Redlining in Springfield, Illinois, like many other American cities, refers to the discriminatory practice of withholding services (such as banking, insurance, and access to jobs) from residents of geographical areas based on racial or ethnic composition. This practice emerged from policies and attitudes prevalent in the U.S. since its inception.

 

Redlining began in the 1930s with the creation of maps by the Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC). Neighborhoods were graded on their perceived risk for mortgage lending, with areas populated by African Americans and other minorities often marked in red, indicating they were high-risk and unworthy of investment. 

 

In Springfield, as in other cities, this led to significant disenfranchisement in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Residents in these areas were prevented from obtaining mortgages or loans for home improvements, resulting in deteriorating housing conditions. The lack of investment contributed to broader economic disparities. Since public services, such as schools and infrastructure, are funded through area housing and business taxes, they were and are often underfunded in redlined areas. This systemic neglect perpetuates cycles of poverty and limits economic mobility for many African American residents. 

 

The Civil Rights Movement brought national attention to discriminatory practices like redlining. Legislation such as the Fair Housing Act of 1968 aimed to eliminate housing discrimination, but the legacy of redlining persists. ​

 

Click the button below to see how these historical truths still influence today's realities.