Housing segregation has been a significant issue throughout Black history in the United States. Following the end of slavery, Black Americans faced extensive discrimination in housing, including being denied the ability to rent or buy homes in certain neighborhoods due to their race. This discrimination was enforced through practices such as redlining, which involved the systematic denial of mortgage loans and insurance to Black individuals based on the racial makeup of neighborhoods.

The implementation of restrictive covenants further reinforced housing segregation by prohibiting the sale or rental of property to Black individuals in many communities. These discriminatory practices greatly limited where Black families could live, often resulting in overcrowded and substandard housing conditions in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

The Supreme Court's landmark decision in Shelley v. Kraemer (1948) ruled that racially restrictive covenants could not be enforced by the government, but housing discrimination persisted through more subtle means. The Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act, was passed to address these issues and outlaw housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin.

Despite these legal protections, housing segregation and disparities persist in many communities today, impacting the economic opportunities and quality of life for Black Americans. Efforts to address housing segregation continue through advocacy, policy initiatives, and community development programs aimed at creating more equitable and inclusive housing opportunities for all.