African Americans in Rio Grande Valley-Mcallen,etc (Laredo, Brownsville: school, living)

[my2reward]

Hi,

I have read a lot of posts about RGV and posts from caucasians(anglo). I have not seen any posts that mentions african-americans. Looking at wikipedia, I notice that african americans is less than 1% of the population in cities like Mcallen, Brownsville, Harlingen, Edinburg and Laredo.

So I would like to know what the valley is like for AA and whether you know or have met any AA in the medical profession(doctors or nurses). Which city seem to have more AA or will be more accommodating or is RGV simply a no go area?

Thanks

[CptnRn]

AA's are pretty rare in the valley. See this map from the Texas State Demographer's Office.

http://txsdc.utsa.edu/download/pdf/txcensus/black.jpg (broken link)

Office of the Governor - Rick Perry

[blkgiraffe]

Originally Posted by my2reward

Hi,

I have read a lot of posts about RGV and posts from caucasians(anglo). I have not seen any posts that mentions african-americans. Looking at wikipedia, I notice that african americans is less than 1% of the population in cities like Mcallen, Brownsville, Harlingen, Edinburg and Laredo.

So I would like to know what the valley is like for AA and whether you know or have met any AA in the medical profession(doctors or nurses). Which city seem to have more AA or will be more accommodating or is RGV simply a no go area?

Thanks

I know a few blacks from that area and they usually are fluent in Spanish.

[956kidd]

Its true AA are a small percent of the population in the Valley and Laredo but out of all the cities, McAllen has the most diversity in South Texas (other than Corpus) but don't believe there arent any discrimination to AA what so ever.

[hellpaso]

The only AA people I know are in the medical/nursing professions.

[my2reward]

Thanks. If I come to TGV it will be as a nurse. I just wonder what the living conditions would be like with two young kids. I wish I knew someone that could really give me a first hand account of their experience.

In any event, I appreciate the replies.

[First24]

Many of the blacks you will see in the RGV will be likely be associated with UT-Pan American in Edinburg.

[Ms.C RGV]

No major descrimination, unless. You do not know Spanish. Many expect you to speak it. I have been reprimanded on the job by clients for having the audacity to not be fluent. I have two under 5yr old & they are holding their. Own in daycar & playgroups. You may get gawking toddlers & schoolta age children, but adults not so much. I have discovered the Hispanic culture here seem to have no sense of "personal space". They will brush up against you in the check-out line & not bat an eye at being close enough to smell lunch while talking. The one thing that urks me though is not t fascination with our hair but they have no qualms with trying touch it. I've had to smack grown women's hands for reaching for my kids hair walking through the grocery store. No personal space!

[hellpaso]

Ms. C--that has nothing to do with your kids' hair or race. It's considered lucky by some, esp. older people, to touch a small child's head, as well as being a blessing to the little one.

[hourglasseyes]

don't even try to explain hellpaso, apparently she has moved there but she's not trying to assimilate into the culture

I lived on the border, and I never had anyone get "too close" ..what do u want them to do..back up 50 ft? If you don't like the culture then move, simple as that.