Marion Maner, the first-ever African-American president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.), was honored for his distinct service to the Chicago real estate community with a ceremonial bench in Avalon Park, a Chicago Park District property.
Select Chicago aldermen, the Chicago Parks Foundation and Maner’s family joined C.A.R. and the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation August 26, to celebrate his achievements.
Maner was a trailblazer in the Chicago real estate community. He founded his company, Maner Realty, in 1956, and served as president of the Dearborn REALTIST® Board. He then became president of C.A.R. in 1977.
“We deeply appreciate all that Marion accomplished, including his work to include people of all ethnicities and backgrounds in the Chicago real estate industry,” said Zeke Morris, past-president of C.A.R. and managing broker/principal at the Morris Group, Century 21 Affiliated – Hyde Park. “He was soft spoken, but able to inspire others to be leaders within our association, our industry and his community.”
Maner’s accomplishments will be celebrated in an unveiling ceremony at the park. Speakers at the event will include Zeke Morris, Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer of the 6th Ward, Marion’s son Sidney Maner, and Willa Lang of the Chicago Parks Foundation. Special attendees will include C.A.R.’s board, officers and past presidents; Marion’s family and friends, Dearborn REALTIST® officers and the senior Pastor of Messiah and St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church.
Maner was a dedicated family man and fisherman, popular throughout his neighborhood and the larger Chicago real estate community. Avalon Park is close to both Maner’s former office and Calumet Heights home. The memorial bench will be located near the front of the park.
