Redlining Pontiac: Racism in Real Estate

Redlining was the practice of denying financial services such as mortgages, insurance, and loans to residents of specific neighborhoods, based on their race or ethnicity rather than their individual creditworthiness.

This map from 1937 shows Pontiac’s neighborhoods, assigned colors to show their “desirability” to white potential buyers.

 

Area Description Reports

These reports advised realtors of the desirability or “hazards” of a given neighborhood. Use the map above to find the area in which you live.