redlining

The technical dictionary definition of redlining is refusing to issue a loan  (or insurance) to someone because they live in an area deemed to be a poor financial risk. In reality, redlining is when property owners and developers, frequently aided by the government, divide and price certain parts of a town or city in order to prevent certain classes of people from living in the areas. 

Overall, this practice promotes classism and in the long run, systemic and structural racism. A perfect example of long term redlining in an area is our own city, Baltimore. In the early 20th century Baltimore led the nation in redlining.  It literally passed a law prohibiting Blacks from living on the same block as whites.  On May 15,1911, Baltimore Mayor J. Barry Mahool signed Ordinance 692 “promoting the general welfare of the city by providing, so far as practicable, for the use of separate blocks by white and colored people for residences, churches and schools.”

Later, the federal government followed Baltimore’s lead and did not secure bank loans to African Americans, making it very difficult for them to buy what housing was available.  In 1937, a map was created in Baltimore that depicted areas of town blacks were allowed to buy, those areas were shaded red.  Not surprisingly, the red areas are still the areas in Baltimore today with the worst poverty, the east and west sides with the central district being shaded a different color.  

These areas have lead-based paint houses, poor schools, hardly any public transportation options, no parks in which to play, and almost no stores or businesses.  How is anyone to make a living? That is the definition of structural systemic racism.  And, according to Jim Grossfeld in the American Prospect, life expectancy in 14 of Baltimore’s predominantly Black neighborhoods is now lower than North Korea’s.

Most recently during the COVID pandemic another aspect of redlining in Baltimore became visible.  The poor areas of Baltimore City that were historically redlined for blacks have not been wired for internet connection, highlighting the ‘digital divide’ for students.  40% of Baltimore residents do not have access to internet access, all living in the redline areas. White students living in other areas of town could access their virtual classes with many of their African American peers being unable to do so because the city had not provided that service to their parts of town.  The Black students started falling behind, which isn’t fair.

Racism is obviously a problem but structural racism is less obvious but the effects of it are magnified during times of crisis, such as the COVID pandemic. This structural divide takes a toll of economic and health outcomes in Baltimore and across the country.