Housing discrimination has been a pervasive issue throughout Black history, stemming from systemic racism and discriminatory practices in the housing industry. In the United States, Black Americans have faced many forms of housing discrimination, including redlining, restrictive covenants, and predatory lending practices.

Redlining, which began in the 1930s, was a practice by which banks and government agencies would draw red lines on maps to designate predominantly Black neighborhoods as high-risk areas for lending, effectively denying mortgage loans and investment to Black families. This led to disinvestment and a lack of economic opportunities in these communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and segregation.

Restrictive covenants were another common form of housing discrimination, in which clauses in property deeds explicitly prohibited the sale or rental of homes to Black individuals. These discriminatory practices were legally upheld until the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which prohibited housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin.

Predatory lending practices targeting Black communities have also been a significant issue, with subprime mortgages and exploitative lending schemes disproportionately affecting Black homeowners. The 2008 housing crisis, in part fueled by these practices, resulted in a disproportionate impact on Black families, leading to foreclosures and loss of generational wealth.

Efforts to combat housing discrimination have been ongoing, with advocacy groups, fair housing laws, and initiatives aimed at promoting fair and equitable housing access for all. However, disparities still persist, and further action is needed to address the legacy of housing discrimination and ensure equal housing opportunities for Black Americans.