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Edwards Sisters Realty (ESRA) Founding Story
Edwards Sisters Realty Associates is the oldest, black family owned, real estate firm in New York. The business was founded in 1925 by Fitz Benjamin Edwards and two of his daughters, Millicent and Lucille; and in 1932 by a 3rd daughter Sarah. (Sarah and Lucile pictured left)
Edwards Sisters Realty was created in the roaring twenties and a contributing part of the Harlem Renaissance that has made Harlem the world renowned place it is today. Although commonplace today a black owned real estate company in the 1920’s was innovative in the community.
Harlem was just opening up for black owners of property and the Edwards Sisters were at the helm.
Over the years services included property management, Real estate law, mortgages, brokerage, and appraisals. Thousands of families have purchased homes through the Edwards Sisters and countless more have lived in properties owned or managed by the firm.
Lucille Edwards Chance
Founder
In 1929, Lucille Edwards Chance, became the 4 black female to graduate NYU laws school and was the first black practicing female attorney in the State of New York. She combined her Real Estate acumen and her legal efforts to enhance the community services of the Edwards Sisters Realty Associates. Among many accomplishments from 1948 to 1968, Mrs. Chance was the president of the Harlem Taxpayers and Property Owners Association, She was a director of Freedom National Bank from 1966 to 1971, a member of the New York State Electoral College in 1968 and the president of the Inner City Housing and Development Council from 1972 to 1980. She was the driving force of the business and a mainstay in the Harlem community until her death in 1987.
740 St. Nicholas Avenue 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10031
9am - 6pm, Monday - Friday
