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Black Upward Mobility and Neighborhood Change in Cleveland, 1900-1980

Chandler Ward

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Published in Surrogate Suburbs: Black Upward Mobility And Neighborhood Change In Cleveland 1900 1980

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The Great Migration was a period of mass migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North, Midwest, and West. This migration began in the early 20th century and continued until the 1970s. Cleveland, Ohio was one of the major destinations for black migrants during this time.

Surrogate Suburbs: Black Upward Mobility and Neighborhood Change in Cleveland, 1900–1980

by Todd M. Michney

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4387 KB
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Print length	:	350 pages

Black migrants to Cleveland faced a number of challenges. They were often discriminated against in housing, employment, and education. They were also more likely to live in poverty and to experience crime and violence. Despite these challenges, many black migrants were able to achieve upward mobility. They bought homes, started businesses, and sent their children to college.

The book Black Upward Mobility and Neighborhood Change in Cleveland, 1900-1980 explores the experiences of black migrants in Cleveland. The book draws on a variety of sources, including census data, city directories, and oral histories. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and political factors that shaped the lives of black Clevelanders and their neighborhoods.

The Great Migration to Cleveland

The Great Migration was a major turning point in the history of Cleveland. In 1900, there were just over 8,000 black people living in the city. By 1930, that number had grown to over 85,000. The majority of these migrants came from the rural South. They were looking for better jobs, better housing, and better educational opportunities.

Black migrants to Cleveland often settled in neighborhoods that were already home to black residents. These neighborhoods were often overcrowded and segregated. They were also more likely to experience crime and violence. Despite these challenges, black migrants were able to create a sense of community in their neighborhoods. They built churches, schools, and businesses. They also organized social and political groups.

Black Upward Mobility in Cleveland

Despite the challenges they faced, many black migrants to Cleveland were able to achieve upward mobility. They bought homes, started businesses, and sent their children to college. This upward mobility was due to a number of factors, including:

* The growth of the black middle class * The expansion of the black economy * The rise of black political power

The black middle class in Cleveland grew rapidly during the Great Migration. This was due to the increase in the number of black professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers. The black middle class also benefited from the expansion of the black economy. This expansion was fueled by the growth of black-owned businesses.

The rise of black political power in Cleveland also helped to improve the lives of black residents. Black politicians were able to pass legislation that benefited black neighborhoods. They were also able to appoint black people to positions of power in the city government.

Neighborhood Change in Cleveland

The Great Migration and the subsequent black upward mobility had a significant impact on the neighborhoods of Cleveland. Black neighborhoods became more crowded and more diverse. They also experienced an increase in crime and violence. White residents began to move out of these neighborhoods, a process known as white flight.

White flight was fueled by a number of factors, including:

* The fear of crime and violence * The desire for better housing and schools * The rise of racial prejudice

White flight led to the decline of many black neighborhoods in Cleveland. These neighborhoods became more impoverished and more dangerous. They also experienced a decline in the quality of housing and schools.

Black Upward Mobility and Neighborhood Change in Cleveland, 1900-1980 is a valuable contribution to the study of the Great Migration and its impact on American cities. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and political factors that shaped the lives of black Clevelanders and their neighborhoods. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Cleveland, the Great Migration, or urban America.

Surrogate Suburbs: Black Upward Mobility and Neighborhood Change in Cleveland, 1900–1980

by Todd M. Michney

4.7 out of 5