African American Community throughout Arizona (Phoenix, Scottsdale: salon, chapel, theatre)

[jco]

I think AAs here are much more assimilated than other places where you have strong black communities, strong Italian communities, and so on.

[AZ_singlemother]

You are going to have a culture shock. I grew up in a majority black community as a child - I am white. There is not only a very low population of african americans in Arizona - look at the stats, especially in the Scottsdale area, there is lack of culture.

Also there's a large segregation issue. I notice how the cops - who are all white in scottsdale, have issues with other races. It's hush around here but when I am hanging out with my few african american friends - I notice a very negative reaction here. Perhaps it's because i am white and they do not react well? I'm spoiled because of the color of my skin.

I'm not used to this environment but can guaranty it's not a place I can remain in much longer. I would have done better in Detroit - being it's a majority African American community.

[JeepGirl118]

I do not see many AA's here in Fountain Hills at all. In the HS here - my son says that there are two in the school but they are 1/2 white and 1/2 AA. A friend of ours from Chicago came to visit last year and a couple hours after he settled in...he asked my husband, "OK -why is everyone looking at me so weird?" My husband said, "cause this is Phoenix and people are not exactly used to seeing AA's." There is much truth to this and our friend found it to be hilarious and had a good time with it. As someone mentioned, the percentage of AA's is very small.

[AZNoir]

I represent Arizona Noir and wanted to tell you a little about what our publication does. We try to create a stronger sense of community for African Americans living in Arizona through shared information.

It's a free e-zine and a great idea to subscribe if you're coming to Arizona. A lot of African Americans feel a separation from their culture when we move here and that's why we've started.

Here's a like to our April issue: http://www.aznoir.com/AZN_070420.html.

If you're interested please send an email to subscribe@aznoir.com.

Best of luck with your relocation!

The AZN Team

[silverojo]

Originally Posted by AZ_singlemother

You are going to have a culture shock. I grew up in a majority black community as a child - I am white. There is not only a very low population of african americans in Arizona - look at the stats, especially in the Scottsdale area, there is lack of culture.

Also there's a large segregation issue. I notice how the cops - who are all white in scottsdale, have issues with other races. It's hush around here but when I am hanging out with my few african american friends - I notice a very negative reaction here. Perhaps it's because i am white and they do not react well? I'm spoiled because of the color of my skin.

I'm not used to this environment but can guaranty it's not a place I can remain in much longer. I would have done better in Detroit - being it's a majority African American community.

I agree...I'm not AA, but around here, Hispanics are the ruling minority. You'll find a lot of Hispanic culture, but you'll really have to search for anything speaking directly to AA people. If you live here, you'll want to be kind of like the Huxtables on The Cosby Show--fairly well-off black people who never seem to mention or acknowledge their blackness, if that makes any sense.

I've heard a joke around here that pretty much sums it up. Q: What do you call a black person in Arizona? A: A Phoenix Sun. Because most of the blacks you see on local TV, etc., are professional athletes. Sad, but true.

And yes, unless you live in a poorer neighborhood where most AA folks live around here, chances are your kids are going to stand out--they'll be surrounded by whites and Hispanics. There's also some controversy over educating said Hispanics, because there's bilingual schooling here, so be aware of that issue.

I guess what I'm saying is, you won't be harassed by idiots with white sheets and burning crosses. But if you come here expecting anyone to know (let alone care) what Kwanzaa is about, you'll be disappointed. The Phoenix area is Yuppie heaven (or hell, depending on how you view it).

I hope this info helps.

[Saulphx]

Originally Posted by jlhct

Hello,

I had some of the same concern initially but I agree with another person stated here, I think that the division will be along class/income lines.

I am African-American and have been here from the NE for about 1 month. I've had no problems, and have felt very welcome. I also have family here and they have said the same thing. It's different because there are no primarialy "black" neighborhoods per se, but it doesn't matter IMO.

Also, to make you feel a little better, Tyler Perry had a showing of "Madea Goes To Jail" here last year. There is also an African-American film festival here every year, and a couple of weeks ago there was a jazz festival in Chandler.

I think you will be fine here, that will be the least of your worries. The general vibe here seems to be very friendly.

I'm glad to here you like it in Phoenix. It is a lot different than cities that are separated by race, just as it was different for my parents to move here from metro Detroit and not live in a Jewish (my background) neighborhood.

[PugLuv1]

Well i moved to Chandler AZ from Chicago IL...and boy oh boy do i feel like i made a big mistake. I like it here but i don't. I know in Chicago there are so many places to go and things to do. And don't talk about places to eat...like Soul Food or Jamaica Food. I'm going back next month just to eat. I can't even find a good hotdog around here. I've been here about 7 months and i haven't met any african americans yet...and as in for the african men i don't even see them around and the ones i do...i don't think i'm light enough for them if you know what i mean *Wink*, and i'm pretty light. I guess i don't have a chance here in AZ with a African American Man. I'm thinking about mvoing to Houston or Georgia.

[phoenixblack]

Originally Posted by deedawk1

My wife and 2 young kids are looking to move from metro Detroit to the North Phoenix/Scottsdale area due to employment change. I've read many posts, and would like to get more opinions and help on knowing what to truly expect as an African American family coming from a majority black and middle to upper class area. I know we will need to adjust to the major cultural difference of becoming a minority, but are there good social activities and shopping for African American families? We teach our children about equality, so we're not looking for any segregation, but would feel comfortable if we're not the only blacks in our neighborhood or our children standing out as the only blacks in their school.

Ooooh ... if you're looking for a middle-to-upper-class area in Phoenix with a "reasonable" amount of diversity, you don't want to be in Scottsdale! I'm a native Phoenician and I know a few things about the Valley of the Sun. I grew up in north Phoenix as the only negro in most of my classes. Believe it or not, I didn't experience much racism as a kid and I had a ton of friends, but I always felt like an outsider. Thank God for college!

Here's my advice ... consider moving to Ahwatukee, Tempe or Chandler. They're all great suburbs and when I have kids, I'd prefer to raise them there. You'll find the most diversity in these middle-to-upper-class communities and their education systems are among the best in Arizona.

The African American population here is sparse, but I'm confident that things are getting better here. You have to keep an open mind and explore the possibilities!

If you want more advice on what to expect from life in Phoenix, you should read my blog - PhxSoul.com!

[AZ_singlemother]

Originally Posted by PugLuv1

Well i moved to Chandler AZ from Chicago IL...and boy oh boy do i feel like i made a big mistake. I like it here but i don't. I know in Chicago there are so many places to go and things to do. And don't talk about places to eat...like Soul Food or Jamaica Food. I'm going back next month just to eat. I can't even find a good hotdog around here. I've been here about 7 months and i haven't met any african americans yet...and as in for the african men i don't even see them around and the ones i do...i don't think i'm light enough for them if you know what i mean *Wink*, and i'm pretty light. I guess i don't have a chance here in AZ with a African American Man. I'm thinking about mvoing to Houston or Georgia.

Don't blame you. Chicago seems really nice and diverse.

[PugLuv1]

Your right Chicago is very diverse..i guess i just miss home that's all

Originally Posted by AZ_singlemother

Don't blame you. Chicago seems really nice and diverse.