“Chicago Urban League Research and Policy Executive Director Stephanie Schmitz Bechteler noted that segregation remains today almost everywhere that saw an influx of African-Americans from the South during the Great Migration.” (Chicago Tribune 2018)

As the Black population in Chicago increased, the housing shortages following World War I and II increased demand for housing opportunities outside of historically Black neighborhoods. Black Chicagoans broke many barriers in the pursuit of these opportunities, namely fighting against the racially restrictive covenants that covered most of Chicago at the time. However, despite these successes in the fight against residential segregation, private institutions continued to maintain residential segregation. The impact of these efforts continues to shape Chicago today, as it is still one of the most racially segregated cities in the nation. In order to diminish disparities in resources, Chicago must address its current residential segregation. This begins with acknowledging how historic institutionalized racist policies--such as racially restrictive covenants--and the actions of private institutions have contributed to the current socio-political context in Chicago. ​​​​​​​