Today’s Topic: Redlining
map of Des Moines showing ‘redlining’ zones
Redlining is the (now) illegal practice of refusing to provide financial services to consumers based on the area where they live, a form of lending discrimination. This results in persons of color not being able to receive mortgages for homes in certain areas or neighborhoods. Neighborhoods which were deemed the most worthy of loans, were usually outlined in blue or green, or occasionally yellow, on the maps.
Option #1: Read & Reflect: The practice of redlining began in 1934 in the midst of the Great Depression in an attempt to revive the mortgage industry. Redlining maps existed for 239 cities across the US, including Des Moines. Although now illegal, the effects still exist. Black homeowners are nearly five times more likely to own a home in a formerly redlined area, which results in diminished home equity and overall economic inequality for Black families. Today, for every $100 of wealth a white family has, a black family has $5.04. (United Way 21 Day Challenge - Day 7)
Is your neighborhood racially integrated or segregated? Hometown?
Reflect on your own experiences of home. Have you or your family been affected by redlining policies directly or indirectly?
Option #2: Read & Reflect: “The City of Des Moines had a predominantly black-owned business district-bustling [on Center Street] with hotels, grocery stores, barber shops, jazz clubs, and other storefronts—before I-235 was built through the Neighborhood.”
Were you aware of Center Street in Des Moines? What is your reaction?
Families: Using paper or white board make a list of “needs” and “wants” in two columns. The Church teachers every person is entitled to human rights/needs (safe place to live, food, drink, ability to learn, chance to be healthy, work that is safe & makes us feel useful).
People have a hard time getting what they need when they aren’t treated fairly because of their skin color, background, or education. We know this is wrong because God loves us all. We, as a country and church, should work together to ensure all have access to human needs. What are some needs that can be made more difficult by discrimination?
Explore ‘Redlining Facts for Kids’ website
Additional Resources:
Struggles for black & Latino mortgage applicants suggests modern-day redlining by PBS Newshour
How Housing Redlining Contributed to the Racial Wealth Gap & Segregation by NowThisNews
Redlining in Des Moines video series by Polk County Housing Trust Fund