Present Day Impacts of Discriminatory Practice Redlining
As a realtor and a black man, the history of redlining and the ways it continues to impact communities today is something I strive to be aware of. Understanding the history of the communities I work with is essential for every relationship I build.
The practice of redlining was discovered in the 1960s when it became clear that the government was intentionally not investing in communities of color. This practice directly impacted black families and their ability to purchase a decently priced home that gain equity (Hayes, 2023). Redlining is an inherently discriminatory act that delayed the progress of communities of color for decades to come.
A prime example of the continuous impact of redlining
From the same article, Hayes explains that in 1996, homes in redlined neighbors priced at less than half of the homes the government deemed “best” for lending (Hayes, 2023). Even if you kept your home in a redlined neighborhood after combating things like gentrification, you are not likely to get decent money when/if you sell because of the way the neighborhood was perceived 30 years prior. These are things I have to consider when serving the families living there.
A reduction in avenues to financial freedom for black communities
Later, the author explains that The Business Journal provided statistics showing that Black owned business created through the Small Business Administration 7a program decreased by 84%, in addition to a 54% decrease in loans granted (Hayes, 2023). While this evidence is not directly related to redlining, it does highlight additional ways neighborhoods previously redlined are being affected. Not only are people’s homes worth less money as a result of redlining, it has become increasingly difficult for black communities to pursue business opportunities that promote upward mobility.
Redlining’s impact on community life expectancy
Lastly, Hayes explains that a study from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, the University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee, and the University of Richmond found that individuals living in previously redlined communities have a life expectancy of 3.6 years less than those not redlined (Hayes, 2023). Redlining practices were outlawed decades ago, yet the impact on the community has continuously worsened.
Reduced access to healthy food in previously redlined communities
Redlining practices continue to impact neighbors today through food access, as well. An article titled Redlining, racism and food access in US urban cores by Shaker et al. includes evidence of spatial supermarket redlining and how it reduces communities of color’s access to healthy foods. This form of redlining is likely to contribute to the lower life expectancy in previously redlined communities. The author describes early instances of spatial supermarket redlining in Los Angeles when a rise in car ownership created a demand for homes in the suburbs where it was cheaper to place grocery stores (Shaker et al., 2022). In 1989, researchers showed that stores in South Los Angeles served twice as many people as West Los Angeles but were less likely to carry fruits and vegetables (Shaker et al., 2022). This example of spatial supermarket redlining resembles the impact we see in communities today the most.
Understanding the history of the community of work and how it still impacts them today is an essential part of my job. Our histories are our stories-we cannot truly connect without understanding that.
Hayes, A. (2023, January 12). What is redlining? definition, legality, and effects. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/redlining.asp.
Shaker, Y., Grineski, S. E., Collins, T. W., & Flores, A. B. (2023). Redlining, racism and food access in US urban cores. Agriculture and human values, 40(1), 101–112. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10460-022-10340-3.
