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I am a 41 year old Black female, single professional who may be moving to RI for a new job. I am from Los Angeles - born and raised. Are there any black folk in RI? Where are they? What are they like? I also hear that Boston and New York are very, very close. How is the drive? Where are good places to live? Finally, please tell me about fun places to go and do in RI? Shopping? Spas? Yoga classes? The Arts? Clubs? I see you only have 1 (count 'em ONE) Religious Science church in all RI!!!! Will I like leaving California for Rhode Island? Don't answer that! Please, give me your honest opinion!
Thanks!
Last edited by msgenad; 03-22-2008 at 05:08 PM..
Reason: Spell out Rhode Island
Rhode Island is about 88% white- with minorities of African Americans, Latino & Asian.
Providence, the states largest city has a A diverse population, as follows; 45% white, 15% AA, 30% Hispanic, 'other race' 17%, about 3% Asian.
Boston is less then an hour away. New York about 3 hours away. The drive to Boston is on I 95 north-while NYC- south on I 95, through RI and Connecticut into NY state and the city.
Providence is a cool city with a fair amount to do- shopping is excellent with Providence Place. The the River walk downtown offers much in all seasons. There are some Interesting bars, and many ethnic restaurants of delicious quality. Nightlife while more subdued then Boston is still fun.
Brown University offers much in the way of culture and other happenings. There is a fair amount of culture in the city, and with Boston so close- you will never need to worry about the arts, theater, etc.
East coast living and culture will be distinctly different then Los Angeles or San Francisco. New Englanders can be a wee conservative looking and acting- but liberal in their politics. The climate here will also be an adjustment, but eastern New England and Providence have some of the most moderate weather in New England.
Last edited by skytrekker; 03-23-2008 at 04:54 AM..
I would only add that his/her metion of culture shock: New England is VERY different from SoCal. It is my experince that California folks are much trendier and seem to place more empahis supon perosnal appearance and fancy cars than people here in New England. New Englanders tend to be practical folks who aren't especially flashy. People here may be initially cool but are quite genuine once you get to know us. RI in particualr is a rare bird; people in the state have been there for generations so it can, at times, be rather insular. But there is a small town friendliness, too, that comes with that familiarity.
Visually, many things in New England are old and kind of dumpy looking in many places, especially compared to new-ish California (again, practicality often trumps aesthetics here). So be prepared: most things in "New" England are old.
"Are there any black folk in RI?"
No but we would love to have you!
Honestly I live in Southern RI and I rarely see any African Americans. At all. HOWEVER I don't feel like there is any racial tension here. Of course I am white so I would say that right? But we have very large universities and a highly educated (and hopefully evolved) population. I have to agree, conservative in behaivior and very liberal politically. And yes there is yoga up the wazoo (Our puritanical history makes us predestined to be STRESSED OUT!)
The majority of RI's african americans live in Providence, though there is a sizable percentage in Newport, Pawtucket and East Providence. My neighborhood in Providence is predominantly AA (Mt Hope). I used to live in South County and it was mostly all white people. I agree with jakedog though, I almost never witness/hear of any racial tension in the state.
"Are there any black folk in RI?"
No but we would love to have you!
Honestly I live in Southern RI and I rarely see any African Americans. At all. HOWEVER I don't feel like there is any racial tension here. Of course I am white so I would say that right? But we have very large universities and a highly educated (and hopefully evolved) population. I have to agree, conservative in behaivior and very liberal politically. And yes there is yoga up the wazoo (Our puritanical history makes us predestined to be STRESSED OUT!)
Thank you me and my husband may visit the newport area and we are african american
Rhode Island's Black population is about 6% of the total population. One thing you may notice about the Black population in RI is that many are relatively new to the US. RI has a large number of recent African immigrants, mainly from western African countries such as Liberia.
Most of the Black population resides in the urban cities such as Providence, Pawtucket, Cranston, East Providence, Woonsocket, and Newport.
There's also a good number of African-American military families in Middletown.
Mick
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Please, give me your honest opinion!
