Housing discrimination has a long and pervasive history in the United States, particularly with regards to Black Americans. One of the most well-known forms of housing discrimination was redlining, a practice that began in the 1930s where banks and government agencies refused to provide home loans or insurance to people in predominantly Black neighborhoods, often marked with red lines on maps. This resulted in limited access to homeownership and wealth-building opportunities for Black families.

Another form of housing discrimination was restrictive covenants, legally binding agreements that prevented homeowners from selling or renting their properties to Black individuals. These covenants were upheld by courts well into the mid-20th century, perpetuating segregation and limiting Black families' choices in where they could live.

Even after the Fair Housing Act of 1968 was passed, making housing discrimination based on race illegal, discriminatory practices continued in more subtle forms, such as steering Black homebuyers away from certain neighborhoods or charging them higher interest rates. The effects of historical housing discrimination can still be seen today in the racial wealth gap and segregated communities that persist throughout the country. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial for achieving true equality and justice in housing for all.