Being Black in Wisconsin (Appleton)......... (Milwaukee, Madison: school, university, camp)

[ckhthankgod]

Here's something else ComputerBlue:Madison,Wisconsin,Black,Professionals,Group,Networ k (http://www.madisonblackprofessionals.com/index.html - broken link)

and some more:Home

Intercultural Events In Madison WI - Diversity and Cultural opportunities

Madison Magazine :: The Magazine of Lifestyle and Business :: Madison, Wisconsin (http://www.madisonmagazine.com/visitorguide/ - broken link)

[yo vanilla]

P.S. it really does get to 10F for weeks on end.

[Lookout Kid]

My uncle is black, and he wasn't allowed to sleep in a hotel in Appleton in the 1960s because it was a "sundown town". Appleton has changed considerably since then, and it's definitely the most happenin' Wisconsin town outside of Madison or Milwaukee, but Appleton is still just a tad bit hickish. And the Republican Party is king. There are tons of great people there (including many of my family members), but there's also a contingent of redneck types. But northern rednecks aren't like southern rednecks. They still like NASCAR and all, but are into deer hunting and are much better educated and friendly than their southern counterparts.

[Liz_E]

Lookout's right, the only thing any redneck/hick types would do is say something stupid, but probably not mean any harm, or only share any 'negative' comments with their friends ..
It is different farther north though, where people flaunt their confed. flags and their pickups more. and madison is definitely one of the only places where republicans are by far the minority.
but, i mean, obviously appleton isn't like it was in the 60's!

[ComputerBlue]

Originally Posted by Liz_E

Hi computer, i thought your post was interesting and i'm not sure if i can help, but i've lived in wausau all my life so i thought i'd add a few things..
first, winters really aren't quite as bad as described. In the last few years, winter has been getting really weird.. but not < ten degrees for weeks or whatever. I've worked at a car dealership and most people have all weather tires (radial).. i dont think you really need to buy separate snow tires!
i can't really imagine anyone staring at you because you're black in a city of +70thou. even if its 80% white. (if you have a 2-foot long orange mohawk.. maybe..lol) but you said you're friendly so no matter what i bet you will meet people right away.
I dont know what mediadoggie wants you to watch for in rural areas etc, but all i can think of is you'll get stared at (definitely, lol) anyone who is a bit different will be, that's how it is, unlike in, say.. madison where everyone's a bit unusual. lol.

Hee hee hee 2-foot long orange mohawk lol can u imagine?? All weather tires never heard of them now I know lol. Okay I will take ur word for it. Hopefully I will be arriving in the summer cause I will need to get prepared. I was looking at pictures of snow up there and its seems alot of those pictures were in some of the worst years but not the average percent of snow. I wish I could find site of really good appleton photos. I've seen really good ones of Madison and they are very beautiful I mean I was like wow. But then again I hear it wont be too nice in he future cause alot of people are moving there finding out about it. Thats the only turn off is alot of growth and traffic. I think I will stick with appleton. Seems pretty nice and quiet up there and I like peace even at my age lol. Thank you liz for the insight! Sounds like I should be okay there in Appleton!

[ComputerBlue]

Thank you Vanilla that was really helpful!. Thats a good variety of nightlife. I have a feeling I will be like you though soon finding a women to settle down with and not going out much lol but I dont mind that at all! I will check the site out I've been doing alot of youtube seaches about appleton. I was really amazed by the shady neighborhoods with so many trees. Looks really pretty. Thanks again!

[ComputerBlue]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

Here's something else ComputerBlue:Madison,Wisconsin,Black,Professionals,Group,Networ k (http://www.madisonblackprofessionals.com/index.html - broken link)

and some more:Home

Intercultural Events In Madison WI - Diversity and Cultural opportunities

Madison Magazine :: The Magazine of Lifestyle and Business :: Madison, Wisconsin (http://www.madisonmagazine.com/visitorguide/ - broken link)

Thanks ckhthankgod I will check them out

[ComputerBlue]

Originally Posted by yo vanilla

P.S. it really does get to 10F for weeks on end.

Well I say this I will find out who is right enventually lol!!!

[ComputerBlue]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

My uncle is black, and he wasn't allowed to sleep in a hotel in Appleton in the 1960s because it was a "sundown town". Appleton has changed considerably since then, and it's definitely the most happenin' Wisconsin town outside of Madison or Milwaukee, but Appleton is still just a tad bit hickish. And the Republican Party is king. There are tons of great people there (including many of my family members), but there's also a contingent of redneck types. But northern rednecks aren't like southern rednecks. They still like NASCAR and all, but are into deer hunting and are much better educated and friendly than their southern counterparts.

Sounds very encouraging. Yeah in the south they still have sundown towns believe it or not and there still some very old south thinking here. And my opinion its still sort of segegated. Just recently moved to Dallas Texas to be with the majority of my family. Originally form orlando florida. But I don't like dallas at all and I'm getn out of here soon. My family loves it here but I guess My dad and his side of the family were raised up in segregation so they are used to it. I just Love the world around me and I know there is better in other places.I was fortunate to grow up with whites and other races to see there is another world. Other blacks don't like it down here when ur a black educated American (they think your too white if you are) just trying to make a good living. I do in asince feel like a outkast but I don't really care. I just like to be in a safe town and live life without having to lookout the window everytime my alarm goes off in my car. Kind of sucks. Leave my keys in the ignition theory hell nah!! Not down here lol!!! I'm just askin for my lil Volkswagon beetle to be taken alive!!! Got to get up north in a hurry though lol. Call me joining white flight I'm on my way!!!

[tuckerfam]

I live in Appleton. Just wanted to comment on the posts here. I really like living here, it is small and thriving, and affordable. As far as being black in Appleton, I've never recieved any racial tension from living here. Everyone is very nice and polite. I think someone mentioned hestitation, there might be some of that initially for some, but once people realize that you are a decent person, and can talk english, and you can crack a smile now and then, they are fine - I think its just like meeting a new person. Also, there are more and more black people venturing her within the last 2 years. You might find it hard to become friends with other blacks, because there isn't a lot of commonality around where they congregate. Which to me can be a good thing. So, if you just get involved in the community into things that YOU want to do, eventually you might find someone that shares your same interests,....and may happen to be black. I had made the decision to move here or Green Bay, and Appleton is more trendy to me, more nice shopping, nice clean and overall gives you the "space" that you need.