Segregation in Chicago (Harvey, Brighton, Atlanta: neighborhoods, buy, good schools)

[mlogan0301]

Just for debate and perhaps fun, but not to make anyone angry!

Do any of you think Chicago or any parts of Chicago will ever have a "Black Mecca" so to speak, like Atlanta does? And no, not just the southside of Chicago.

Because Chicago is often criticized for its racism, both in the city and the burbs, was just wondering what both black and white people thought about Chicago or certain parts of Illinois, excluding the southside (since that already has a good majority of black people) will ever have black people coming in droves there, making excellent money?!

Again, just for a fun and educational debate. Not meant to stir up any harsh feelings or anything.

[Lookout Kid]

Chicago is supposed to be one of the largest bastions of the black middle class anywhere in the world. So the answer to your question is, "YES". However, as the middle class suffers under the current economic conditions, the black middle class often suffers worse.

Don't fall into the "Black South Side, White North Side" train of thought. The North Side is very diverse and the West Side is just as black as the South Side.

[Ron.]

This is probably the best answer this thread will receive. Great post and pretty much sums everything up.

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Chicago is supposed to be one of the largest bastions of the black middle class anywhere in the world. So the answer to your question is, "YES". However, as the middle class suffers under the current economic conditions, the black middle class often suffers worse.

Don't fall into the "Black South Side, White North Side" train of thought. The North Side is very diverse and the West Side is just as black as the South Side.

[oakparkdude]

In addition to LK's points, we're on the verge of electing the first AA president, who happens to live in Chicago. The history of race in Chicago is not a very pretty one, but slowly progress is being made. There are several stably integrated neighborhoods and suburbs (I live in one) that demonstrate what is possible.

[Attrill]

I don't think it's possible. Any area that is predominantly African American and has good schools, nice housing stock, and safe streets will become a mix of many different types of people fairly quickly. 50 years ago people were much more likely to not move to an nice area if the community was of a different race or ethnic background, that is not as true today. Look at Harlem in NYC - as the conditions there improved the racial make up has shifted.

[Ron.]

Good post

Originally Posted by Attrill

I don't think it's possible. Any area that is predominantly African American and has good schools, nice housing stock, and safe streets will become a mix of many different types of people fairly quickly. 50 years ago people were much more likely to not move to an nice area if the community was of a different race or ethnic background, that is not as true today. Look at Harlem in NYC - as the conditions there improved the racial make up has shifted.

[Chicagoland60426]

Well since I live in the south suburbs, Chicago do have sort of a black mecca goin on. In Chicagoland, there are three areas where blacks are dominant; Westside, Southside, and South Suburbs. Please people, do not buy into that most of the southside is mostly/all black crap. As a whole, the Southside have almost as many Hispanic and whites as there are blacks in the southside(mainly southwestside & some neighborhoods on the Southeastside). My nephew that is 5 years old go to a school in Harvey, IL that is 65% Hispanic, 33% Black. So don't buy into that crap that the southside is mostlly black and northside is mostly white; so there is some diversity on the southside.

[ajolotl]

Originally Posted by bluchidog

As a whole, the Southside have almost as many Hispanic and whites as there are blacks in the southside(mainly southwestside & some neighborhoods on the Southeastside).

If you're talking about the city itself (not south suburbs) I find this incredibly hard to believe. Does anyone have any stats?

[Ron.]

According to Wiki, it's 93% black. That sounds about right to me. I very rarely see whites on the S.S., The only time I see hispanics is around the Ashland and 47th st area. I only see whites in Hype Park.

Originally Posted by ajolotl

If you're talking about the city itself (not south suburbs) I find this incredibly hard to believe. Does anyone have any stats?

[Chicagoland60426]

Originally Posted by ajolotl

If you're talking about the city itself (not south suburbs) I find this incredibly hard to believe. Does anyone have any stats?

Yes its a fact many neighborhoods on the southside(Chicago) is at least 50% hispanic and some are at least 30-50% white.

Here are some neighborhoods stats of the South/Southwestside from year 2000

Garfield Ridge- 68% White, 12.2%, 16.5% Hispanic, rest is other

Brighton park- 76.6% Hispanic, 0.49% Black, 18.5% White, 2.87% Asian

Back of the Yards- 50.2%, 35.3% Black, 13.1% White

Gage Park- 79.3% Hispanic, 12.3% White, 7% Black

Hyde park- 43.5% White, 37.7% Black, 11.3% Asian, 4.11% Hispanic

Armour Square- 60.7% Asian, 17% Black, 17.1& White, 3.72% Hispanic

Beverly- 64.7% White, 32% Black, 2.92% Hispanic

East Side- 57.7% Hispanic, 40.1% White, 1.02% Black, 10.1% White

Chicago Lawn- 52.3% Black, 35.5% Hispanic, 10.1% White.