Interracial Marriage in Madison, Toney, Athens, etc. (Huntsville, Decatur: homeowners association, military)

[romack]

I am from the Shoals area but have been away for the past 20 years in the military. I am black and my wife is white and we have a bi-racial daughter. Thinking seriously about moving to a surrounding area of Redstone Arsenal. Thought of Madison, Toney, Gurley, Decatur, and maybe Athens. We would prefer to be in an area that has a higher mix of races and a lower crime rate. Suggestions on areas that would provide the least amount on headache when dealing with issues of race and crime. We've lived entirely on the West Coast for the past 20 years but we do not have illusions that Madison or Limestone counties will be exactly the same. Thanks for any suggestions.

[GulfCoastGirl]

Hi, I don't have any info for you, but I wanted to say thanks for asking this question. I am white, my husband is Asian, we have 2 daughters and are probably moving to the area this summer. I'll be interested to see what answers you get.

[TennSally]

We are moving to Athens and my husband is Asian and I'm white and we have two small boys. I'm assuming that we will be welcomed. Hope to see you there.

[jdw123]

Asian and White will have NO problem what-so-ever. Black and White on the other hand WILL. You will be stared at pretty much everywhere you go. Your kid will be too White for the Black kids and too Black for the White kids so they will be shunned in school. Actually most any race and White is okay in this area, it's just Black and White that people don't like. The Blacks here don't like it and the White's don't like it. The lift on the ban on interracial marriage BARELY passed only a few years ago. And it was originally created to prevent Black and White marriage, not other races. So keep that in mind. You are not likely to find total acceptance ANYWHERE in the US. Some areas will be better than others, but you'll still get the occasional stare, even in the most accepting area.

[nalabama]

I can't speak to any place but southeast Huntsville, but I don't see any staring or shunning going on down here. The bi-racial couple that lives next door to me just spent tens of thousands $$ on improvements to their home because they like it so much here. Now, this is not a racially diverse part of town by any means, but it is also not by design. As near as I can tell, anybody who embraces typical middle-class values is generally well accepted in southeast Huntsville. And those who don't embrace those values generally aren't, regardless of race or any number of other discriminators.

[Keeper]

I too don't think you will have a problem in H'ville. IMO Huntsville was just a tiny town 40 years ago before the Arsenal and Marshall. There was a great influx of people from all over including army personel. When I lived there there back then we lived in a mixed race neighborhood which was a first for us, but we weren't prejudice and accepted people for who they were not their race. Of course I can't speak for all residents but there are prejudice people everywhere.
I don't think people will stare at you, but then I just know I wouldn't but that doesn't mean it won't happen.
Take the advice nalabama.. check out the SE area..

[nalabama]

And if one feels that they would be more comfortable in a more racially diverse neighborhood, I agree completely with the words of the president of the Mount Charron Homeowners Association in today's Huntsville Times":

Mount Charron is a community of cooperation. It is stable, culturally
integrated, financially stronger and better educated than many
neighborhoods in the valley.

Mount Charron is a lovely subdivision, originally developed around a small golf course which is now long gone. Large lots, large well maintained homes. All that the Homeowners Association president describes it as. However, and perhaps only in my opinion, the quality of the schools that Mount Charron children are zoned to will suffer in comparison with those in the southeast part of the city.

[Southlander]

Huntsville is quite diverse, and has been for many years, thanks to Redstone Arsenal. You should have few problems, if any. It is less diverse away from Huntsville, but I still doubt you will have many problems, unless you are talking about a small town such as Woodville, Bridgeport, Hartselle, Moulton.

[Tiffers]

I'm in an interracial relationship with a man currently living between Elkmont and Athens. I'm white, he's black. I have a 5 year old mixed son. I've never felt uncomfortable when we are out in public. Everyone has always been nice and sincere to us. We're actually looking into moving there within the next few years. Not a bad place to live, not at all. I currently live on the outskirts of Winston County (Nauvoo), and anyone who knows anything about Winston County, knows that it's well known for being very racist. But I have to say, with being in an interracial relationship for the past six years, people have actually been quite nice. You get the seldom glares and glances, stares here and there, but I say that you'll get those anywhere you go, whether you're in an interracial relationship or not. Some people just have NO manners. But I have to say, the Huntsville/Madison/Athens area isn't near as bad as the Winston County area. Good luck to you and your family.

[dentaigirl10]

I would stay in the madison and huntsville only if it was me Good luck and welcome ( madison is a great place to live )