African American Community and Business information in Minneapolis/St. Paul

[Squeaky2012]

Originally Posted by srsmn

All true. Also, typically better social services and safety nets in Minnesota than in other states, so when issues tied to deindustrialization-- income disparity and poverty, namely-- arose in places like Chicago, we became a magnet for transplants from that area (of any race, actually...)

The social safety net was a factor for some. Many AAs moved to the Twin Cities for professional opportunities; a recruitment effort occured during the 1960s under Mayor Arthur Naftalin's administration (I think that was his name) to bring in black professionals to work for 3M, Pillsbury, etc. Others moved in through word of mouth about the aforementioned jobs, social safety nets (read: public assistance), etc, or through professional recruitment during the 1980s/1990s/2000s.

What's funny is that only about 1% of all migrants from Chicago (largely black) got on welfare after arriving in Minnesota during the 1980s and 1990s (Google it). Most worked in low-skilled jobs, or were already part of the large black professional class in Chicago and other cities to begin with, and found opportunities in Minnesota.

What has stood out about the black migration to Minnesota (and now in Iowa), is that a disproportionate number of AAs were/are impoverished, as opposed to black migrants to Sun Belt cities (Atlanta/Houston/Dallas), many of whom tend to be college educated and middle-class to begin with who have family roots in the South and a desire to find cheaper housing and COL.

[StPaulEastSider]

If one of your family members is a young child, there is a German Immersion school near the UofM, I'm not sure if it's on the St. Paul or Minneapolis side, off the top of my head. There is a German Cultural Center in south Mpls with events throughout the year.

My ex is black and my kids are bi... Minnesota is pretty accepting of inter-racial relationships throughout the metro area. There are not predominately middle-class black neighborhoods/suburbs in the Twin Cities, such as what you'll find in southern states.

Shoreview and Arden Hills, suburbs north of St. Paul but near Mpls as well, has a lot of residents who hail from other countries, this is due to the fact several technology companies are located in the northern suburbs.

Good Luck!

[lunabobo]

I am not so much interested in having a 100% African American neighborhood, however, it would be nice to live in an area with a large percentage. We are use to Europe, where , everyone lives everywhere, however, there is the flavor of "culture". I need this because I have a small child and I don't want anyone being mean to her, because of her background. When we were in Norway, we were told there were a lot of African-Norwegians in Minnesota. We loved the people of Norway, they are wonderful, kind and open. So the very large population of Norwegians in the area was also a drawing point.
You all sound absolutely wonderful. I hope you all are a reflection of the people living there.

Thank you again for everything!