Redlining is a discriminatory practice that began in the 1930s in the United States, where banks and insurance companies would outline areas on maps in red to indicate neighborhoods deemed too risky for investment. This often targeted predominantly Black and Latino communities, leading to a lack of access to mortgages, insurance, and other financial services.
As a result of redlining, many families in these neighborhoods faced significant barriers to homeownership and wealth accumulation. The long-term effects contributed to systemic inequality, as these communities struggled with underfunded schools, limited job opportunities, and reduced access to essential services.