Diversity in Mobile *sorry but I can't think of a better term* (Enterprise: sales)

[Stones Throw]

Hi All: I've never lived in the South or downtown Mobile, but really enjoyed the folks I met there recently many of whom are involved in civic and community initiatives.

As a Californian working in the nonprofit sector (45yrs, white female), I'm accustomed to moving in and out of multiple worlds--it's a big crazy soup here of every demographic as you can imagine, Mexicans/Whites/Asians/Blacks/etc. Questions I have:

Who runs the town? I couldn't really seem to figure that out.
Can one part of town tell you much about what's going on in the other part of town?
Is there any kind of work or thinking going on about diversity in Mobile?
What are the key markers that distinguish different kinds of Mobilians?

Does Mobile have, or care about, community colleges?
Are there any public arts programs?
Do groups partner in any way to try and solve problems?
Just looking for some candid feedback here, thanks.

[evlb401]

Who runs the town? I don’t really know what you mean. We have a mayor and council form of government. If you are meaning by race……I would say our leadership is pretty even between black and white leaders. For the most part, they work together to get things done.

Can one part of town tell you much about what's going on in the other part of town? I would say No. There are areas of Mobile that are depressed and others that are flourishing. There are definitely poorer areas, middle class areas, and upper class areas like almost all cities of a certain size in America.

Is there any kind of work or thinking going on about diversity in Mobile? Yes, the city has been hosting meetings around town. Recently a group of African-American pastors have planned to conduct meetings in all the districts of the city to help facilitate a conversation about race.

What are the key markers that distinguish different kinds of Mobilians? Not sure how to answer this question. I would say the same markers that distinguish different kinds of people in any community in the US. Mostly race, income, and what neighborhood you live in.

Does Mobile have, or care about, community colleges? Yes, Bishop State Community college is located in Mobile and has several campuses throughout the city. Enterprise State also has an aviation community college at Brookley field near the Airbus manufacturing plant in Mobile. I think they have broken away way and are now a stand-alone aviation community college. Not 100% sure though. Faulkner State is also located in Baldwin County across the bay with three campuses. We also have one major public university (University of South Alabama), and two private colleges (Springhill College & University of Mobile).
Are there any public arts programs? Yes, there are several mostly run by the Mobile Arts Council and the City.

Do groups partner in any way to try and solve problems? Yes, there has been a lot of collaboration between different non-profits and government agencies to help solve a variety of problems in the community.

I hope this helps.

[Stones Throw]

huge thanks. I really like the general vibe, I fell in with a few people who are living in Mid Town and generally excited about being there and working on stuff. I know I'd be giving up the San Gabriel Foothills where I live (hiking/biking) so I'm also looking for ways to engage with people who are into the outdoors. To complicate matters further, I run with a bunch of crazy women who troll flea markets and vintage sales so I'm going to want to get into that too if I move to Mobile.

[MPC]

Originally Posted by Stones Throw

To complicate matters further, I run with a bunch of crazy women who troll flea markets and vintage sales so I'm going to want to get into that too if I move to Mobile.

If that's the case, Mobile does have a decent sized flea market but even better is that Mardi Gras Park is under construction in Downtown and will feature a open-air market as well.

[Stones Throw]

That is music to my ears!