Erasing redlining

Free Press staff report

Nearly 100 years since redlining left Richmond’s communities of color marginalized, Coming Together Virginia will host a discussion about how such discriminatory practices caused long-term environmental effects for Richmonders and others.

“Erasing the Redline: Creating Environmentally Safe Spaces for our future” will take place 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 23 at the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, 2501 Monument Ave.

In the 1930s, various areas of Richmond were redlined by the federal Homeowners’ Loan Corporation. Redlining was the practice of the federal government to infer the credit risk of the inhabitants of an outlined area. Communities of color or communities with a large immigrant population always were considered high risk, although there was no credible proof to support that assumption, according to Coming Together Virginia, a nonprofit organization focused on a vision of a racially healed world of thriving, equitable and just communities. for more details, please visit www.comingtogethervirginia.org/donate ernors’ actions without true cause ... this is purely politically motivated.”

As a result of this government policy, formerly redlined communities today still find themselves dealing with industrial pollution, noise pollution, air pollution and limited green spaces. These environmental issues help to significantly contribute to communities with poorer health outcomes.

The discussion will focus on quality of life for Richmond’s communities of color, and actions and solutions to combat the ongoing issues created by redlining.

Changes in the middle of an election with no clear guidance will only add to voter confusion. The Virginia NAACP will continue to fight against voter disenfranchisement.

VIRGINIA STATE CoNfERENCE NAACP Richmond

Stories by Fred Jeter