March 27, 2012
One of the worst community development mistakes made in Harlem in the 20th Century was African Americans not owning real estate in their beloved communities. Ms. Chance Lucille Edwards was a woman ahead of her time.
She was born on December 8th 1899 in Guyana, South America and immigrated to the United States in 1921. In 1925 with her sisters Sarah and Millicent, founded Edwards Sisters Realty Associates, creating the first black owned and operated real estate firm in New York State. After 75 years Edwards Sisters Realty Associates still operates today in Hamilton Height Harlem. Ms. Edwards was also an advocate for women rights, a member of the National Association of Negro and Professional Women’s Club.
Photo: Ms. Chance Lucille Edwards (Harlem first woman Real Estate Developer)
GM Photography
