A lively scene from a community event focused on Black ownership and empowerment in real estate.
ESRA Realty & Property Management marks a century of Black ownership and leadership in New York real estate. Founded by pioneering Caribbean women, the firm has adapted to numerous challenges while empowering the community. They have launched a Centennial Campaign to promote intergenerational wealth and community development in Harlem, featuring events like a Black Legacy Business Panel and a Harlem Block Party.
New York – ESRA Realty & Property Management has reached a significant milestone, celebrating 100 years of continuous Black ownership and leadership in the New York real estate industry. Founded in 1925 by three Caribbean women, including Lucille Edwards, the first Black woman licensed to practice law in New York State, ESRA’s legacy spans a century of challenges and triumphs.
Throughout its history, ESRA has faced numerous hurdles including the Great Depression, systemic issues such as redlining, the crack epidemic, and the ongoing gentrification of Harlem. Originally established as a support system for Black renters who struggled to secure housing from white landlords, ESRA has evolved into one of the most enduring Black-owned real estate firms in the United States.
In recognition of its century-long commitment to community empowerment and legacy-building, ESRA has announced a yearlong Centennial Campaign. The campaign will emphasize themes of intergenerational wealth, Harlem pride, and Black-led community development. This initiative aims to highlight the vital intersection of real estate with community care and economic mobility while also fostering legacy-building among the next generation.
Signature events planned for the Centennial Campaign include a Black Legacy Business Panel on June 21, 2025, a Harlem Block Party on September 13, 2025, to celebrate ownership and community, and a Centennial Gala set for November 11, 2025, to honor the firm’s century of service.
The Centennial Campaign will also feature educational outreach, historical storytelling, and digital content designed to inspire future property owners, managers, and developers. As part of the campaign’s philosophy, it is recognized that legacy is built daily rather than simply handed down, reinforcing the idea of creating a sustainable future.
The founders, known as the Edwards sisters, were pioneers in promoting generational wealth well before the concept gained widespread recognition. Lucille Edwards, after graduating from NYU Law in 1929, became an effective legal advocate for Harlem tenants, fighting for their rights during a time when Black ownership was often met with resistance.
Under the stewardship of subsequent generations, ESRA has expanded its scope and now manages over 60 properties in Harlem while also holding investment interests in multiple states including New Jersey, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, as well as international investments in Jamaica. ESRA maintains a strong focus on self-determination, not only for the family that founded it, but for the Harlem community at large.
Aden Seraile, a third-generation co-owner of ESRA, articulated that the company has consistently aimed to empower its community. Beyond real estate, ESRA’s legacy encompasses mentorship, education, and dedicated service to the broader community, reinforcing the important role it plays in Harlem and beyond.
As ESRA Realty & Property Management celebrates this remarkable milestone, it stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of Black leaders in real estate, inspiring future generations to continue the journey of ownership and community development.
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