In celebration of Black History Month, we invited Douglas Elliman agents to share their experiences and reflect on the role their identity and heritage have played in their real estate careers.

Brian Phillips, Agent, New York City

What aspects of your identity or experience as a Black person are most meaningful for you? Are there traditions or other aspects of your experience that are a particular source of pride?

Being a Black real estate professional in New York City means building on the resilience and ambition of those who came before me. My Afro-Caribbean heritage has shaped my values, instilling a strong work ethic, a deep sense of community, and the belief that success is both a personal journey and a shared responsibility.

I take great pride in my cultural roots—the legacy of perseverance, the emphasis on uplifting others, and the ability to navigate spaces where my presence challenges norms and expands possibilities.

How did you find your path to success in real estate?

My success in real estate is the result of persistence, adaptability, community service, and an unshakable commitment to excellence.

I built the vast majority of my career at Douglas Elliman, spending over 17 years refining my skills and expanding my network. Progress didn’t come easily—I had to assert my value repeatedly in an industry that hasn’t always been inclusive.

Through personal growth, industry involvement, leadership roles, and a focus on representation, I’ve carved out a space where my contributions are recognized, and my voice carries weight.

Are there values or elements of your identity that you draw strength from in your work as an agent?

Absolutely. Integrity, resilience, and community are central to how I approach real estate. I believe in championing my clients, providing honest and informed guidance, and creating opportunities not just for myself but for those who follow.

My lived experience gives me a distinct perspective—I understand the challenges Black buyers, sellers, and renters face, and I use my platform to educate, empower, and advocate for equity.

What impact, if any, has your identity had on your experience in the real estate industry? Are there specific moments or episodes from over the years that illustrate that experience?

As a Black male professional, I have been shaped by both visible and subtle barriers. I’ve faced unconscious bias from clients and industry peers who have passed me over for listing opportunities, favoring fairer-skinned, white, or female colleagues despite my expertise. Referring agents and brokerages often make assignments based on perceived compatibility—such as pairing elderly white female clients with white female agents—reinforcing a system where the same individuals repeatedly secure listings while others are overlooked.

Recognizing this pattern, I take an intentional approach to referrals, ensuring diverse agent-client pairings regardless of gender or race to help break this cycle and foster greater inclusivity. These challenges have only strengthened my resolve. I’ve maintained visibility through volunteerism, excelled in my work, mentored others, and continued to push for a more equitable industry.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the legacy of those who fought for progress, to acknowledge both achievements and ongoing struggles, and to celebrate the excellence within our community today.

But it’s not just about the past—it’s about the contributions we are making now and the foundation we are laying for future generations. In real estate, this means recognizing the barriers that still hinder Black real estate professionals, addressing disparities in homeownership and wealth-building, and committing to meaningful solutions that drive greater inclusion.

What would you like your industry colleagues to understand about your experience as a Black real estate professional?

Talent and hard work are essential, but the playing field is far from level. Inherent biases still influence who gets key listing opportunities and whose expertise is recognized.

One of the best ways to counter this is through active engagement—get involved with your local real estate board, attend industry events, join committees, and attend office as well as company meetings and events. These actions not only expand your network; they increase visibility and open doors that might otherwise remain closed.

How do you think brokerages like Douglas Elliman can help foster greater diversity and understanding in the industry?

Brokerages like Douglas Elliman can drive meaningful change by ensuring equitable access to premium listings. Rather than limiting agents to specific markets or price points, they should create pathways to luxury and new development opportunities, facilitating career advancement. This approach can be implemented by fostering partnerships not only among agents at similar gross commission income levels but also between those with more experience and those with less, promoting upward mobility.

It’s important to recognize that an agent’s residential location shouldn’t confine their professional opportunities. For instance, living in Harlem doesn’t mean an agent should be restricted to that area; they should have the chance to work in diverse markets across the city. By embracing this inclusive strategy, brokerages can cultivate a more dynamic and diverse agent workforce, ultimately benefiting companies and the entire industry.

Equally important is prioritizing diversity in senior management. Representation at the top matters—when potential applicants don’t see people who look like them in leadership, they may hesitate to pursue those roles. Proactively seeking out and cultivating diverse talent is essential.

Beyond hiring, brokerages must embed diversity into their culture through bias training, mentorship programs, and initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices. Real change happens when diversity isn’t just a metric but a guiding principle shaping every aspect of the business.