The term “Black Flight” has been growing steam in recent years. No doubt in reference to the “white flight” movement of the late 1950s and 60s where white Americans began to leave urban areas bubbling with a more diverse population for a suburban life away from changing cities.
So why is the reverse happening now?
Black migration patterns have changed dramatically in different eras since the legal end of slavery in 1865. In a period from 1910 to the 1970s, Black southerners left the south to escape Jim Crow racism and hopefully build a better and safer life for themselves and their family. Sadly, many who moved north found the same issues wrapped in a different skin.
Human nature often repeats itself so the same reasons our ancestors left the south repeat themselves today. Black people are leaving cities to escape crime, lack of employment opportunities, and failing school systems. However, many of us find that the suburbs brings with it its own challenges as many of these problems persist no matter where we live.
Moving to suburbs may be a great option for many of us but it is important ot keep in mind that no matter where we go in this country, we will always face some adversity just for being who we are.