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Acts of racism are still legal in America. Systematic organizations contribute to the disadvantages
African Americans face in this society. Redlining is an immense dilemma facing this generation and
antecedent generations. Organizations are legally allowed to conceal African Americans from new and
safe communities by pricing them out of range. There is a system that works together to keep African
Americans in their neighborhoods as, “the racist banking practice of offering housing loans based on
where the applicant lived” (Nassre). Although this act has been banned, the denial of African Americans
from bank loans for housing generates the reliance on section 8 and government aid to be a prime
resource. Considering the recent pandemic there have been further effects of redlining for these
disinvested communities. The NCRC released an article stating the effects COVID-19 had on “ the
underlying differences in social, economic and environmental conditions that have given rise to inequities
in COVID-19 infection” (Richardson). It is crucial that we are all aware of this redlining issue and how it
affects our community as a whole. The practices of redlining, down to the infliction of safety from police,
influence the American society that will continue to keep us (Americans) divided.

Pittsburgh has been the map of redlining through its history of gentrification throughout the city.
East Liberty is a prime example of gentrification in the making, as companies like Google begin to come
in, so does the housing for their employees and their college interns. This results in families who have
adjusted to the neighborhood and the resources not being able to afford their homes as rent increases and
the value market increases. For the families that are affected, they have the choice to move further away
from the county or move into another project neighborhood that has been disinvested in the evolution of
the city. Witnessed in the community, “there is a significant increase in the African American population
in the East Hills” (Nassre). This process contributes to the system that is destined to prohibit African
Americans and citizens in poverty from evolving with society.

The education system is developed where neighborhoods with more tax money for scholars have
more resources for the test intended for school grants and funding. While the next neighborhood’s
main source is government funding and does not leave a lot of money for the schools, they have to take the
same test to determine if the schools should receive more or less funding. The results almost always vary
showing that the schools with lower test scores require resources and funding to do so. So the effect of
redlining additionally prevents scholars from educational resources.

Considering my identity; as a black female, I question my survival in success. True success where
I do not have to rely on government assistance to help pay for groceries or section 8 to help with housing.
As I witnessed my mother being forced to turn to shelters to get back on her feet along with an extensive
process just to end up in another disinvested project. I saw firsthand the flaws in the systems. Redlining is
a community issue that I do not want to be a victim of. But the reality is society as a whole is a part of the
oppressing system.

I have a dream that I am destined to make my reality. Understanding that furthering my education
can guide me to new opportunities. I plan to study computer science so that I can learn about the
development of computers in our everyday lives. Technology continues to evolve and I plan on creating
positive resources that can be available to all users no matter their background. I will also continue my
journey working as CEO of my accessory business Banglishouz LLC. and hopefully begin to employ
young girls in the community. With awareness, there must also be action to aid low-income families to
include them in the uprising of the community. Allowing the people of the community to be a part of the
evolution will begin a small resolution to the social dilemma issue of redlining.

Work Cited

“Mapping Software Explores the Legacy of Redlining – The Tartan.” Mapping Software Explores the
Legacy of Redlining
, 22 Feb. 2020, thetartan.org/2020/2/3/scitech/housing.

Ncrc. “Redlining and Neighborhood Health ».” NCRC, 12 Oct. 2021, ncrc.org/holc-health.

Andres, Unai Miguel. “The Lasting Impacts of Segregation and Redlining.” SAVI, 24 June 2021,
www.savi.org/2021/06/24/lasting-impacts-of-segregation.

https://thetartan.org/2020/2/3/scitech/housing
https://ncrc.org/holc-health/
https://www.savi.org/2021/06/24/lasting-impacts-of-segregation/

OP

Oliver Pretl-Drummond

Oliver Pretl-Drummond is a copywriter, memoirist and Scorpio living in Baltimore, MD. Primed by years of recreational research spirals, they've helped Slickdeals document hundreds of arcane store policies and hidden coupon tricks for the greater good of deal hunters everywhere. They spend their days seeking and sharing killer deals on budget travel, sound systems, home goods and tech. By night, their free time is reserved for making bass music while consuming exotic caffeinated beverages with their partner and growing family of yucca plants.