Housing discrimination has been a pervasive issue in Black history, rooted in systemic racism and segregation practices that have persisted for generations. In the United States, discriminatory housing policies such as redlining, racial covenants, and exclusionary zoning practices have effectively limited access to safe and affordable housing for Black individuals and communities.

Redlining, a practice initiated by the federal government in the 1930s, systematically denied mortgage loans and insurance to Black Americans based on their race and location of their homes. This discriminatory practice led to the creation of predominantly Black, low-income neighborhoods with limited resources and opportunities for upward mobility.

Racial covenants were clauses in property deeds that prohibited the sale of homes to Black individuals, perpetuating residential segregation and limiting Black homeownership opportunities. These racially restrictive practices were upheld by the legal system and institutions for many years, contributing to the wealth gap between Black and white households.

Exclusionary zoning practices, such as minimum lot size requirements and prohibitions on multifamily housing, have also played a role in perpetuating housing discrimination by limiting the availability of affordable housing in desirable neighborhoods, effectively excluding many Black families from accessing quality homes and schools.

While significant progress has been made in combating housing discrimination through legislation such as the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability, the legacy of discriminatory housing practices continues to impact Black communities today. Efforts to address housing discrimination, promote fair housing opportunities, and dismantle systemic racism in housing continue to be essential in ensuring equitable access to housing for all individuals.