Northern Indiana and race (South Bend, Elkhart: to live, moving, ordinances)

[81scribner]

So, I am curious as to how race relations are in Northern Indiana/S. Michigan. From what I understand, the South Bend area actually has a pretty high Latino population but most of northern Indiana is pretty white. Reason why I ask is because I am white, my wife isn't, and we are thinking of moving into the area and I want to know how she would be accepted if we move there, which we might. Terrible question to have to ask, I know, but I am an east coast guy who is not at all familiar with midwestern American life, except for what I hear and read....

[grmasterb]

what do you hear and read?

[summer22]

South Bend, the city itself, is very diverse and welcoming... this is a very progressive area in terms of having non-discrimination ordinances on the books, and with minorities having a voice in government.

In the more suburban areas, you might find other opinions, but generally Midwesterners in Northern Illinois and Indiana speak thoughtfully and even if they have a negative opinion, aren't going to hassle you. We all work among diverse people, and this is part of life. Where people choose to live, there is still some segregation, but more its along economic lines and not as much along racial/ethnic lines. I think you would have more problems in rural areas than you would in the cities or the suburbs.

In the last 10-15 years we've noticed there have been more mixed race couples in the region, and interestingly, white families adopting African-American children or children from other cultures, even in some of the smaller towns. In talking to some folks, it seems that for Christian families that wanted to adopt, their hearts opened to children who were really in need, and as a result we have a good number of mixed race families that have been accepted by their churches and extended families. This has gone a long way.

[ischyros]

South Bend and Elkhart are very diverse areas. Goshen is about 25% Hispanic. I don't think race relations are much of a problem in that area. The possible exception being Benton Harbour. It wasn't that long ago there were riots over a three or four day period after a white cop shot a black kid, if I remember right. I still don't think the area has recovered.