Public housing projects have played a significant role in Black history in the United States. These government-subsidized housing developments were created as part of the New Deal programs in the 1930s to address the severe housing shortage during the Great Depression. Initially, public housing was meant to provide affordable, decent housing for low-income families, including many Black families who faced discrimination in the private housing market.

However, public housing projects became associated with segregation, concentrated poverty, and a lack of resources and opportunities. Many of these projects were built in racially segregated neighborhoods, further exacerbating residential segregation and perpetuating systemic inequalities. Black communities were disproportionately impacted by the negative aspects of public housing, as many projects became overcrowded, poorly maintained, and isolated from economic opportunities.

The most well-known public housing project in Black history is the Cabrini-Green Homes in Chicago, which became synonymous with urban blight and crime. Other examples include Pruitt-Igoe in St. Louis and the Robert Taylor Homes in Chicago. These projects faced issues such as disinvestment, neglect, and social isolation, leading to high rates of poverty, crime, and unemployment.

In the late 20th century, many public housing projects were demolished or redeveloped as part of efforts to deconcentrate poverty and create more mixed-income communities. The legacy of public housing projects in Black history is complex, as they both provided a lifeline for many Black families in need of affordable housing while also perpetuating patterns of racial segregation and economic inequality.