Public housing projects have played a significant role in Black history, particularly in the United States. Following the Great Migration of Black Americans from the South to urban centers in the North during the early to mid-20th century, there was a severe housing shortage in many cities. This led to the development of public housing projects as a solution to provide affordable housing to low-income residents, many of whom were Black.

The first public housing projects in the United States were created as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s, with the intention of providing quality and affordable housing to those in need. However, due to systemic racism and segregation, Black Americans often faced discrimination and limited access to public housing. Many projects were racially segregated, with Black residents being confined to certain developments.

One of the most well-known public housing projects in Black history is the Pruitt-Igoe housing project in St. Louis, Missouri. Built in the 1950s, Pruitt-Igoe became a symbol of the failure of public housing due to issues such as poor construction, lack of maintenance, high crime rates, and social isolation. The project was eventually demolished in the 1970s.

Despite the challenges and failures of some public housing projects, they have also served as important community spaces and centers of activism for Black residents. Many projects became hubs for civil rights organizing and community empowerment, providing a sense of solidarity and support for residents facing systemic oppression.

Today, public housing continues to be a critical resource for many low-income Black families, although issues such as deteriorating conditions, lack of funding, and ongoing segregation persist. Efforts to improve public housing and ensure equitable access for all continue to be important aspects of the fight for racial justice in the United States.