Health Equity Timeline of MetroWest | Leverage The Power of Our Past

The housing boom post-World War II populates MetroWest and suburban communities nationwide, but Black families are largely excluded.

Several factors contribute to significant growth of the suburban population; cars are more accessible for the average family to own; highway infrastructure has expanded and improved; new employers have opened up in MetroWest; and GI bills are made available to white veterans to help them gain more education, start businesses, and access low-cost mortgages. However, Black veterans face discrimination from the federal government, which prioritizes making loans to middle-class racially homogenous communities. Private lenders adopt the practices of federal lenders, making it difficult, if not impossible, for Black families to receive any assistance in purchasing a home in the suburbs.

Sources

Natick Historical Society Timeline

Natick Historical Society Housing Boom

After the War Blacks and the GI Bill

Metrowest Post-WW2 Housing Boom