Redlining: Mapping Inequality in Dayton & Springfield
About
Redlining: Mapping Inequality in Dayton and Springfield tells the national and local story of redlining, a practice which embedded racial segregation and inequality into the development of American cities and suburbs. Redlining maps, introduced in the 1930’s, delineated risk areas for federally backed mortgages and home-ownership programs. Risk was determined almost entirely by race. Neighborhoods where no loans would be made were outlined in red, or literally “redlined.”
This one-hour documentary, produced by Richard Wonderling with Selena Burks-Rentschler, tells the story of local families who were impacted by redlining, and the lasting effects of this federal policy on our region. It also makes some surprising discoveries about the roots of redlining that trace back to our region, and some larger-than-life personalities who have been all but forgotten.
Redlining: Mapping Inequality in Dayton & Springfield documentary was recognized with two 2023 Regional Emmy Awards from the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences!
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Screening Toolkits, Discussion Guides & Lesson Plans
Documentary Screening Toolkit
Tips and resources for holding your own screening events. This downloadable document includes sample social media posts, links to additional materials and discussion questions for a panel or audience.
Discussion Guide for Teachers
Discussion Guide for before and after screening the documentary. Questions were developed by the 2023 Cohort of Dayton Civic Scholars at the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community, University of Dayton.
Lesson Plan: Mapping Inequality, Redlining in New Deal America
High School Lesson plan that introduces the viewer to the records of the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) on a scale that is unprecedented. Here you can browse more than 150 interactive maps and thousands of “area descriptions.”
Lesson Plan: How Does Where You Live Influence How You Live?
This lesson utilizes extensive primary sources and explores the long-term impacts of redlining on both wealth and health inequity in communities affected by lending policy and practices.
Resources
Urban Consulate Presents video explores how Black city-builders are rethinking urban development
Learn about the Undesign the Redline exhibit and view supporting resources
View/Download List
The Redress Project, for local organizers and activists.
New documentary exposes the impact of “Redlining” on Black neighborhoods in the Miami Valley
Documentary traces the impact of redlining in two Ohio cities
With additional support from:
