Dempsey Travis, writing in the Encyclopedia of Chicago, tells us that the term Bronzeville came about because many “citizens of color resented having their neighborhoods referred to as the ‘Black Belt’ or ‘Black Ghetto’ by the major media.”
The name fell into disuse as the area it once described became largely depopulated. It’s been revived recently, and appears to have been enthusiastically adopted by real estate brokers, developers and local business interests to promote a neighborhood on the upswing, and to trade on some of its historic cachet. Bronzeville, in its heyday, was a thriving center of African-American culture, music and commerce.
Where’s Bronzeville? Depending on who you ask, it may extend from Cermak Rd south to 55th St, from King Dr west to the Dan Ryan Expressway. Some limit it to the historic district — from 31st St to 39th (Pershing Rd).
Whatever its boundaries, the name of the neighborhood troubles me, and I prefer to see its use limited to the historic district, if it’s to be used at all.
The name arose because of Chicago’s perverse history of racial segregation — a perversity that continues almost unabated to this day. In a recent interview (video), Dempsey Travis suggested that white racism accounts in large part for whites not moving to the Chatham area, despite its seeming advantages.
What’s the impact and import of calling an area Bronzeville? There’s no question that promoting a neighborhood as Whiteville would be quickly and aggressively suppressed. Why not the same treatment for Bronzeville? Am I alone in finding the name disturbing and destructive?