The House That Racism Built (and How We’re Rebuilding It)
The House That Racism Built (and How We’re Rebuilding It)
The racist history of housing in America and how it has created a wealth gap between Black and white communities.
By Logan Gamble
It is in the past that we find the key to the present and future. So let’s pause to reflect about some key turning points in American history that still affect the Black experience to this day.
Imagine this: You- a Black family, ready to build a better life and put down some roots.
You find the PERFECT house – but are turned down purely based on the color of your skin.
This is the story of America’s real estate history.
Maybe for you, this isn’t just a “story”, but something you have personally experienced.
According to a Zillow survey, around 69% of Black people reported experiencing some form of housing discrimination in their lifetime.
This is by design...
For decades, property has been used as a tool to segregate white and black communities, creating a gap between the two races which still persists today.
Knowledge is power, and we need to understand what happened to build a better future.
So, how did it start?
Redlining and Restrictive Covenants: The OG Segregation Tools
Consider redlining and restrictive covenants the two oldest tricks in the book.
In the 1930s, the government actually circled Black areas on maps with a red line and marked them as “dangerous.”
Black families looking to move to white neighborhoods were also met with what were known as restrictive covenants, legal contracts barring them from doing so.
The sight of even just one Black person living on a street was viewed as an indicator that the value of the area was falling.
On the flip side, when initiatives were launched to assist people in purchasing homes, the focus was usually on white families.
For example, after the Second World War -when the government started funding the development of suburbs- they were quite specific: Black families do not qualify.
Developers got rich building homes for white families only, creating a stark divide that persists to this day.
Why Contact Matters (and How Segregation Stopped It)
Turns out, getting to know people from different backgrounds actually reduces prejudice.
Studies show that even a few positive social interactions can make a big difference.
But segregation, fueled by real estate practices, deliberately kept Black and white communities apart, making it harder to build understanding and break down stereotypes.
With Blacks and whites living so far away from each other, there was little opportunity or incentive to empathize with each other and identify with each other’s life experiences.
Where We Are Now and Where We Need to Go
Even though the Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968, the effects of decades of discrimination are still felt today.
Black families were stripped of the opportunity to build wealth through homeownership, creating a massive wealth gap.
And, it’s not just the money.
The psychological impact someone suffers by being denied a place they can call home is profound.
The Wealth Wednesdays Real Estate Club (founded by Stacey Tisdale, Angela Yee, and Sayam Ibrahim) certainly understands this.
We know this history is heavy, but we also know it’s essential if we want to create a more equitable future.
Through advocacy, education, and organizing, we are empowering Black homeowners to acquire $100 MILLION in real estate assets by the end of 2025 (yes, this year!).
Get Involved
We need you to be part of this conversation. We’re not just a club; we’re a movement.
Imagine the impact: Families building generational wealth, communities revitalized, and dreams realized.
Are you ready to take action with us? We will guide you through the homebuying journey, explain mortgages, insurance, and fees, and introduce you to a community of people who want to see you win.
Learn how to find investment ventures, figure out how to look for the best deals available, and cultivate a strong business network.
We’re not just talking about houses. We’re talking about taking control of our financial futures…building generational wealth and creating a legacy of opportunity
…rewriting the story of real estate in America.
There’s work to do!
Go HERE or text the word “wealth” to 689-215-766 to learn how to join us before our 5-Day Real Estate Challenge starts (Feb 24, 2025)!