Learning About Redlining Changed How I See Baltimore Forever

Before learning about redlining, I thought I understood Baltimore. I noticed differences between neighborhoods, but I didn’t fully understand why those differences existed or how deeply they were connected to history. Researching redlining completely changed the way I see the city, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at Baltimore the same way again.

Through my research, I learned how redlining maps created in the 1930s labeled predominantly Black neighborhoods as “hazardous,” cutting them off from loans, investment, and long-term resources. These decisions weren’t just about housing, they shaped environmental conditions that still exist today. One of the most striking connections I found was between redlining and tree canopy coverage. Neighborhoods that were historically redlined often have far fewer trees, which leads to higher temperatures, worse air quality, and increased health risks. In some parts of Baltimore, the temperature difference between neighborhoods can be several degrees, simply because of tree cover.

Learning about Dr. Lawrence Brown’s concept of the “Black Butterfly” and the “White L” made this even more real. The Black Butterfly describes the "hazardous" areas of the HOLC Maps where Black and Immigrant communities were pushed to the east and west sides of the city. 

Loyola’s campus sits firmly within the White L, an area that historically received more investment and greater environmental protection. Meanwhile, many neighborhoods in the Black Butterfly, continue to experience the long-term effects of disinvestment, including limited green space and environmental stress.

Now, when I move through Baltimore, I notice trees, shade, and green space in a completely different way. Redlining taught me that the city’s layout isn’t accidental, it’s the result of policy decisions that continue to shape people’s lives. Understanding this history has made me more aware of my position in the city and more committed to seeing Baltimore with honesty and responsibility.