Redlining in Miami (1934)
The Federal Home Loan Bank Board created this map of Miami, Florida in 1934. This is a redlining map. Redlining refers to the practice of segregation of housing in which certain groups were denied mortgages, loans or insurance for housing based on race and ethnicity. Federal government agencies and banks relied on each other to enforce these practices. In this map, and many others like it, red refers to "hazardous" zones, considered riskier by banks who were less likely to back mortgages or to finance new building in these areas than in more "desirable" neighborhoods. In Miami, red areas were classified as having high rates of foreclosure, poor sanitation, and crumbling buildings. Although mixed populations of working-class whites and Cuban immigrants resided in these red zones, the map singled out those areas that were "100 negro." In contrast, green areas noted residents who were "native-born whites, ranging from the medium class salaried workers to the extremely wealthy." By effect, redlining intended to maintain segregation and economic inequality based on racial classifications.
