Started in a time when racial discrimination in mortgage lending was legal and black Houstonians were not allowed to become realtors, HBREA made equal housing opportunity its founding mission. The organization says it is the oldest minority trade association in the city.

To celebrate the anniversary, HBREA is hosting a gala Jan. 18 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel at 7 p.m.

George C. Fraser, founder of the minority networking platform FraserNet, will give the keynote speech, and Marcus Davis, host of Majic 102 and owner of Breakfast Club, will MC.

HBREA expects Mayor Sylvester Turner, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, U.S. Rep. Al Green and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo to attend.