GRAR Breaking Barriers Award Nomination Form

In memory of Howard W. Coles

Each year, the GRAR recognizes an individual who has broken barriers and advocated for more equitable opportunities in real estate and our community.

Please use the following examples to consider when selecting the nominee:
• An individual who has pioneered initiatives to the betterment of our industry and/or community.
• Demonstrated advocacy for housing or other related community issues (this includes writing, organizing, fundraising, community service)
• Active community/civic participation
• Excellent professionalism
• Creating a pathway to home ownership
• Is active in Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our industry and within our community.

Howard Coles Bio
This annual award honors the legacy of Howard W Coles, a local civil rights leader and realtor, who dedicated his life to advancing social justice. Coles was the publisher of Rochester’s longest running Black-owned newspaper, the Frederick Douglass Voice, and Rochester’s first Black radio announcer. He used these platforms to advocate for better housing, education, and employment opportunities for African Americans in Rochester. As a real estate agent, he fought discrimination against Black Homebuyers and worked to improve housing conditions in the city.

In at least a paragraph, please explain your reasons for nominating this member based on the above criteria. The nominee will be asked to provide additional details on their qualifications to the Awards & Recognition Task Force. Your comments, along with the nominee’s application, will be considered by the Task Force to determine the top 3 finalists who will be interviewed in person by the Task Force. All three finalists for the award will be announced to the membership April 1st with a summary of their achievements.