Are there many African Americans in Cheyenne? (Laramie: sales, hair salon)

[nicolej0818]

My husband and I in the process of relocating our family to Cheyenne. We were wondering about the racial makeup of Cheyenne. Also, what churches, hair salons, etc. are there?

[Earniefan]

Kim that works at JC Penney salon and Andre I can't remember where he works but someone in the business there could tell you, do all the black hair in Cheyenne. I worked with Kim, she has a large clientele and has been doing hair for years. She does chemical relaxers, flat irons, extensions, hot presses, etc. As far as churches go I would think they'll seem pretty calm compared to what I'm assuming you're looking for. I'm not aware of any predominantly African American churches in the area. If you're worried about racism, I wouldn't. Compared to what I've seen when I've been in Louisiana and Delaware there isn't any here. Things aren't segregated like they are in those areas.

[sunsprit]

Most of the African American community here is retired military or railroad workers, who have chosen to stay in the area.

For the most part, the ones I know are now managers in various companies, or public works jobs. They hold good jobs, with good benefits, and are well respected friends in our community. They are few in numbers, but they're not discriminated against. Oh, and a couple are in retail sales, commission paid, so they're meeting a lot of the general public in a professional sales capacity.

Cheyenne has a long history of genuine tolerance and acceptance. Indeed, one of the most treasured memories of Cheyenne lore is the very long term practice of an African American doctor in this area. Well liked, well respected, and known for many charitable acts of lasting value in this area, the memory isn't due to an outside activist influence ... it's genuine Cheyenne (and Wyoming) appreciation for a valued member of the community.

There's lots of reasons why the memorial at the top of the pass between Cheyenne and Laramie is the "Lincoln Memorial".

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by sunsprit

Most of the African American community here is retired military or railroad workers, who have chosen to stay in the area.

For the most part, the ones I know are now managers in various companies, or public works jobs. They hold good jobs, with good benefits, and are well respected friends in our community. They are few in numbers, but they're not discriminated against. Oh, and a couple are in retail sales, commission paid, so they're meeting a lot of the general public in a professional sales capacity.

Cheyenne has a long history of genuine tolerance and acceptance. Indeed, one of the most treasured memories of Cheyenne lore is the very long term practice of an African American doctor in this area. Well liked, well respected, and known for many charitable acts of lasting value in this area, the memory isn't due to an outside activist influence ... it's genuine Cheyenne (and Wyoming) appreciation for a valued member of the community.

There's lots of reasons why the memorial at the top of the pass between Cheyenne and Laramie is the "Lincoln Memorial".

Sounds like a good place
.

[ElkHunter]

The people in Cheyenne, just like most anywhere in Wyoming, will look at you as "how good of a neighbor you are". Treat people right, they'll do the same, regardless of color.

[nicolej0818]

We are really excited about moving to WY. I am looking forward to meeting such great people!

[jazzlover]

Contrary to the image portrayed (often in Eastern media) that the Rocky Mountain West is nothing but white supremacist bigots outside of the major metro areas, I think that Earniefan and others have stated quite well the general feelings of residents' toward blacks (or anyone else) in their communities. If people (of any race, creed or gender) become part of a community, contribute to the betterment of the community, don't break the law, and don't try to tell the people who have lived in the community for years (maybe generations) "Well, we did it this way in 'X'," they will likely be welcomed and embraced as valuable additions to the community.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who move to a community--rich, poor, white, not white, young, or old who violate one or more of those tenets. They are the ones that probably won't be welcomed into a community and probably shouldn't be. If people are judged by people in the Rocky Mountain West, it is for what they DO, not for the color of their skin.

I posted this story once before, but I will here again. Years back, I lived near a community of about 1,200 people in rural Colorado that had one (yes, one) black family living there. The father had been transferred to the town by a federal agency. They never were the subject of any discrimination or hatred that I ever heard about. They socialized freely with nearly everyone in the town. Their children went all of the way through school in the town and never had any problems. I think their kids were all honor students. The kids never faced any discrimination--that is, until one of them went to school at a major univeristy. The discrimination there was not from whites, but from other blacks (supposedly including one black "activist" professor), who called her an "Oreo"--"white on the inside and black on the outside." This girl was one of the most decent kids around--in no way deserving of such hurtful remarks. Her only "fault" was being a good student, not using drugs, not joining gangs, and striving to be a success in life (which I'm sure she is)--and happening to grow up in a "white" community.

Though I've not been around that particular town for years, the last I heard, that black family is still there and the parents stayed there after they retired.

[shadowwalker]

I worked with black, brown,red,yellow-people in wyoming. I never saw a color, I saw a person. I treated that person as they treated me. I always had a great time working and recreating with all of them. I never had a bad experience because of color. In Wyoming. But in other states and now here in Tennessee. I do have problems. Mostly I look white, and beleive me this goes back many many years before I got here.

[molon labe]

One side note:

This isn't as much of an issue with black Americans (I don't like hyphenated American terms as we're all Americans first IMO), but I'm noticing it up here with the Hispanic population..... Most people won't be happy if you try to change Wyoming into what it was like where you are from.

There are a lot of Hispanics up here that are bringing Spanish in... I've noticed that it's a source of contention with a lot of people (myself included). The ones that speak English and are a part of the culture seem to be very well accepted assuming they are good people; the ones that are expecting others to speak Spanish for them are not very popular. I completely understand this sentiment however; I've been living in CA for the last several years and my wife (American citizen born and raised) couldn't find an administrative job for a year because she didn't speak a foreign language (Spanish). It's completely divided CA and caused a lot of problems; I don't blame people for wanting English to be the spoken language up here. It is America and all....

I get some sideways looks sometimes when people hear I just moved up from California.... the few that look at me funny always tell me it's not appreciated when people move up here and try to change the place. Once I reassure them that I'm not out to do that and that I left the People's Socialist Republic of CA for a reason they usually laugh and that's the end of it.

The one constant thing that I've seen is that if you come up here and adapt to the culture, treat others as you would be treated, and enjoy Wyoming for what it is 99% of the people accept you for who you are regardless of color. There are a lot of good people up here...... most are willing to give just about anybody a chance until they see otherwise.

[Earniefan]

What a bunch of PC crap! Very funny!

Wyomingites are anything BUT PC for your information, we're real people who tell it like it is. And we don't give a damn whether you like it or not.