The period between 1916 and 1970 marked a new era for the city of Chicago as it rapidly grew in size and influence, transforming into a major manufacturing and trade hub. There was a mass influx of Southern African Americans, who settled in the city as part of the Great Migration. The migration would forever change the city in size and configuration.
"I was leaving the South to fling myself into the unknown...I was taking a part of the South to transplant in alien soil, to see if it could grow differently, if it could drink of new and cool rains, bend in strange winds and, perhaps, to bloom."
- Richard Wright (via the Smithsonian)
The Second Great Migration (1940-1970) saw many African Americans headed North for jobs in the new war industries and to fill spots left vacant by those serving overseas in the Second World War.
Around half a million people settled in Chicago, increasing the Black population by an astounding 148%.
Eventually, the migration outpaced new industries, and competition for living spaces led to segregated neighborhoods.
The Second Great Migration significantly changed the makeup of many neighborhoods in Chicago. For example, North Lawndale, the birthplace of the Contract Buyers League, was predominately Jewish during the 1920s, yet by the 1960s the neighborhood was 91% African American.
Around half a million people settled in Chicago, increasing the Black population by an astounding 148%.
Eventually, the migration outpaced new industries, and competition for living spaces led to segregated neighborhoods.
The Second Great Migration significantly changed the makeup of many neighborhoods in Chicago. For example, North Lawndale, the birthplace of the Contract Buyers League, was predominately Jewish during the 1920s, yet by the 1960s the neighborhood was 91% African American.