WEEK 10 (10/30 to 11/5): Redlining

Overview

Welcome to our unit on redlining, a pivotal topic that has shaped the urban landscapes and socio-economic dynamics of many American cities. We are about to embark on a journey that delves deep into the historical, economic, and social implications of redlining, shedding light on its lasting impact on communities and the broader fabric of society.

Redlining, a term that originated in the 1930s, refers to the discriminatory practice where certain neighborhoods, often predominantly occupied by people of color, were marked in red on maps by federal agencies. These marked areas were deemed “high risk” for mortgage lenders, leading to a systematic denial of loans or insurance to residents based on the racial composition of their neighborhoods, rather than their individual qualifications or creditworthiness. This practice, sanctioned and institutionalized by federal policies, played a significant role in perpetuating racial segregation and economic disparities that persist to this day.

Throughout this unit, we will explore the historical origins of redlining, its implementation, and the profound consequences it has had on urban development, housing, and wealth accumulation. We will also discuss the ripple effects of redlining on contemporary issues such as gentrification, educational disparities, and environmental justice. By understanding redlining, we gain insight into the deeply entrenched systems of racial discrimination in the United States and the imperative for equitable policies in the future.

Prepare to engage critically with primary sources, hear from experts in the field, and participate in thought-provoking discussions. This unit is not just an academic exploration but a call to awareness and action. Let’s begin.

Learning Objectives

Define and explain the definition/concept of redlining
Describe and explain the impact of redlining on residential segregation
Describe and explain the impact of redlining on the livelihood and future trajectory of Black residents
Explain the U.S. policies and legislation that codified redlining and residential segregation
Explain how federal, state, and local housing legislation and policies advantaged white Americans throughout the 20th century, especially during the years from the Great Depression to the civil rights movement.

To Read

Emily Badger (Aug. 24, 2017): How Redlining’s Racist Effects Lasted for Decades, The New York Times, The Upshot.

Ryan Best and Elena Mejía (2022) Lasting Legacy of Redlining. https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/redlining/

How Decades of Racist Housing Policy Left Neighborhoods Sweltering By Brad Plumer and Nadja Popovich Photographs by Brian Palmer Aug. 24, 2020 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/08/24/climate/racism-redlining-cities-global-warming.html

To Listen

A ‘Forgotten History’ Of How The U.S. Government Segregated America

NPR Fresh Air, May 2017

To Watch

CSPAN (2017): History Bookshelf: The Color of Law

Richard Rothstein talked about his book The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America, in which he argues that local, state, and federal legislation has been responsible for America’s segregated cities. He spoke with author Ta-Nehisi Coates.

https://www.c-span.org/video/?428341-1/the-color-law