Diversity and Neighborhoods
Introduction
When Mayor Richard M. Daley took office in 1989, some Chicagoans had come to believe that City Hall favored the downtown financial district and other areas over other, often poorer, neighborhoods. Some, particularly African Americans, felt especially excluded. They cited widespread, deeply rooted discrimination and past policies that had encouraged racial and ethnic segregation.
President Barack Obama (2009-2017) discusses Chicago’s racial divide in the 1980s. He comments on Daley’s “strategic genius” in recognizing the problem:
Avis LaVelle remembers questioning Mayor Daley about racism in Chicago when he asked her to be his first press secretary:
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Daley wanted to change that reputation. He tried to make Chicago known as a diverse city that welcomed and drew strength from its diversity. He sought the perspectives of residents from Chicago's many neighborhoods and instituted a community policing program. He urged the creation of “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.
Img: [Mayor Richard M. Dalley walks in the India Independence Day parade in Chicago, August 15, 1992. Richard M. Daley papers, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, RMD16_07_0095_0013_001_025A]