[Newbie]

Hello. I'm going to start a new job there in Bentonville soon. I'm African American and wanted to know what to expect regarding diversity. When I interviewed I felt like I would be warmly received, but not too sure about the elementary schools and such.

Any insight would be helpful.

[mcheiss]

Hello Newbie.

I have lived in Benton County all my life. Rogers and Bentonville each have growing African American Communities that are widely accepted into society. My son goes to school in Rogers and has plenty of African American friends. Racism is a thing of the past up here, you have nothing to worry about.

Also, I hope you enjoy your move to Northwest Arkansas.

[citydata2006]

Originally Posted by mcheiss

Hello Newbie.

I have lived in Benton County all my life. Rogers and Bentonville each have growing African American Communities that are widely accepted into society. My son goes to school in Rogers and has plenty of African American friends. Racism is a thing of the past up here, you have nothing to worry about.

Also, I hope you enjoy your move to Northwest Arkansas.

The above comment is not completely true. You won't find clear, obvious racism such as people giving you "looks" etc., but be prepared to be treated "differently," especially socially. Only one or two generations ago, lots of people here were "racists", you cannot possibly expect that to go away; the "view" and "perception" do pass down to their kids from their parents and not fade away so quickly in just one or two generations.

It's changing, since there is a huge diversity (hispanics) on the way, but it will take time. Yes, your comment is true, alot of people here are "warm" and down to earth in a way. That's simply the "Southern charm" people are refering to. What they are truly feeling inside or what they were taught from their parents remains a mystry.

[Urbane1]

As your post shows racial sensitivity and consciousness, I would suggest that you try Pine Bluff in Arkansas. The area is predominately black.

[junkman18]

Don't forget the U.S. head office of the Knights of the K.K.K. is in Arkansas, That should tell you something,

[woopig_sooie]

Originally Posted by junkman18

Don't forget the U.S. head office of the Knights of the K.K.K. is in Arkansas, That should tell you something,

That is located in Harrison, not Bentonville. Thats like comparing apples to oranges.

[Xcaped NOLA]

I relocated from New Orleans after Hurricane K. I lived in Little Rock which is the most diverse area in AR. I did not plan to come here , it just happened as a last resort. In LR you dont have to worry about feeling accepted, you just are. Though I've never been to Bentonville, I have travelled outside of LR and its true that you get the "1000 yard stares" like you've just landed your U.F.O. and your visiting from planet Xenophobe. Outside of LR are mostly small towns with closed minded people. A collegue of mine tells me that Bentonville is the same way.According to the CityData stats, the % of Blacks is less than 1%...you do the math. Not to say all people there are like that , but there is no diversity there and you probably wont feel welcomed.

[mlrfo4]

I love the comments: And you PROBABLY won't feel welcomed there. What's with you people making asumptions. If you haven't been there and don't know for sure.......why make a statement ? Check it out for yourself. Being as close as it is to the University.......check it out.

[Xcaped NOLA]

If "Newbie" has a concern about his/her ethnicity and how he/she would be accepted in Bentonville, then obviously the city's reputation preceeds itself, as well as the state. If he/she had no concern about it, he/she would not have askes the question. Furthurmore, if you have not experienced these "stares" that I'm talking about, then you have not walked in my shoes or "Newbie's" for that matter.

[mlrfo4]

That's what I mean......REPUTATION......Things and people change in places. Arkansas is not what everyone makes it out to be. I heard all the jokes and comments about this place before I moved here from California......they are so wrong.