Bronzeville: The Mecca of Black Culture and Excellence

This tour is not a walking tour but rather, a driving tour. Bronzeville is the pulse of African American History right here in Chicago. Between 1910 and 1970, African Americans fled the oppressive south heading north to what was known as "The Freedom Land". Millions headed north where opportunities of equality were supposed to be available to them. For those that arrived in Chicago, they quickly discovered that opportunities of advancement of any sort were not available to them. Most African Americans were poor and unfamiliar with big city ways. They arrived with their worn suitcases, hopes, dreams and aspirations which they kept close by their sides. They brought with them a creative spirit and a rich culture that would change the face of Chicago forever. A migrant is a person who moves from one place to another to find better living conditions and work. By 1970, it was estimated that there were more Blacks on the south-east side of Chicago than in the entire state of Mississippi. Migrants were arriving in such vast amounts, the area on the south-east side became known as the Black Belt. Many felt that the name the Black Belt was an insult to those living within restricted boundaries. Living within this community, African Americans were not allowed to shop or live outside of the area. A gentleman by the name of James Gentry, a theater editor for the "Chicago Bee Newspaper", suggested the name Bronzeville for he said that African Americans skin color was closer to bronze than black. The name was then popularized by the Chicago Defender, a black newspaper with nationwide circulation. Bronzeville was once compared to the Harlem Renaissance. From 1920 to the 1950's Bronzeville was a breeding ground for: poets, artists, politicians, musicians, entrepreneurs, writers, dancers, and cooks such as Ms. Nancy Green who we know as "Aunt Jemima". If you would like to take an in-person Tour of Bronzeville or other neighborhoods in Chicago, call: ALL ABOUT US TOURS at (312) 879 - 9836, visit our website at www.allaboutustours.com or email: info@allaboutustours.com The photo below is by : Alicia Dumas