African American relocating to Madison (Eau Claire, York: how much, home, live)

[fostermom1]

Hi jjdavis,

There is an AWESOME Assembly Of God Church (Northside Christian Assembly) on Northport Dr. in Madison. The congregation is [SIZE=3]Predominately [/SIZE]African American. The Pastor and elders are African/ African American. It is a very friendly church as well. I am white, and felt extremely welcome and loved there. If you'd like more info, email me.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by pr0fess0rx

I have been offered a nice engineering job but I have my doubts about moving to Madison Wisconsin from New York. I need to ask the members of this forum, would I be discriminated against if I move there. As an African American, will I have trouble with crosses being burnt in my lawn and so on? (Maybe I watch too much tv). The housing prices out there look pretty cheap but I do not believe it is worth it if some people around there will give me a hard time. Can someone help me with this?

This can't be a serious post.

[pr0fess0rx]

Originally Posted by Drover

This can't be a serious post.

Yes it is a very serious post. This is something I have to really think about when considering relocation. My family does not want me to go for the very reason that they are scared for my safety. It is a scary thought that the world we live in forces us into being afraid in this way.

[Drover]

If you're that scared, don't ever leave your house. Good God, get a grip.

[gallon]

Professorx, if it would help you to decide, Madison went hugely, overwhelmingly for Obama.

[Indi9]

In my experience as a Black woman who is definitely on her way back to Madison, this is not a place where we have to fear for our lives. Most of the people I have met, many of whom have become my dear friends, are racially and otherwise socially aware and accepting. The few you might choose to worry about are typically only covertly racist. This type of racism can take the form of staring, glaring, ignoring, tokenism, comments that come from having been fed stereotypes of Black people or other people of color, denial of racism, and/or freezing you out. Not a big deal, imo; and few and far between. I hope you will seriously consider moving to Madison and not let the fear or fear-mongering overcome you, esp. if you have some very good reasons for moving to Madison. Imo, the key to enjoying Madison, or any other place for that matter, is to be as clear as possible about who you are and what you have come there to do--i.e. in terms of work, community involvement, etc. Be yourself, get focused, get involved, and enjoy yourself. That way you will attract the people who are on the same wavelength and not be so concerned about those who are not. I hope this helps. Feel free to contact me if you want more information--largely anecdotal, of course.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Indi9

In my experience as a Black woman who is definitely on her way back to Madison...

Curious, from where? Didn't realize you'd even left...

[Indi9]

I graduated from UW way back in the 80's and have returned several times since then, to take courses, to vacation, and to get to know Madison all over again. I lived in Madison for about six years and then moved to Louisiana, where I earned my Masters, then to Syracuse for my MFA, then to Illinois to teach at the University of Illinois, and then not-so-finally to New York City where I have been living for twelve going on thirteen years. It's been quite a journey, leading me back to Madison over and over and over again. lol

[Indi9]

Back to the subject of churches: Are there any progressive churches in Madison, not nec. all Black, but with enough diversity to be welcoming and not of the mindset where a Black person would be considered unusual or stand out? I actually prefer to worship in churches that are diverse in terms of race, culture, age groups, etc.--as I do here in NYC--but I am more concerned about whether or not the church is progressive or liberal in terms of it's theology/spirituality, active in the community, and hopefully creative. I am an English/Humanities instructor, poet/writer, singer, and community arts organizer.

[Drover]

I don't know that there's anything other than progressive churches in Madison, but safe to say the closer to campus the more progressive it is likely to be.