Houston vs Dallas for African Americans (Fort Worth, Arlington: employment, neighborhoods, living in)

[UTHORNS96]

As anybody that reads the national forums knows, these two cities are routinely brought up in the conversation of "Black Meccas" (If you don't like that term, deal with it). My question is which of these two is the best in Texas when it comes to social and cultural opportunities for African-Americans? Also consider race relations, specifically with the police departments of each city. Here are some other things to keep in mind.

Live Music (Jazz and R&B lounges as well as Hip-Hop)
Food (Soul food kitchens and other black owned restaurants)
Neighborhoods (which has the more centralized black population?)
Opportunities (which city do blacks seem to thrive better in when it comes to employment and financial situation).
Cost of living in middle class black neighborhoods

[HtownLove]

neither are black Meccas. Both metros have a lot of black folks.

Live Music- not sure
Food- Houston
Neighborhoods with more centralized pops- Close but Houston has more of them
Opportunities and Cost of living are about tied

[UTHORNS96]

I don't want to de-rail the thread too much. But what do you think these two cities are lacking that doesn't allow them to become black meccas?

[AlGreen]

Originally Posted by UTHORNS96

I don't want to de-rail the thread too much. But what do you think these two cities are lacking that doesn't allow them to become black meccas?

They are black meccas in their own right, just not on the same tier of DC or Atlanta. Houston and Dallas lack the history, political power, and overall influence those cities posess.

As far as which city is more of a black mecca, their mostly the same, but many people will be inclined to give the edge to Houston.

[Exult.Q36]

Except for Columbus, Ohio; Philadelphia; and Indianapolis, the major cities whose Black population grew were in the South.
Charlotte's Black community rose a stunning 47.9 percent, while Jacksonville's increased 20.7 percent. Both communities jumped ahead of Indianapolis in African-American population during the decade.
Other cities with strong Black population increases were: Fort Worth, 32.4 percent; Columbus, Ohio, 28 percent; and Nashville, 18.6 percent.

Fort Worth African American population grew by 32.4%. Very interesting considering the national trend is African Americans to the suburbs. Mansfield, Arlington, Crowley, Burleson, all saw massive increases in African American population.



Local Growth outpaces national rate - Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper: Features: local growth outpaces national rate, indy has 13th largest black community,

[Dopo]

From my point of view the only issues that black people should be concerned with is (1) It's there a lot of successful black people in that city/community (2) Are successful black families welcomed in wealthy communities.

The places that I've seen that meet those 2 criteria seem to be excellent places for successful black people.

Between Dallas and Houston ... I don't know.
But I would guess that Houston would take it.

[Metro Matt]

HOUSTON no question about it!

The Black population is waaay more diverse down in H-town.

You have Cajun/Creoles, Jamaicans, Nigerians, etc. as well as a whole lot more AA folks.

Houston is right up there with Atlanta & DC for Blacks.

[k_s]

Originally Posted by Dopo

From my point of view the only issues that black people should be concerned with is (1) It's there a lot of successful black people in that city/community (2) Are successful black families welcomed in wealthy communities.

The places that I've seen that meet those 2 criteria seem to be excellent places for successful black people.

Between Dallas and Houston ... I don't know.
But I would guess that Houston would take it.

There are only 2 criteria that AAs need to look at?

I guess educational, civic, and service opportunities should be put on the back-burner, huh?

[llmrkc07]

either city would be good but for wht you are looking for Houston has it and may have a little more

[elan]

I'd say Houston probably has an edge, just because of the live music and food.