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Bloomberg Businessweek

How Government at All Levels Created Segregation

Mar 12, 2025
Uncover the hidden history of racial segregation in America, revealing how government policies shaped these divides. Explore the lasting wealth disparities between communities and the impact of zoning laws. Delve into local action as a powerful tool for promoting housing equality, with inspiring examples from Durham, North Carolina. Learn how systemic segregation has woven itself into the fabric of society, affecting housing and education. Discover why community organizing is crucial for challenging these historic injustices.
14:24

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Quick takeaways

  • Government policies historically favored white neighborhoods, creating enduring racial segregation and wealth disparities in housing for African-Americans.
  • Community-driven models like land trusts show promise in combating rising housing costs and promoting affordability for low-income families in gentrifying areas.

Deep dives

The Historical Roots of Housing Segregation

Racial segregation in American housing has its origins in government policies that explicitly promoted segregation through various means. Contrary to the common belief that segregation results from personal choices or economic conditions, it was shaped by laws and policies at all government levels. For example, the federal government used to provide loans in a way that favored white neighborhoods while denying access to African-American communities, severely limiting their ability to build wealth through homeownership. These historical policies not only created segregation but have resulted in enduring disparities in wealth and home ownership that affect African-American families today.

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