Middle Easterners in Harvey? (Chicago, Orland Park: houses, neighborhoods, public schools)

[suburban_boy]

I've been working in Harvey, IL for sometime now and every year I see more and more Arabs/Middle Easterners moving out here. I even see their kids waiting on the school bus in the morning. Not that I a have a problem with it, but I am a little curious on why they choose to live Harvey, since most of them tend to move Southwest Cook county and on the Northside. I've also notice a lot more hispanics too, but it's a little uncommon to see Arabs (or Middle Easterners) moving into poor Black communities. I know they own a lot of stores in Harvey as they do in most poor Black neighborhoods, but I never thought they would actually consider moving there and sending their kids to the local public schools.

I just find this interesting and I wonder what you all thoughts are about that?

[Northwest Indiana]

Originally Posted by suburban_boy

I've been working in Harvey, IL for sometime now and every year I see more and more Arabs/Middle Easterners moving out here. I even see their kids waiting on the school bus in the morning. Not that I a have a problem with it, but I am a little curious on why they choose to live Harvey, since most of them tend to move Southwest Cook county and on the Northside. I've also notice a lot more hispanics too, but it's a little uncommon to see Arabs (or Middle Easterners) moving into poor Black communities. I know they own a lot of stores in Harvey as they do in most poor Black neighborhoods, but I never thought they would actually consider moving there and sending their kids to the local public schools.

I just find this interesting and I wonder what you all thoughts are about that?

I have not been to Harvey in a while, but if this influx is really happening, then Harvey can only improve from where it is now. IMHO, their cultural and economic presence in a place like Harvey should be welcomed...however, I do not live there so maybe someone who does can chime in with their viewpoint?

[Chicagoland60426]

Originally Posted by suburban_boy

I've been working in Harvey, IL for sometime now and every year I see more and more Arabs/Middle Easterners moving out here. I even see their kids waiting on the school bus in the morning. Not that I a have a problem with it, but I am a little curious on why they choose to live Harvey, since most of them tend to move Southwest Cook county and on the Northside. I've also notice a lot more hispanics too, but it's a little uncommon to see Arabs (or Middle Easterners) moving into poor Black communities. I know they own a lot of stores in Harvey as they do in most poor Black neighborhoods, but I never thought they would actually consider moving there and sending their kids to the local public schools.

I just find this interesting and I wonder what you all thoughts are about that?

I guess they choose to live in Harvey because its very cheap here.

I live in Harvey(born and raised), and I admit it is a bit surprising to see South Asians in a poor predominately black area like this. In a way, Harvey is unique in that aspect. When I was going to Thornton High School, there were no Asian students my freshmen year. About time I graduated in 2008, there were over 20 Asian students enrolled. TTHS was 1.3% Asian in 2009. Whittier Elementary reached 6.8% Asian in 2007. Harvey racial/ethnic breakdown is about 75-79% black, 15% Hispanic(almost all Mexican), 4-6% non hispanic white, and 2% Asian(roughly 600 people). The Asians here are Indians and muslim Pakistanis. They are concentrated between 152nd & Broadway Ave. and the local high school campus a block down. 99% of the families who live on 152nd & Broadway are South Asian muslim. They built an Islamic center at the corner of Broadway on the same block. Close knit and I don't see anyone harassing them.

There are about 4,000 Mexicans/latino residents in Harvey. A lot of them are located on the far southeast side(1st ward) of Harvey between the viaduct and South Holland's western border. My 7 yrs old nephew goes to Holmes elementary over there and student enrollment is now 2/3rds Hispanic(Mexicans).
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[suburban_boy]

OOH? OK. I figured they weren't Arab, but I couldn't precisely pinpoint their nationality so I just made an assumption. Anyway, I notice that they even have a Islamic Center (or Mosque?) on their block. Another interested thing I saw a few days ago was an entire South Asian family all sitting on the porch of a boarded-up house as if they either lived there or plan to in the future. Anyway, it looks like their in Harvey to stay. It's definitely a plus for Harvey. Well, you can't say Harvey's not diverse.

[JerichoHW]

This is a very interesting topic, if you think about it though it might not be as odd as it looks on the surface. There are plenty of African American Muslims around, and perhaps some poorer Middle Eastern migrants look to Harvey as a cheap alternative to say Palos Park or Orland Park. I don't live in Harvey but from what I gather there is probably tolerance for these new ethenic groups, and if that is the case then Harvey is starting to do better.

[suburban_boy]

Originally Posted by JerichoHW

This is a very interesting topic, if you think about it though it might not be as odd as it looks on the surface. There are plenty of African American Muslims around, and perhaps some poorer Middle Eastern migrants look to Harvey as a cheap alternative to say Palos Park or Orland Park. I don't live in Harvey but from what I gather there is probably tolerance for these new ethenic groups, and if that is the case then Harvey is starting to do better.

There seems to be a strong tolerance for them. I always see their kids waiting on the school bus along with the other kids in the neighborhood. From what I see they seem to blend in well with them. And yes there is a strong African American Muslim presence out there. In fact, there's a mosque on Sibley and Myrtle. The Nation of Islam has one on 154th and center and they're always on Halsted and Sibley selling Final Call Newspapers. Plus, Louise Farakahn has a honorary street, I think, on Center. However, I don't think there's no connection b/w them and these new Mulsim residents. If there was any connection, then they would not have built their own mosque. Instead, they would have went to the mosques that were already their. It just seems like they're more independent and live in their own little world. I don't even think they have any affiliation with the Muslim retailers (I think they are Muslims). I don't know, but it is interesting.

[suburban_boy]

I do wonder what they do for a living b/c most of their houses are pretty nice. In fact the blocks they live on are some of the nicest in that neighborhood. I find it fascinating that even under the most harshest of conditions (the ghetto) certain people can still carve out an oasis. Ironically, when one looks at Islamic and pre-Islamic culture, no matter how harsh the environment may be (in there case, a dessert), there's always an oasis. An oasis is the equivalent to paradise. Islamic civilizations in the past has always been modeled their cities on this concept alone. During the middle ages, these cities were said to be some of the most beautiful in the world (Bagdad, Damascus, Cordaba and Cairo). I congratulate these brothers and sisters for somewhat carrying on this principle. Hopefully, it can spread out to the rest of the city.

[Chicagoland60426]

suburban_boy;13886073] The Nation of Islam has one on 154th and center and they're always on Halsted and Sibley selling Final Call Newspapers. Plus, Louise Farakahn has a honorary street, I think, on Center. However, I don't think there's no connection b/w them and these new Mulsim residents. If there was any connection, then they would not have built their own mosque.

The Nation of Islam is not considered a true Muslim branch by many. NOI focus alot on Black nationalism and separatism. Historically, they considered white people as creations from a mad black scientist named Yacub and often see white people as blue-eyed white devils. I don't know if most still believed that though.

[urza216]

Although he chooses to rap about the west side of Chicago for whatever reason, Lupe Fiasco was born and raised in Harvey, Illinois. He's Islamic. He isn't Asian or Arab though. :-X

[Huckleberry3911948]

re arabs and mideastern people, i was there in the 1950's, but i snuck in and you did not see me. i lived behind the shell station next to the helicopter pad.
eisenhower was president.