Please help!!! African American family considering moving to east valley Az.

[MZBEA]

A person's experience in a place is always valid; based on their perceptions and reactions, means it's all very subjective. To the man who had a negative experience, you are definitely right as it concerns a number of communities in the Phoenix area.

To those who do not have children and base their opinions or experiences on stats: stats tell only a small portion of the story and stats can (and are often) skewed to either reflect a false sense of lack or a false sense of accomplishment. I dare say that somewhere in the middle lay the truth this lady seeks.

My experience as a Black woman in Phoenix is that it is a tough haul. Been In Arizona over twenty years and yes it IS very race conscious, bordering on racism but leaning heavily on prejudice. BTW (they are NOT the same thing).

This is compounded by the fact that the majority of businesses here prefer to hire illegals and yes they get away with it. A few are made example of for show. However, by and large the job market favors illegal and legal Mexicans.

If you have skills in the health field you should be able to find work rather easily because of the need. Keep in mind that you MAY have to take the Arizona Boards here to get re-certified for Arizona.

I have managed here so long by simply keeping my eye on my own concerns, ignoring prejudice and out right racism when possible and when I can not avoid it, I choose my battles well and usually win.

Mesa is an extremely conservative, Mormom-based area and I would encourage you not to move there. I agree that you should come and spend a week observing, testing the market and identifying areas YOU feel comfortable about.

Go with that gut feeling. You will be suprised. Go in with a positive attitude and remember that whatever the problem you face here....its THEIR problem...not yours. I hope you prosper.

[Bob's Burgers]

Why so much fear? Nobody really cares if you are African American, Mexican American, Asian American, or Irish American. People care about your values and manners. What are you going to bring to the community? Not what the community has to do for you.

[fcorrales80]

Yeah, true. I think this is all rhetoric and just fear itself. Perhaps even reverse prejudice and racism; there seems to be a misconception that a lack of blacks equals more discrimination and racism which is false.

[lazlaz]

Originally Posted by xenourtv

OP, please do not consider relocating your family to Arizona. I could give you a number of reasons as as a young black male who has lived in Arizona. I am telling you to reconsider your move and choose another place, because you should ultimately think about your child. If you allow him to grow up in an environment with little or hardly any ethnic diversity, he will grow up being oblivious to the struggle of being black a black man in America. The educational system in Arizona is terrible.

He might not encounter racism per say, because quite frankly most people in Arizona just keep to themselves because they either do not want to learn about anything or are afraid to learn. However it would grow on him and quite frankly in my opinion, make him as ignorant as many of the natives here further perpetuating most people stereotypical views about black culture. If you raise your child in Arizona he would come to the frame of mind that only white girls are beautiful, only white people can be managers, or white people can be wealthy. Do not allow his mind to be brainwashed, there are more great cities out there to relocate too that has much better diversity and accepts integration like Atlanta.

TO: XENOURTV

It is because of the small mindedness woooew is me attitude that people don't progess at work or life in general.

Please explain the difference between a BLACK man and a MAN.

I can only assume you have come to love white women, what is wrong with that? Did it not satisfy like minded folks? That is sad you are promoting the very thing you are trying to prevent.
I think this would be a good time to say you bess CHECK Yo self befo u wreck yo self!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No disrespect just trying to be down with the sickness.

[lazlaz]

Some post say it's not diverse or not that diverse??
I feel PHX is very diverse, just because it's not majority AA does not mean it's not diverse. It could be majority but I can't tell I guess it's just to big that everyone meshes well. I never had issues as I am a minority. It's about respect, if you walk around with a chip on your shoulder or prejudge then people will sense the attitude and probably give it back or they may just say heck with you and keep walking. People miss alot of good frienships this way which is really to bad.

[mrsaveyourlife]

Don't know of a relocation specialist buy my wife is an excellent hair stylist that will welcome you with open arms and make sure your hair is on point.... Moderator cut: sorry no recs less than 11 posts
We are also a young black couple with little kids in the East Valley that moved her 3 years ago from Louisiana and Texas... It's a little different out here in general but a great family place... We are now getting use to it and loving it more so now and for the price you mentioned you can find a really nice place in most areas in the East Valley... We are looking as well.. Good Luck on your move... Moderator cut: orphaned
!!!

[chipnjaz]

These race threads are boring and not productive.
This is the 21st century, our society today is by large very accepting.
Just hang out with people that give you value.

[Bill55AZ]

Originally Posted by MZBEA

I have managed here so long by simply keeping my eye on my own concerns, ignoring prejudice and out right racism when possible and when I can not avoid it, I choose my battles well and usually win.

Mesa is an extremely conservative, Mormom-based area and I would encourage you not to move there. I agree that you should come and spend a week observing, testing the market and identifying areas YOU feel comfortable about.

Go with that gut feeling. You will be suprised. Go in with a positive attitude and remember that whatever the problem you face here....its THEIR problem...not yours. I hope you prosper.

Please explain how black people can stand to BE Mormons, live in Mormon communities, and marry white Mormons. Is there something wrong with them, or with YOU?

[ElkHunter]

Sorry, we're not going down that avenue.