Housing discrimination has been a pervasive problem throughout Black history in the United States. Following the end of slavery and throughout the Jim Crow era, Black Americans faced widespread discrimination in housing through a variety of practices such as redlining, restrictive covenants, and predatory lending.

Redlining was a systematic practice by which banks and lending institutions refused to provide mortgages or loans in certain neighborhoods, primarily those populated by Black residents. The term originated from the practice of marking these neighborhoods on maps in red ink. This practice limited Black Americans' ability to purchase homes and invest in their communities, leading to segregation and economic disparities that persist to this day.

Restrictive covenants were another common form of housing discrimination, in which property owners would include clauses in deeds that prohibited the sale or rental of the property to Black individuals. These covenants were often enforced through legal means, making it difficult for Black Americans to access quality housing in desirable neighborhoods.

Predatory lending practices also targeted Black communities, with lenders offering high-interest loans or subprime mortgages to Black borrowers, leading to a cycle of debt and foreclosure that disproportionately affected Black homeowners.

These discriminatory practices not only limited Black Americans' access to housing but also contributed to the systemic racism and inequality that persists in the housing market today. Efforts to combat housing discrimination have included legislative measures such as the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. However, challenges remain as disparities in housing access and opportunities continue to impact Black communities across the country.