Race Relations in JAX (Jacksonville: broker, how much, neighborhoods)

[denazdenison]

Hello,
My wife and I are planning to move to JAX and I hear from everyone in Maryland that Northern Florida is a racist area in general. Being Black and living in Baltimore, I experience racism often when I visit establishments in White areas. Sometimes we get denied entry to White bars/lounges/clubs.
Since these areas are few in number, I dont worry about it, we just dont hang out in these parts of town. However, when I move to JAX, there are going to be considerably less Blacks than here in Baltimore and I wonder how are the race relations?
I've read a few old threads that touch on race relations but it seems they have been answered by people that may not be in my situation. I've read responses from Blacks that live on the Northside and they say its fine. And I've read responses from Whites wouldnt encounter racism even if it was present and they say its fine.
Any info and/or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Northside904]

In Jacksonville, the Northside is the "black side" of town per se. The entire Northside isn't black but the majority of North and NW Jacksonville is. For the most part, I'd say race relations are fine in Jax. In many areas of the city, blacks and whites, plus other races live side by side and have no issue. Only when you get in the metro area surrounding towns, could that be an issue.

[cricketfan]

There is racism in Jax as there is in every other city in America. But this is the south, and there are still some Neanderthals living among us, white and black. There may be less racism in the core of the city than in the outlying areas because there is a greater movement of liberal-minded people in and out of the city. (I don't mean liberal in the political sense.)

OTOH, there are people who think they see racism even where it doesn't exist. If you look for it you will find it.

[912]

Originally Posted by cricketfan

There is racism in Jax as there is in every other city in America. But this is the south, and there are still some Neanderthals living among us, white and black. There may be less racism in the core of the city than in the outlying areas because there is a greater movement of liberal-minded people in and out of the city. (I don't mean liberal in the political sense.)

Garbage. Racism exists in every state in the union. It's not just a "Southern thang".

Originally Posted by cricketfan

OTOH, there are people who think they see racism even where it doesn't exist. If you look for it you will find it.

I agree with this.

[Robyn55]

First off - the black population in Duval County/JAX isn't small - about 30% of the population (don't know what things are like in Baltimore). Note that the City of JAX is the same area as Duval County - and it's pretty large geographically. I think you'll encounter the most problems among lower middle class and lower class redneck white trash people. There are people like that here (but there are people like that in other places I've lived - like Boston and Philadelphia). I'd say in general that the higher up you go on the economic scale - the fewer problems you're likely to have (no one where I live - in St. Johns County - cares what color you are as long as you maintain your lawn).

Don't know where you're thinking about living - but I'm sure any decent broker can identify which neighborhoods will work for you - and which might present problems (in general - the problem white areas aren't at all attractive IMO).

Also - JAX isn't the same as other parts of north Florida. There are some more rural parts of the panhandle I've passed through that I think are very racist. I'd try to avoid places like that - especially restaurants that are flying the confederate flag.

The only bar I go to is at my golf club. It's open to the public - and I'm sure you'd never have a problem there. Can't speak for other bars - lounges or clubs. Doubt you would ever have a problem at any restaurant here - at least not one I've ever been in. Robyn

[Robyn55]

P.S. I wouldn't necessarily live in Northside just because you're black. I assume there are some decent neighborhoods there - but many aren't. And the schools are in general pretty bad (a problem if you might have kids in the future). Also - traffic seems to be getting worse and worse here every year and there are some roads that are bad/awful during rush hour. So if you and/or your wife work - you want to try to live close to where you work. Avoid a bad commute. Robyn

[cricketfan]

Originally Posted by 912

Garbage. Racism exists in every state in the union. It's not just a "Southern thang".

Read what I said again: "There is racism in Jax as there is in every other city in America." Which part of that did you not understand?

[fsquid]

I loved The Wire

[Robyn55]

Originally Posted by fsquid

I loved The Wire

I saw every episode of every season on DVD. Didn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy about Baltimore. OTOH - I don't know how much was fact - and how much was fiction. Robyn

[fsquid]

Great damn show. It wasn't just about Baltimore but reflective of all our urban areas in the US.