients navigate both the New York and international real estate environments. We help you navigate complexity. mkeaton@voro.com, (917) 771-2747
-
Gloria Sandiford – Corporate Broker and Vice President, Flateau Realty
Gloria Sandiford is a corporate broker and vice president at Flateau Realty Corp. Her real estate journey began in 1999 when she was a sales agent with Weichert Realtors Corp. in New Jersey, with a focus on historic real estate. Her dynamic and personable approach quickly earned her multi-million dollar club status and several “Sales Agent of the Year” awards.
In 2011, Sandyford returned to his roots in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, and joined Flateau Realty Corp. Gloria has helped many families with a variety of real estate needs, from purchasing their first home to downsizing and selling commercial real estate. She is also a passionate advocate for seniors, providing guidance on their life options, and is a frequent speaker on community, real estate, investing, and senior-related topics.
Her community involvement is extensive. Gloria currently serves as Chair of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Real Estate Board, a chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), which promotes public policy and legislation that protects and advances the property rights of Black Americans and other minorities. is advocated. , buying and selling real estate. She also served as a board member of Bedford-Stuyvesant's Neighborhood Housing Services and as president of the Jefferson Avenue 600 Block Association.
Additionally, she is a member of several other organizations, including the Vanguard Independent Democratic Association, the Brooklyn and Queens Chambers of Commerce, the New York Landmarks Conservancy, and the NAACP.
GSandiford@flateaurealty.com, (347) 627-4927
-
Tricia Lee Riley – Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Serhant
Tricia Lee Riley is a prominent entrepreneur and well-known figure in the local brokerage and business community, and currently leads SERHANT's talented Tricia Lee team.
Known for her keen business acumen, tireless work ethic, and technology savvy, Tricia brings unique insight from her experience as a property owner, landlord, and commercial rental agent. Her deep knowledge of the local market and professionalism ensure a positive experience with her in every transaction. Tricia's strong customer base has its roots in her leadership role in the Brooklyn business scene, particularly with the award-winning Polish Her Bar and Brooklyn Her Chain.
Committed to improving her community, she hosts events focused on financial health and empowerment, especially for women in real estate and small businesses.
Her event series, “Money Matters with Tricia Lee,” focuses on financial wellness and features guest speakers and experts. She also leads Bed-Stuy Small Business Saturday and Shopping Crawl. She has contributed to financial education events such as Chase & Essence magazine's Her Currency Conversations and Bank of America & Her Agenda's financial workshops.
Currently living in Flatbush with her fiancé, Tricia's journey from high-rise housing to income-generating real estate ownership exemplifies her real estate philosophy.
She is active in various organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and enjoys traveling, cooking, reviewing beauty products, and renovating real estate. tricia@serhant.com, 917.330.9737
-
Malika Oyo – Certified Real Estate Salesperson, Compass
Born and raised in the “People's Republic of Brooklyn,” Marika is passionate about selling and leasing real estate in her home borough and Manhattan. She is an experienced professional who worked for 20 years on Wall Street before moving into the residential sales and rental industry, where she worked in capital markets sales and trading at prestigious companies such as Citibank, Barclays, and JP Morgan. I honed my skills.
In real estate, Marika leverages her analytical skills, global network, and market insights to guide buyers and sellers toward their investment goals.
Marika has a keen sense of potential and value and provides insight into design, improvement and staging to optimize a property's appeal and functionality.
She has visited over 57 countries and followed in the footsteps of her family of community organizers as a founding board member of Nomadic Explorers, a board member of Ifetayo Culture and the Arts, and an advisory board member of the Concerned Cultural Women Collective. Marika also volunteers as a mentor and coach for community and youth organizations.
She holds a BA in Education and Sociology from SUNY Buffalo State College and an MBA in Finance from the University of Maryland. moyo@compass.com, (917) 407-8840
-
Deenie Simpson-Adjei – Certified Associate Real Estate Broker, Compass
Udeen “Deenie” Simpson-Adjei is a resident and native of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.
Deenie began her career in the real estate industry as an administrative assistant. This role quickly ignited her passion for this dynamic and challenging industry. With her dedication and talent, she soon became successful and developed her own business as an associate broker.
With over 10 years of experience, Deenie combines extensive knowledge with a warm and approachable demeanor. This combination allows her to thrive in a variety of environments and bring energy, professionalism, and credibility to her work.
Mr. Deeney is excited to introduce the community to Ghana's rich lifestyle, culture and real estate development opportunities. Her passion for connecting her clients with international prospects reflects her commitment to providing comprehensive and diverse real estate services.
Deeney was also an avid gardener and is known for contributing a stunning rose garden to Brooklyn's annual Greenest Block contest. Her approach to her clients is characterized by respect, humility, and integrity, ensuring that her client's home-hunting journey is a fulfilling one. dsimpson@compass.com, (347) 633-3334
