Norwich — The Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors is holding a meeting Wednesday, April 13, on the topic "Trailblazing a Path to Ownership," for Realtors, businesses, town officials and members of the public to discuss fair housing and diversity issues.

It will be held from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at The Spa at Norwich Inn, 607 W. Thames St. Breakfast is included in the event, which is free for ECAR members and $15 for nonmembers. Advanced registration is required. For more information, call ECAR at (860) 892-2595.

The featured speakers will be Ryan Weyandt, CEO of the LGBTQ Real Estate Alliance; Michael Rauh, president and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut's 2021 Citizen of the Year; Michelle Walker, diversity chair for the National Association of Realtors, or NAR; and Ryan Davis, NAR's director of engagement, diversity and inclusion.

"With April being Fair Housing Month, providing equal access to housing in all markets and neighborhoods is vital to building thriving, inclusive communities," ECAR President Paula Turley said in a news release.

She noted that 2021 was the best year for the real estate market in the last 15 years but the homeownership gap between Black and white households grew larger in 2020. Black Americans are denied purchase and refinance loans at higher rates.