Racism in Georgia (Atlanta, Savannah, Peachtree City: good schools, live in, safety)

[GP2]

Great post Derrick....

[backfist]

Originally Posted by sashag

hi,my family and I are looking to move from Miami some time in the near future. So far we've narrowed it down to the possibilities of GA or CO. We like the idea of moving to GA but are concerned about the racism since he's hispanic and I'm black. We are looking for an affordable area with excellent schools, nice communities and a diverse population. Please let us know if there's anythning we should know about moving to either state. Thank u.

Sasha~

My family and I just moved to GA from Colorado. I'm Black, my wife is white and our kids are biracial. Both states have many great things about them, yet they both have many differences. Colorado has the Rocky Mountains which are as beautiful as advertised. But since most people don't live in the mountains, either the Denver or Colorado Springs metro areas are your choices. Denver is slightly more expensive than Atlanta, but because of the currently weak housing market, that's changing. Schools in Colorado, like Georgia are hit and miss. The good schools are in the most expensive neighborhoods, and the mediocre schools are in the more affordable neighborhoods. For scenic beauty within the metro area, Atlanta has Denver beat. Atlanta also beats Denver in jobs and strength of economy. Weatherwise, Denver's beats Atlanta by a long shot. During the winter months, Atlanta's high temperate is occasionally the same as Denver (sometimes Denver's is warmer). Fewer bugs in Colorado, too.

As far a race and racism go, you'll probably experience a little in both states. Colorado has a small Black population--especially outside of Denver and Aurora--but a growing Latino population. Given the current mood toward undocumented Latinos, the prejudice has increased in both states. Long-time Colorado residence--many of them 5th and 6th generation are rightfully angry about the perception of being "illegal". Georgia Latinos are experiencing this as well. African Americans don't experience as much prejudice in Colorado, but it's definitely there. We lived in a small town, and our kids occasionally experienced things. When our youngest son (11 at the time) was called a n****r, we knew that it was time to go. As beautiful a place as Colorado is, there's still work to be done. Still, if you're set on Colorado, consider many areas of Aurora, Littleton or even Highlands Ranch (it's not very diverse, but it's a nice family-friendly community).

If I had to recommend one or the other, I'd recommend metro Atlanta. There are plenty of suburban areas where the people are diverse; where you and your family will be presumed worthy of respect; and where you can find a decent school. Yes, you might see the occasional confederate flag, but those folks are less and less relevant everyday. You'll find areas in Atlanta that are largely Black. I wouldn't recommend many of those areas because they're high in crime, schools are lacking and local government is not up to par. More and more people color are moving or relocating to the north side of the metro area. These areas were once White Flight destinations, but are becoming more and more intergrated with folks of color who just want live in family-friendly communities that are good for their kids, safer and a little more diverse. Consider anywhere from Douglasville on the west end to Duluth or Snellville on the east end. Fayetteville and Peachtree City are nice options on the outer-ring south side.

Hope this helps.

[Derrick_TheRiskTaker]

Originally Posted by backfist

Many--many--of us feel this way, Derrick. But those of us who have high expectations of each other don't seem to get much attention. In fact, people say that we don't exist. I submit that it's because we condemn certain folks within our community because we CARE about our community; not just for the pleasure of condemning.

I've said it before; some within our community are on the way to becoming irrelevant. The only pleasure I can take from that is the knowledge that those who condemn us for condemnation's sake will join the ranks of the irrelevant.

Backfist, I think you are on to something. I think people like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, (SHAKEDOWN KINGS) Louis FarraCON, Maxine Waters and others should be forgotten for they do nothing more than keep blacks in a hole. Think about it, if every black person was educated, lived in nice neighborhoods, had the best schools, etc., then who in the hell would these people be speaking to? These individuals do nothing more than cause unnecessary excitement in our kind. They live lavish lives while those they are speaking to live in the ghetto. Thank God for Barack Obama and the likes of him, this is the way to change our nation.

[GP2]

And all God`s people said......AMEN!!!!

Great posts Backfist and Derrick...

[Derrick_TheRiskTaker]

Now Let....ALL OF GODS CHILDREN SAY AMEN

[happy to be here]

I am white, and I am ashamed to say that some of the most unruly, mannerless children are white, financially privileged children.

[backfist]

Originally Posted by happy to be here

I am white, and I am ashamed to say that some of the most unruly, mannerless children are white, financially privileged children.

I don't think you need to be ashamed of unruly, mannerless White kids any more than I should be ashamed of unruly, mannerless Black kids (unless they happen to be our own ).

But you do raise a valid point in that greater society tends to focus so much on condemning one group, that we forget the misdeeds of another.

[Derrick_TheRiskTaker]

Originally Posted by happy to be here

I am white, and I am ashamed to say that some of the most unruly, mannerless children are white, financially privileged children.

Well no one wants to pick on the wealthy kids! Come on, don't you think it is easier to pick on the poor, inner city kids who have no money or resources to defend themselves....good point though...

[atlantagreg30127]

I pick on all kids. I don't like kids. Poof.

I just had a mom bring her whoop-coughing kid into my office and he blew snot all over the side of my desk. Upper middle class white, too. I just finished teaching the mom how to use cleanex tissues before I told her that her kid had to wait outside. She left. Dammit.

[xxman777]

Looks like we are getting a little off topic here. Lets try and get this thread back to the original issues.