Christopher Johnson, a real estate agent at Imagine Associates Realty in Ellenwood, was one of five Realtors nationwide to win a 2024 Good Neighbor Award from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).  

Now in its 25th year, the designation recognizes Realtors for going over and above in their volunteer efforts outside of their real estate careers. 

The winners were selected in a multistage, criteria-based judging process. They will be awarded a $10,000 grant for their charity and be featured in the fall 2024 edition of REALTOR® Magazine. NAR will present the winners with their official awards at the association’s annual conference, NAR NXT, on Nov. 9 in Boston. 

Johnson entered real estate five years ago after a career in teaching. A holder of a doctorate in education, he is a board member of the DeKalb branch of the 100 Black Men organization, a nonprofit dedicated to building a culture of achievement and empowerment for Black youth.  

He has mentored 50 students individually over his 35 years with the group and another 1,000 in group programs. As a mentor, he teaches financial literacy and leadership skills and organizes trips to broaden children’s horizons. He also served as school board committee chair on the DeKalb Association of REALTORS® and helped launch its financial literacy program, which engages students at public schools and technical colleges through career fairs. 

“In a world where there are a lot of negative stereotypes, [Christopher] is everything you want a Black man to be — loving, caring, strong, dependable,” said Gian Crunk, a former mentee who has remained close to Johnson since they met 21 years ago. “He’s going to challenge you in the best ways possible. He is going to demand that you’re great.”