race issues birmingham area relocation (Hoover, Pelham: daycare, high school, to live)

[RAB123]

hi there guys! we are looking into relocating to the birmingham area, probably south of i-459 in the hoover to pelham area. some of our family is mixed race couples and my daughter has a bi-racial baby. the area i live in generally does not notice color anymore, and young people definitly do not care. i have heard that race is a big issue in schools, in public, etc. how is the area in regards to bi-race issues and stuff, or is there a better area in Bham area

[cpg35223]

Well, it's not 1965 anymore. Birmingham is a pretty diverse town now. At the same time, it's not the West Coast. That being said, the areas you mention have pretty diverse school systems--and pretty harmonious, too. If you'd like to get an idea about the Hoover School System, check out MTV's Two A Days, which featured Hoover High School. It's way over the top, but actually kind of gives you a feel for what the place is like--without all the manufactured drama (The coach of that football program was fired, by the way, so you can breathe a sigh of relief over that).

Overall, Birmingham is a pretty great place. We moved here from Chicago not know what to expect, and have been pretty pleased and gratified with what we've found. Yes, we're lilly white, but we have a diverse range of friends. What we didn't find were bigoted mossbacks straight out of Mississippi Burning.

Good luck!

[pvjd]

I grew up in the Hoover to Pelham area, and though AL has its share of idiots, where you are talking about is pretty diverse. There are a lot of blacks, whites and hispanics. The typical racist keeps their opinions to themselves because it is simply not socially appropriate to act out in that manner, so I don't think you will experience much in the way of overt racism. I would read articles from local papers, etc. for more info.

[Threestep]

May I adopt the term "mossback"? Thank you.

This is 2008. You find ignorant people of all ages and of all races everywhere. Unfortunately as it may be they cling to their believes and voice them loudly. Often with bad spelling:>) I have one or two of them come over to the other side.

Seriously - Birmingham is a bustling town with a large population of newcomers. Most of them professionals building careers and lives. Yes, some things may seem peculiar to an outsider. Personally I find the churches to be social clubs and networking sites not to mention great for daycare and Wednesday dinner. Forget the image of the redneck in flanel shirt, bibbs, chewing tobacco and the traditional entertainment of BB gun and bird feeder.

What brings you to Birmingham? We moved here about five years ago. My first comment was "where is the airport"? Now I know but do not care.

Feel free to ask questions even by PM. It is a great place with great opportunities and great people. Respect them and they will respect you. elcome!

[pennquaker09]

I'm biracial and I went to Hoover High. I had no problems at all.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by Threestep

May I adopt the term "mossback"? Thank you.

Isn't that a great word? I discovered that one not too long ago and adopted it immediately. It's the perfect word for describing the over-70 crowd of Birmingham. You know the type.

[texas7]

So is that saying that all the over-70' crowd of Birmingham are racist?

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by texas7

So is that saying that all the over-70' crowd of Birmingham are racist?

This is AL not TX:>)
As English is not my native language I still add new words to my vocabulary.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by texas7

So is that saying that all the over-70' crowd of Birmingham are racist?

Nope. But there's a much higher proportion than the general population.

[krackers75]

My wife is a Hoover High grad and my 10y.o son is in the same school system and it's very accepting as is the Hoover area in general. There are bad apples in every box so you'll come across it from time to time but it's becoming the exception and not the norm. I like mossback, never hard it before but it is applicable to a lot of the older crown I know, sorry. Can't blame them though, remember thats the generation that you hear about when all the horror stories of the south and racism and to live thru all that I guess you'll be a tad bitter. Us folks in the under 40 crowd and those of you on here back me up, are nothing like our elders. We to heard all the stories straight from the source and some tried to teach me to be that way to but I can't justify that kind of ignorance whether it comes from family or friends. I've seen a lot of racism but then again I'm from out in the stix, literally, hence I live here now and would never go back to the stix. Don't believe the stories, come on down and you'll fall in love and one more thing, you'll have to pick a team, "ROLL TIDE!!!"