Diversity and Neighborhoods
Introduction
When Mayor Richard M. Daley took office in 1989, he recognized that some Chicagoans believed City Hall favored the downtown financial district and other areas over other, often poorer, neighborhoods. He realized that African Americans felt especially excluded in light of widespread, deeply rooted racism and past policies that had encouraged racial and ethnic 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 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.
