The practice of redlining ended more than 50 years ago, but its ramifications linger today and have contributed to the urban decay and Black flight from cities such as Chicago, Detroit and Philadelphia, according to new research by Maria Pappas’ Cook County Treasurer’s Office.

Redlining was the practice of denying home loans in minority neighborhoods that were branded a financial risk. The government practice benefited white middle-class homeowners while people of color were pushed into urban housing projects.