Mapping Exclusion explores the history of redlining in Iowa. Redlining is the systematic denial of various services by federal and local government agencies and the private sector to residents of specific neighborhoods. Black populations in seven Iowa cities -Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Dubuque, Davenport, Des Moines, and Waterloo – were subject to redline mapping. The exhibit will look at these cities and the long-term effects of redlining on the current issues faced in these areas today.

After the tour, the Neighborhood Finance Corporation (NFC) is offering a free Journey To Homeownership (J2H) class at the AAMI. The NFC has been awarded $1M in grant funds through the CDFI Fund Rapid Response Program, local community partners, and donations to address challenges in underserved communities. NFC has committed the funding for down payment and closing cost assistance in the NFC Lending Areas in Polk and Linn Counties. This class will provide educational tools and resources to support African Americans looking to become homeowners. Learn more here: J2H-CR-NarrativeFlyer-8.5×11-070722-SinglePgs-V3.