Power struggle fractures Chicago’s historic Black real estate board

June 3, 2026 - 00:45

A bitter power struggle has thrown Chicago's historic Black real estate trade group into chaos, leaving the organization operationally paralyzed with frozen bank accounts and a $700,000 city grant now in jeopardy. The conflict, which has spilled into Cook County Circuit Court, pits interim president Cecelia Marlow against other board members in a fight for control of the Dearborn Realtist Board.

Marlow is seeking a temporary restraining order to regain access to the group's finances and operations. The dispute involves key figures including Lydia Pope, Lutalo McGee, and Tiffany Gaji, each representing different factions within the organization. The board, one of the oldest Black real estate associations in the country, has been a cornerstone for African American professionals in the industry for decades.

The infighting has effectively shut down the board's day-to-day functions. Bank accounts have been locked, and a major city grant worth $700,000 is at risk of being lost entirely. Without a resolution, the board could face long-term damage to its reputation and its ability to serve the community. The court is now expected to decide whether Marlow can take control and stabilize the organization before more damage is done.