Segregation across the U.S. is a national issue, yet few understand its causes. Even in Howard County, which prides itself on diversity, communities are segregating along racial lines. Undesign the Redline seeks to educate people about the government’s role in structural racism around housing and how it impacts communities today. Bringing the exhibit to the floor of a library and creating spaces for people to learn more launched public discussions about how to come together as a community to address these issues.

HCLS engaged the community to fund and promote the exhibit. HCLS worked with the school system to incorporate the exhibit into the curriculum and encourage teachers to tour it during professional development days, and set up student field trips. HCLS staff and volunteers were trained to lead public and private group tours, planned classes and discussions, compiled reading lists and recorded one podcast episode on the topic. Six facilitated reflection sessions gave people opportunities to process their learnings.

HCLS staff and volunteers gave 200 tours for approximately 2,000 people, reaching all segments of the community: school system administrators, teachers and students; realtors; college professors and students; faith-based organizations; government departments; elected officials; community leaders; and the general public. Comments ranged from “Thank you for naming what my family experienced” to “I had no idea.” Due to demand, HCLS extended the exhibit by two months, and is creating a follow-up exhibit and curriculum.