Possible Relocation: Traditional African American Family

[irman]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

So they have a foursome of a Black, a Hispanic, an American Indian and a White.

Hah, the LDS Church is a great example of ethnic diversity.
At one time, their prophet had two counselors ....
One was Brown, and the other was Tanner .....

[US-Traveller]

Originally Posted by catperson93

We're a non-LDS but religious (Baptist) african american family who may be transferring to SLC. Our kids are 12, 13, & 15. Any ideas about whether we should decline this move or stick with it. My gut feeling tells me this is not the right move for us. We've lived around all cultures and races, so our kids are acclimated to a variety of people. Gotta be honest...we're a cute family. Active in the community, in church, and in local sports. I want to have that same vibe wherever we live, but I don't know if we'll be looked at the way I see us (as a cute, "Salt of the Earth" family) in SLC.

I am concerned that moving to SLC will marginalize us in terms of finding lasting friendships for our kids, and in terms of community acceptance and involvement. I know it would affect our own spiritual growth - in what way, I'm not sure. We're coming from a strong Christian background and the traditional churches that go along with it -are there predominately Af American Baptist chuches in SLC. And my 15 year old is just starting to date. I want his experiences to be great.

We have the option to say no...I just would like any SLC people to give me an honest opinion about how a move like this might affect us long term.

Thanks in advance.

Reverend Davis is very active in the Salt Lake community. I think that if you are serious about the move you won't regret it. He has appeared in some relocation guides for Utah that I've looked at.

Most African-Americans in the state of Utah are Mormons however, so you might have some interesting conversations should you try to network with others in the African-American community.

[US-Traveller]

Originally Posted by irman

Hah, the LDS Church is a great example of ethnic diversity.
At one time, their prophet had two counselors ....
One was Brown, and the other was Tanner .....

Low class.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by US-Traveller

Most African-Americans in the state of Utah are Mormons however, so you might have some interesting conversations should you try to network with others in the African-American community.

Are you sure of this? I really, really, really doubt that is the case. To begin with, it would be pretty darned difficult to prove. The LDS Church keeps excellent records on its membership, but as strange as it may seem, it doesn't keep track of its members' races or ethnic backgrounds (nationality, yes; race, no).

[US-Traveller]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

Are you sure of this? I really, really, really doubt that is the case. To begin with, it would be pretty darned difficult to prove. The LDS Church keeps excellent records on its membership, but as strange as it may seem, it doesn't keep track of its members' races or ethnic backgrounds (nationality, yes; race, no).

I saw a survey a few years back that stated that slightly over half of African-Americans in Utah were church members.

[markg91359]

I think except for a couple of states like Minnesota or Wisconsin that Utah is a very "white" state. Those minorities here in significant numbers tend to Hispanic. So, in other words there is not a large African-American population.

Does this mean you will have trouble fitting in? Not necessarily. I think there are fewer racial problems in Utah than in most states. I think 20 or 30 years ago, I'd have the concerns that you expressed. I think today people are becoming less and less aware of race at all. This has been said before. However, a slight majority of Salt Lake County residents voted to elect Obama President.

I think if you get a home in Salt Lake County, you'd fit into the community just fine. And, I'll second what some others have said here too. Contact Reverend France Davis at the Calvary Baptist Church. He's a great man with lots of information and a huge asset to the community.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by US-Traveller

I saw a survey a few years back that stated that slightly over half of African-Americans in Utah were church members.

Well, I guess that that's better than nothing, but unless an enormous number of African-Americans were surveyed, it doesn't strike me as particularly reliable. I'm just basing my guess on the number of African-Americans I see in LDS worship services and in the Temple as compared to the number of them I just see around town. I could be wrong, but your statement still strikes me as inaccurate.