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How to Survive as a Black Person in the Phoenix Area
It’s been well-documented that I’m a native of Phoenix and I’m proud to live here.
I believe the Phoenix area has the potential to be a great home for African Americans but I’ve been seeing a trend that has troubled me for quite some time.
I can’t put my finger on what has happened within the last 10-15 years here, but it seems that African Americans in the Phoenix area do not feel the need to say “Hello” to each other when we see each other on the streets!
Phoenix is one of the largest municipalities in the United States but we have a small percentage of Black people in the metropolitan area. It seems that we would be excited to greet each other with a wave or a hello when we see each other in public because you never know when you might see another Black person!!
I remember when I was growing up in Phoenix, Black people seemed to be much more friendly towards each other.
I have a few theories on why Black people in Phoenix are less willing to acknowledge each other in public these days:
- Some people just weren’t raised to greet other people in public.
- The “What Can You Do for Me” phenomenon that has swept the nation! People in America are truly out for themselves! They don’t want to be bothered with other people unless those other people can deliver financial or social benefits!
- People are quick to make judgments on a person’s status based on their appearance.
- Old-fashioned prejudices about skin tone. There are still Black people living in Arizona and America today who are caught up in the “light-skinned/dark-skinned” madness!
- People are worried about becoming victims of crime. It’s sad, but these days, it’s just not safe to speak to all strangers in the Phoenix area.
- The prevalence of interracial relationships in the Valley makes it difficult or uncomfortable for the Black people involved to speak to other Black people.
- Most Black people in the Phoenix area are NOT natives. Therefore, they don’t feel an allegiance to this community – they are loyal to their hometowns of Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, etc. Therefore, they don’t feel a responsibility to be ambassadors for Phoenix and socialize with other black people in this community.
So how do we solve this dilemma?
There is no easy solution but African Americans in the Phoenix area have to work together to build a strong sense of pride in our community.
We need to join the African American groups in Phoenix that are hosting community events, town halls, fundraisers and networking opportunities.
On an individual level, we have to be more aggressive in finding nightclubs, community/cultural events, Black organizations, Black churches, etc.
If you’re out and about, don’t be afraid to ask Black people what they know about Phoenix! I’ve heard many great stories about how people became friends after approaching strangers in public with the same question! I’ve made great friends the same way!
Most importantly, we need to read our black newspapers and publications! PhxSoul.com, The Arizona Informant and other information resources are here to keep African Americans informed and engaged about what’s going on in Arizona and the world!
If you’re sitting on the couch, waiting for Phoenix to come to you, you’re not gonna like this place.
BUT if you are OPEN-MINDED and you do your homework, you’ll find that Phoenix has plenty of exciting things to do and see!
I’d love to read your feedback on this topic – I trust you all will have a lot to say whether you agree or disagree with me! Please feel free to share your Comments!!
Hello!!
Interesting views about the interaction of Black people in Arizona. I have been extremly curious about this topic for serveral years due to the fact that my husband and I are seriously planning to relocate to Arizona in the next 2 – 2 1/2 years. I am so excited about this new change for both of us, but at the same time, I am very nervous about the reception from the folks who are not US! So it is really surprising to hear that we may even experience some rejection from our own kind. WOW! I have no problems speaking to other Black brothers & sisters, peole of other cultures or becoming a part of a new community. We just want to live out the rest of our retired years in harmony, peace and enjoying life as it should be for anyone looking for a major change (relocation). I’ve been doing a lot of research online as well as making serveral trips to different parts of Arizona over the past 3 years trying to get a feel of the different communities and to determine that this is the right move for us. It is imperative that we make the right choice when we decide to buy a home and make one of these communities our new home and life. Coming from New York is a horse of a differnt color and consist of a fast past, energenic and diverse life style, but we are looking to slow it down a bit, relax and enjoy some of the scenic mountain views that has me so hypnotized(major attraction for me!) Looking forward to hear your view or any one else’s opinion on how we should proceed with accomplishing a smooth transition to the West coast. SO EXCITED RIGHT NOW!!!
Did you move there? If so how is it? I’m looking to move there soon and I’m a little apprehensive now.
Are you in az?
Did you guys move? I’m moving in a few months. It’s just my daughter and I. I would love to hear about how everything went for you both!
Hello fam. My wife forwarded this commentary to me because it’s been the topic of discussion for the two of us for about 4 years.
Neither she nor I are native to Phoenix. She is from Northern California and I am a native of Baltimore, MD. We are both Black and have a deep and effectual love for our people.
I can tell you from personal experience that it’s more often than not the Black people I encounter in my daily travels that DO speak are from somewhere else. I spoke to a lady in WalMart one day about a year ago and she asked where I was from stating most folk in PHX didn’t acknowledge other folk.
I honestly thought Black folks native to Phoenix were just rude and uncultured. I no longer believe that to be the case. People are people and we do what we do. Or this case-don’t do…
Now I have read your view and I realize maybe it’s just another example of the lack of cohesion to us as a people, and place of origin is secondary to the bigger issue at hand.
Either way- it’s sad; especially in light of the fact that Black men in this country are fast becoming an endangered species.
About a year ago I posted a comment in PHXSoul on this very topic. Perhaps you can post it as a comment.
Just left Phoenix after 16 years…Phoenix is different..No R&B station..a pretend jazz station..KKJZ..You either hang out in Scottsdale or Tempe (Mill Ave)..Really no great hangout places to mention..Hey it could be worse. Try living in Portland Oregon for 4 years? Talk about no black people..
lol for real! I am in portland now and moving to phoenix soon
I am from Phoenix and live in Phoenix currently. I lived in Atlanta for just over 10 years. I think many of the black people who live in Phoenix in 2017 are from another city. So my question tends to be where does the breakdown of community come from? I do not think it is a native vs. others issue. In Atlanta there is/was in fact a deeply rooted historical shared sense of community (100’s of years of struggle bonds us). With that said, I think we should make a point to seek out community family events and opportunities, we should participate and raise our level of well intended expectation of one another. When we see one another we shouldn’t doubt or hesitate with one another, as I think we tend to do. We should not look at one another as an other. It could be that our apprehensive energies are repelling each one from the another.
I’m moving to Phoenix this summer. I find this issue very interesting especially since I’m a single black female. I’m a proud southern bell. I find that most southern people are friendly. I feel this whole not speaking to one another is across the globe when it comes to our people. We often turn our noses up at one another. I guess that’s self hatred. I’m very proud to be black and love my black brothers.I will continue to give them a chance However, I will consider dating outside of my race if need be. i do not have a problem with attracting anyone. Its so unfortunate we put everyone in a box instead of just being friendly because why not, it wont kill you. Anyway, I’m moving with a positive mindset and bring nothing but positive energy along with me. Hey, if you don’t speak I really don’t care, that’s your issue not mine. Hopefully dating goes well for me and I will find a real brother that’s shallow. Peace and light
Hi Rena, did you move to Phoenix? If so, how is the dating scene? I am moving there in a few months to help a friend with her business. I am probably a lot older than you but I am also a single black female. You sound like a very positive and open minded person. Just curious about how things are going for you…
Hello so Im a 23 year old black male from Milwaukee WI , Me my fiancé in two kids our planning to relocate to Phoenix Az next month sometime. Just wondering with African Americans being the minority in the city will the white people be nice or racist toward us in also is there equal opportunity far as jobs in such ?
I moved to Phoenix over 10 years ago. I was born and raised in Chicago a city of great culture, diversity, delicious food and fantastic entertainment. I have been a working person but can also speak to aspects related to retirement living (having parents that have retired here).
If you are moving here a word of warning; if culture, entertainment, a sense of relatable community, shared political values and moderate weather is important to you investigate this place thoroughly BEFORE you move here. Make sure you clearly understand where you are moving, especially in this political climate. Arizona is usually on the national news for laws, policies, improprieties that are highly controversial and in some cases exclusionary. Also, if you have children and an outstanding education is important to you DO NOT MOVE HERE! Arizona has one of the lowest ranked school systems. Check it out.
The weather is excruciating, lasts 5-6 months with temperatures above 110. It changes how you function; shopping, going out during the day, traveling with pets, making multiple trips and working outdoors.
Yes, there are beautiful mountains here. Yes, you can easily change climates with a short car ride north. Yes, if you have saved well the retirement communities are very nice with many amenities; golf, restaurants, tennis, movie theaters, club houses etc. Yes, some areas are very nice and safety is not a major concern. Yes, the cost of living (depending on your education/skills job) is reasonable. So there are some positive aspects about this town.
It just depends on your personal preferences but I encourage you to not romanticize Arizona but instead do your homework before you come here.
It gets boring and lonely here especially for cultural events, good food and entertainment. This is also an extremely conservative town so if you don’t share those values be prepared.
Again my best advise to you is to thoroughly research this place before you come.
Hi there. I’m considering moving from the Philadelphia/South Jersey area to Phoenix Arizona. My job has a relocation opportunity. I am a black female age 30 who doesn’t not have children. I’m very interested in moving to Phoenix because I’m tired of the very cold, snowy winters here in the North East. I’m hearing mixed reviews about racism, culture, and events in Phoenix. I’ve been doing my research but I’m definitely getting conflicting information. Some black people really enjoy Phoenix while others do not. I want to have a great experience in Phoenix and I’m honestly excited to explore a new area. I’d appreciate your opinion about whether or not Phoenix is a good choice for black people.
My apologies for typo. My intent was to state that I do not have children.
if you are from the philadelphia area. it will be a culture shock for sure.
You’re getting conflicting opinions because people are having different experiences in Phoenix. Some people enjoy life here and some people cannot wait to leave. Bottom line, if you are going to make the move, you have to be an outgoing, extroverted, open-minded person in order to give Phoenix a fair chance. I would suggest that you live somewhere close to downtown Phoenix or central Phoenix. Join the Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals to make friends. I have a friend who just moved to Phoenix from Philly and she seems to be having a great experience in AZ.
I wouldn’t make that move. Blacks here but whites and latinos on pedestals.
I recently moved from upstate New York to buckeye Arizona. I see black people at the shopping mall and a few in my subdivision. Things are mixed. Some will speak and some don’t. I don’t really feel a sense of community
I moved to Phoenix from Atlanta over a year ago and I do not feel a sense of community here at all. I live in Chandler and it is majority white. My biggest complaint here is that people do not speak. Atlanta very very friendly and open. Everyone here seems to keep to themselves.
Right now we are looking to move back to the Southeast. We miss the people, culture, and the sense of belonging in an area.
Hello my name is Carol. I am going to retire in Arizona and my son just got accepted into the Grand Canyon University. I am worried about the rascism. Can you please let me know me what you think
Most of the racism I’ve experienced has been from black people. Black people in Phoenix act as if blackness is some sort of contagious disease they’re afraid of catching. Welcome to Phoenix.
What the writer of this article is describing is everywhere in the U.S. even in ATLANTA the “Black Mecca” we’re I live.
Imagine getting attitude only occasionally from Black Women because you don’t see that many like in Phoenix. Now imagine getting the overt, cold shoulder, standoffish, snobby attitude every 20 steps you take from random Black (usually females) person because they’re literally everywhere you go. That’s the new Atlanta of the last 10 years since so many transplants started to move here (Black, Hispanic, and White). I’ve also seen this shift in Black Behavior, and the behavior of all other races too in many other states that I visited a decade ago and then returned to recently for another visit. Most people in the U.S. now are just cold and standoffish and refuse to make eye contact or stand near another person. I’m honestly looking to spend time away from Atlanta because it’s extremely difficult constantly being around so many negative, cold, jealous, stand offish, hateful, poor mannered, Black women, but just high density crowds of negative people in general. It’s very depressing. If you’re Black, educated, and look it, expect expect to get a lot of grief and tension from the millions of ghetto, uneducated, ghetto looking Black people that have moved her over the last decade and feel threatened by real middle class Black people.
Now take your description and replace the word “black female” with “black male” and, there you go, you have Phoenix. I say we switch. As a black female, I don’t ever want to live, drive through, have a layover or visit Phoenix again. No. Thank. You.
MAN LISTEN..If you are from THE SOUTH RUN … as far as you can. I plan to go back. I’m from Houston and have been here almost a year and CAN NOT STAND IT. It’s very backwards out here. Food is terrible. All the have is Mexican food and its not even good. Fedricos, Filbertos, etc etc The dry weather messes my hair up. Homeless people are literally everywhere. People do not sleep. 100 people at the gas station at 2am on A WEEKDAY. Throw the whole city away lol
I moved to Arizona almost three years ago. My experience at first was one of awe, mostly because of the beautiful God made natural wonders. Outside of the initial awe, all other things Arizona have been nothing more than a disappointment. I have to agree with most of the previous posts in that black people here are not the friendliest. In my experience, there have been very few black people who even look my direction when we pass each other casually. I am from the DC metro area and currently live in Chandler. I have to say the homeless population is running a close second. In addition, the homeless population is very aggressive. I am a career professional, and in my previous life, felt proud. Since moving to Chandler, we’ve seen our fair share of racism, or at least that is what it has felt like. We live in what we thought was a very nice neighborhood. Not so long ago, there was a dispute a few houses down and someone was fatally injured. Well, our family is one of two black families in the neighborhood that I have ever seen and 2 days after the incident, my husband walked less than 50 steps to check our community mailbox and was greeted by Chandler Police department, stating that he fit the description. As you can imagine, my feedback to them, politely of course, is he fits the description of what, being a black man walking from his house to check his mailbox? Needless to say, they caught the man who committed the crime, and it was not my husband. A day later we received a gift card of 100 and apology for racially profiling him. Not even a month later, some guy tried to break into our house. A white male. The police did come and arrest him, he was charged, but the 911 operator was less than desirable or helpful at all. To top it all off, here we are not even a month later, I am driving home from meeting my husband and am pulled over as I entered my neighborhood for driving what the police thought was a stolen vehicle. While the officer apologized for the mistaken read of my license plate, I couldn’t help but again feel the oh no, here we go again feeling. As far as the cost of living goes, I pay 3500 in this over inflated rental market. Home prices in this area are 59% above average so there are no plans to buy. I have a little bit more time in this lease and the plan is to relocate to a place that is a little more accepting and friendly. My advice to you if you are black and moving to Arizona, think long and hard about the people, the culture, the cost of living and lack luster educational system before doing so. I can say that I am probably one of the open-minded people in the world but Arizona as a whole has definitely challenged that mindset.