African-American Communities in the Tampa Bay Area (Largo, Riverview: fit in, 2014)

[muhdfam1]

My job is relocating to the Tampa Bay Area. Please don't take offense to this but does the Tampa Bay area have any positive African-American Communities? From most of the posts I've read it seems like there isn't any. I'm not looking for a "Black" neighborhood because I love diversity, but I'm raising two teenage African-American sons. With so many negative portrayals of young black males in society today, I just want to make sure I'm bringing them into a fostering environment. Being in a positive community with people who look like them is very important to me.

A great high school is very important to me as well. Both of my sons are really into STEM (Engineering) so if anyone have any high school recommendations that would be awesome.

Thanks

[NALEXAND]

There are some AA communities in Tampa that have been around for years that I vaguely am aware of. However, I live in the suburbs in Riverview with a son and he's perfectly fine here as this area is very diverse and safe. Most of Tampa Bay is diverse in my opinion.

[lavender]

Check out Pinellas and Hillsborough County website and their STEM magnets and similar if there are none (sorry been out of the magnet thing for a while now) Try and be closer to them.
My son has a lot of African American friends who have grown up with him and gone to college from the Seminole/Largo areas. We are not African American.
Seminole is less diverse, Largo which runs into Seminole has good and not so good areas, but more diverse,both are close to beaches and have access to good schools (Seminole schools) but I am not sure if they offer STEM - you would need to check.
No one can ignore how tough it can be for young black males with life chances, good luck to your family.

[rd711]

I live in South Tampa, I've mentioned that here that we are the true minority in our neighborhood but we haven't felt any discrimination and are welcomed. We travel to St Pete to get that feel sometimes, to get a good plate of soul food or bbq but stay in a different area. I asked the same question and to be honest I havent found and middle class AA communitites here, but its not been missed. I have 3 boys one headed to high school and is doing well, I enjoy having them mix and be friends with everyone.

There are a few schools that have STEM programs and you can look them up on the websites.

To be honest, what I've seen in St Pete isnt positive, but I havent seen the entire area so I cant pass judgement. We moved her Jan 2014 but if you would liek any information, I'll do what I can to help.

[Fl1150]

Tampa is very mixed place but maybe look at New Tampa which is very diverse but median income in that area is pretty high so I'm thinking a lot of black professionals live in that area. Also St. Pete is home to what I call traditional black areas that have the same problems sadly a lot of black communities go through across the country like crime, poverty and whatnot. However like was said I think your kids should fit in well here since they are exposed to different cultures.

[muhdfam1]

Thanks lavender, rd711, and Fl1150 so much for this information. We are planning to visit the area next month to spend a week touring the different communities.

[things and stuff]

I think progress village may have the highest concentration of African Americans, if that's really important to you.

[muhdfam1]

Thanks NALEXAND and things and stuff. I will research those areas as well.

[MAniacTHW]

Tampa is in the process of rebuilding a park to celebrate the history of African Americans in the city. It's going to be right next to the Encore project just outside of downtown.

[rd711]

We love being here in Tampa, my boys have more than enough sports and activities to keep them busy and active, so many that it takes a chart and a calendar to keep things in order. There are times that I would like to have some friends to have dinner with or just hang out with that are our age group and AA but we have found that we have made friends here of all ethnic groups and it's been great. I read many of the post that are negative about Tampa and I find those problems about every city in the country, the world.

So far the area has been good to us and our family so please don't let the post positive or negative sway you, it's something you'll need to learn for yourself and find whats best for you and yours. Again, any help you all need just hit me up!