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• 1 media/EXH_RMD16_07_0213_0001_002_024.jpg 2020-07-08T14:25:29-05:00 Introduction to Diversity and Neighborhoods 21 plain 2021-01-28T17:32:05-06:00 When Mayor Richard M. Daley took office in 1989, he recognized that some Chicagoans believed City Hall favored only certain neighborhoods and the downtown financial district over other, often poorer and minority-majority, neighborhoods. African Americans felt especially excluded in light of widespread, deeply rooted racism and past policies that had encouraged segregation.

  President Barack Obama (2009-2017) discusses Chicago’s racial divide in the 1980s and comments on Daley’s “strategic genius” in recognizing the problem:

  Avis LaVelle, the mayor's press secretary (1989-1992) remembers questioning Daley about racism in Chicago when he invited her to work with him:
  Daley wanted to change that reputation. He tried to make Chicago known as a diverse city that welcomes and draws strength from all its people. He sought the perspectives of residents from Chicago's many neighborhoods and instituted a community policing program. He promoted “anchors” to revitalize local areas. He maintained and defended the city’s affirmative action programs. And he celebrated the many cultural traditions of the city's residents.