Tour Black Chicago - Street Scene

Following World War II, decades of economic disinvestment, social change and urban renewal, a community with significant architecture, rich history and lustrous appeal quickly diminished. Businesses shut their doors. African American residents moved to other neighborhoods following the elimination of restricted housing covenants. This resulted in one third of the housing stock becoming vacant or abandoned. In the 1960’s the infamous State Street public housing development corridor was built, bringing in large numbers of low income families. Currently, residents, institutions and community based organizations are working simultaneously to redevelop the historical and architectural grandeur of the community. These efforts have increase community pride and united leadership to improve the environmental conditions of one of Chicago's oldest neighborhoods.


	During the 1800’s the privileged Black class had businesses, sent their children to Black universities, dance classes, had white workers and no one thought much about it. However with the "Great Migration", a period that brought an estimated 120,000 Blacks from the South to Chicago, there was a change in social patterns and neighborhoods. Bronzeville blossomed with the migrants who found themselves restricted from most of Chicago's neighborhoods. Located seven miles from the Loop, Bronzeville boasted the first Black owned and operated bank and insurance company, as well as playing host to most jazz and blues greats of the day.
	Following World War II, decades of economic disinvestment, social change and urban renewal, a community with significant architecture, rich history and lustrous appeal quickly diminished. Businesses shut their doors. African American residents moved to other neighborhoods following the elimination of restricted housing covenants. This resulted in one third of the housing stock becoming vacant or abandoned. In the 1960’s the infamous State Street public housing development corridor was built, bringing in large numbers of low income families. Currently, residents, institutions and community based organizations are working simultaneously to redevelop the historical and architectural grandeur of the community. These efforts have increase community pride and united leadership to improve the environmental conditions of one of Chicago's oldest neighborhoods.