Would you move to predominantly white area as a black woman

[AmyJahabee]

Hi would you move to predominate white neighborhood when you are black with two black kids as a single mum? Kids are school age. I’m in Derby and looking to move to Allestree, Darley Abbey area but I’m aware is mainly white people live there. Anyone with any experience being an ethnic minority and living in a predominantly white area? Would you recommend I move to a more diverse area? Anyone experienced any racism in a similar situation?

Is there a particular reason why you are looking to move to this area? I would definitely advise caution, as you have black children. I do not think that it would be in their best interest, if you have the option to move to a more diverse area, I would do that instead.

I've done this as a single black woman. I fell in love with a house and didn't really think about the racial make-up of the area. I just wanted peace.

I do love my home, but it is very hard being the only black person in the area. If I had kids, I'd move to a place where they can see themselves, to be honest.

As a Black woman who grew up in your white area don't do it. It really impacts you in way I can't explain despite me being an adult I've had to have about three years of therapy.

I wanted to let you know about my area. It's very white. A few months ago a black family moved into my road and some of my neighbours have been horrendous. They're so racist without even realising it.

Thank you all @MotherOfRatios sorry for what you went through. I planning for the move due to secondary school catchment, the school is the best in the county I’m based and from talking to other people there’s a ethnic minority in the school not a lot but in Derbyshire this is expected. Another thing I naturally keep myself to myself so don’t really socialise with neighbours just worried about my kids making friends and to be included in with other kids

Going to the best school in the County is all good, and well OP. There should, in an ideal world be no reason why they should not take advantage of the opportunities that I presume such a school would offer. But it will be to the detriment of their self esteem to live in an environment where they will not see themselves reflected back. It would have a lasting negative impact on them, and would be best avoided for their sake, and your own.

Another one to chime and say avoid.

I grew up in predominantly white areas and it really harmed my self esteem not having any black friends or seeing other families that were like ours. My mum decided to move to these areas thinking they were ‘posh’ and totally ignored the racism we all experienced and had to fight with. Now I have my own kids I would not live in an area where they don’t see themselves, or where I don’t see people like me. Being part of a community which is inclusive and diverse is so important for good quality of life.

Sorry Op

I also went to some of the best schools in my city and it still wasn't enough to counteract what I have endured. A lifetime of struggles isn't worth it imo.

This post makes me so sad, mainly because race shouldn't still be an issue in this day in age 😞

I work with and share an apartment block with a whole diverse range of families and the church next to me has the most amazing services on the weekend for the black community. I love seeing how dressed up the families get and the singing is incredible. Now I have my baby I sit with the window open so we can hear the singing better.

I hope you find somewhere where you feel safe OP x x x

Thank you for sharing your helpful comment. That is so useful to the OP.

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But who asked you?

Just another poster who has to come on here with their useless input. When white people suffer from racism day in, day out, maybe then your opinion may be of some value to us on this board, concerning this particular topic. Until then....

I am not black, sorry, but my husband is and we have two sons. We live in a very white area and my sons were a novelty in their schools. Oh we've got a Black Kid and they thought of my sons in stereotypes.
So while they weren't verbally abused they were certainly "othered" and to a great extent expected to perform white people who've always lived in a white area's stereotypical perception of black people if that makes sense.

My sons are in their 20s now and they do have negative feelings about the colour of their skin.

I'd say don't do it. Don't make our mistake. It's not worth it.

As to the poster who said yes but she wouldn't want to be a white woman in a predominantly black area - cock off. It is so much easier for us everywhere! Do you know nothing? There is no double standard simply because of the complete and systemic inequalities that have continued for centuries. It's not the same thing or anywhere close. Next you'll be banging on about 'reverse racism'

I'm embarrassed by you.

Are you delusional? It's literally every thing to do with race.

Well said. White people just love to deflect and make themselves the victim.

I should edit my last post to say ‘some’ white people, certainly not all.

I am not going to bother answering anything else from that poster. Posters on here have taken the time to say how they/ their families have been affected, only to be dismissed by that poster, who is now saying it is nothing to do with race. I do not know how they have the gall to say these things, when they have no knowledge of what they are talking about.

Yes, good call, posters like @IncompleteSenten are not like that.

I agree, I reported the posts too. It is a shame that having this space doesn’t mean protection from posters trying to derail and minimise our genuine concerns. I’m glad they have been deleted.

Op I do hope the genuine posts are helpful in deciding your next move.

I mean if you live in the UK you should expect there to be areas that are mainly white areas. If you were in India would you move to a mainly Indian area? For me I like to stay in places with more diversity due to my own background but I wouldn't be put off living around any group of people as long as the area is nice.