Is it safe for African Americans to visit the area of Tunica?? Please Respond... (Jackson: movies, school)

[Mzshaunda]

I was just wondering if someone could give me their perspective on whether or not it is safe for an out of town African American in the town of Tunica? I just purchased a week at a resort there but now I am hearing lots of "horror" stories about the way of culture and how the majority of people in that area are still stuck in the 40s-50s-60s. Can anyone clarify if this is true? I live in Virginia Beach, VA and RARELY EVER have I came into contact with racism and I do mean RARELY EVER. But after watching a HBO special on a Missisisippi town called Charleston and then hearing stories from others I am reluctant to make the trip. I love to travel and will go anywhere but not if there is a chance I wont return...lol

[kentuckydad95]

First off, I am white, but have been to Tunica. Tunica is fairly close to Memphis and would be willing to bet that most of their business comes from that city. Memphis is 63% African-American. When I was in Tunica, I never witnessed any type of hatred of any kind, but racism could happen anywhere. It's like a mini Las Vegas and I don't think you will have any problems.

[peppermint]

I seriously doubt you will have any problems that close to Memphis.

[kinkytoes]

Cool, I was thinking about going there because I heard it's the southern Vegas. I won't make fun of you, because I saw the Mississippi and I got a little scared, too. :blush Hey, I went to school with a girl from the south, and she used to spell Mississippi in some cute way with "snake" for the "s"'s and "pollywog" for the "p"'s.

[southernnaturelover]

Tunica County is over 70% black, I don't know why on earth a black person would feel unsafe there.

[mccarley]

Its all just part of the media bias against Mississippi.

[princessbeiter]

Yes, once upon a time, Mississippi was a dangerous place for African-Americans. But so was most of the US. What the old stories don't tell you is the Klan was active all over the country.

Now, I was born in Mississippi and have lived here a great deal of my life. I am white, so I do see things a little differently. I've lived in Tennessee, Kentucky, and California, and I have to say that California is by far the MOST racist place I've ever been.

Down here in Mississippi, we don't walk around calling people ugly names. You won't here the "n" word from any white person, unless he's over 70 and senile. We don't call people "darkies" or anything else like you see in the movies. I'm sure that happened way back yonder, as we like to say, but I was born in 1964 and have never heard people talk, or act, like that. At least not in public. Of course we use ugly words, but we do have manners. We keep that stuff at home. I won't lie and say there is no racism here, but it comes from both sides. We're normal people. We go to school, work, play, whatever.

Visit Tunica with no fear. Hey, visit Choctaw, MS, down near Jackson, we have a great casino and resort there. Silver Star and Golden Moon and there's even a water park and golf course. We don't care what color your skin is, just as long as your money is green. lol

Oh, check out the river boat casinos in Vicksburg and the big ones on the Coast. They've been rebuilt since Katrina and are up and running.

We love company, so y'all come on down and have a great time!

[Dd714]

I hate posts like this, it's hard for me not to just shake my head in wonder and sadness about the misconceptions people have - or it might be a troll post designed to get this reaction, but I am interested in what that HBO documentary was about that the OP talked about.

[Ga mountain girl]

I dont know about African Americans visiting that area. I have been scouting around for a place to live there and I am an Irish American. ( I dont like being called "white") I'm not having any problem. I guess you shouldnt either
Good luck!

[aiangel_writer]

The documentary ( Prom Night in Mississippi) was one that followed the senior class of Charleston and how they were having two proms, one all white that was a private affair paid for by private funds and the regular prom. Morgan Freeman makes several appearances in it talking about the racism in and around Charleston. There is a couple who is black/white and parents are interviewed.

I decided to watch it the other night just to find out what it was about and honestly, I came away disgusted. I live here in MS and have NEVER seen what these people are talking about. If what they say is true, then it must be contained close to the Delta. Sigh.

Just another nail in the coffin for the image of a state that has bent over backwards trying to overcome her past.