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In the first half of the 20th Century, Bronzeville became a vibrant “city within
a city” providing housing, economic opportunities, and entertainment to Blacks
who were prevented from accessing other parts of Chicago by restrictive housing
covenants and other racially-motivated policies and regulations. By 1950,
Bronzeville was the center of Black Chicago and, along with Harlem, NY, the
economic and cultural capital of Black America. It was one of the most
economically integrated, culturally rich, and socially exciting communities in
the United States; and, it served as a key gateway for African Americans
immigrating from the South seeking opportunities in broader America and for
Americans of all backgrounds seeking the best of black culture and community.
With the Civil Rights movement and the dismantling of segregation beginning in
the 1950s, many African American families left Bronzeville, which had become
overcrowded. As a result, Bronzeville’s population declined by more than 75%
between 1950 and 2000 and much of the community’s economic base was lost. Today,
Bronzeville is rebounding, driven by the return of professional African
Americans who are investing in rehabilitating homes alone the still-gracious
avenues of the community, by working class African Americans who remained in the
community through high and low times, and by a diverse mix of other residents
and stakeholders. Much work remains, but we believe this community can once
again be a black center of culture and commerce and serve as a critically
important gateway to America and to black culture and community. This is the
promise of Bronzeville.
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