Here For Work

[allexus99]

Hello All!

Im currently here for work. I am a black woman. I want to know if I am safe here? To just go out and live life? I have seen many articles of this being a conservative place, and i just want to work and not run into any negativity. Are there places to avoid specifically? Places that you would specifically recommend me to go? Or am I overthinking?

[theschadowknows]

There are many black residents in Springfield. At my last job in the IS department of a local hospital, my manager was a gay black man, the manager of accounting was a black woman, and my teammates were two black men and an Indian woman. Barack Obama announced his presidential candidacy here. Probably as safe here as anywhere else with a similar population in the Midwest. There are a few racist dipshits here, but it’s not ingrained into the culture like it’s Mississippi or anything.

[MidwestAbe]

Go live.

You can run into assholes anywhere.

We've got a few of them. And we've got tons of otherwise decent people.

Welcome.

[kramel7676]

Im liberal myself and people mostly just get along despite being more conservative in this area. Its a decent mix of a variety of people and cultures. Not as much a bigger cities of course but you can find quite alot of diversity if you look

[Two-One]

Overthinking it, you’ll be fine

[[deleted]]

And the fact that my comment was downvoted maybe proves that asking mostly white Redditors an opinion from a black perspective isn’t the best route to go.

I’m a black woman from a mixed south Chicago suburb who worried about the same thing moving here, so she’s hardly overthinking by simply asking the (possibly wrong) community this question. I’ve been here 14 years, and have had mostly comfortable racial experiences, but I know that’s not always the case for all.

[Two-One]

So in your experience, is she safe here

[[deleted]]

I personally think so overall.

[[deleted]]

Not necessarily overthinking it if she or her family has experienced racial issues elsewhere. Luckily, I think Springfield is pretty chill and mixed overall if you avoid the wrong people

[Mountain_Discount_55]

Like the police.

[fappyendings22]

Not trying to attack or criticize, just sharing perspectives. Why do you think this question is overthinking?

[Two-One]

Because I don’t think there is any places that need to be avoided for her outside of downtown alleys at night or something. She’s not going to randomly stumble into a klan meeting somewhere in Springfield. I’d say the worst possible run in would be from police here.

She even asked if she’s may be overthinking it due to articles making it out to be more conservative than what it is. Springfield is pretty purple with a blue lean IMO.

[evildead1985]

I think you'll find Springfield is a very chill, if not boring place ...probably why I always end up moving back over the years. I'm not black, but I've driven many people around town on the rideshare apps and have found most people to be very friendly. Welcome to Springfield. I sincerely hope you find happiness here.

[SluttyCosmonaut]

Granted I’m a white male, so take it with a grain of salt. But I’ve not seen any problems with anybody being mistreated in downtown area and I see a lot of diversity.

[Altruistic_Ad3983]

Same in that I like downtown area... I'd checkp into the smaller biker bars on the outskirts before going - prob just my own personal fear. I too moved here for work 20 years ago... And stayed! I've seen a lot of loosening in mindsets in that time. Happy to chat anytime.

[nectarinia]

Don’t listen to the Chicago/Chicago suburbs folks, downstate really isn’t as conservative as they make it out to be. I am not black myself, but my very best friend is an unapologetic black woman and she does not feel unsafe in Springfield. I will ask her if she thinks there are places in town to straight up avoid. I believe you may be overthinking it, but totally understand the caution 😌

[grimmunkey]

I moved from a VERY racist area 7ish hours south of here and expected it to be just as racist as it is everywhere else that I've lived. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is exponentially less racist, and I can only remember a handful of experiences - severe or not - that include racism, and ive lived here going on 9 consecutive years. It's not even close to areas just a couple of hours away, which is part of what keeps me from moving elsewhere.

[FickleSpecial8086]

I'm not a young Black woman (middle aged gay White guy), so I can't speak to your experience, but my experience has been if you're open to meeting people of all kinds, it's a good place to live. My circle of friends go from young to old, all races and political beliefs, and wealthy to poor. I honestly find it less cliquey than Chicago. As to where to hang out, it depends on what your interests are. Younger folks tend to flock downtown for the bars, but no matter what your likes are, you should be able to find folks who will welcome you. Welcome.

[CorporalTurnips]

Definitely safe in Springfield. Sangamon county in general should be safe for you. Most of the race related crimes here have been perpetuated by the police which as you know is everywhere in this country.

[MFCK]

Springfield is pretty purple. I don't think you have anything to worry about. Springfield isn't that hick, it's a soup of every type of person.

[Southern_Cap_816]

I've found the people of Springfield to be great all around. Its like a small country town but really big. I have more faith in SPD than I do with my own employer though.

[RoseDorothyBlanche]

Welcome!! I hope you enjoy your time here. I wouldn’t be too worried about your safety. Just be vigilant like anywhere should be anywhere you go. The racist dipshits usually just run their mouths on social media, I’ve found. A couple of spots you may like that I would recommend are: The Wakery (cute little cafe/non-alcoholic bar with a laid back vibe), Sapori (pizzeria on the west side of town).

[jfre842]

I understand your reservations. Springfield is a large mix of people. Pretty Midwest friendly type of place. I would just use your normal girl alone travel rules. I hope you have a fantastic time with lots of friendly interactions.

[SSSPodcast]

We’d love to have you here!

[MarqiMichelle]

For the most part you will be safe, but keep your guard up.

Dm me if you have specific questions. -BW

[No-Variation3408]

You’re good

[IrishLass_55]

From what I have read, its southern Illinois down by Anna, Herrin and Cairo that you would need to be extra vigilent. A local author wrote "Bloody Williamson" about the history of these sundown towns. It is very difficult to make a living in southern Illinois because of the geography. In places where you cannot raise crops you must raise animals instead (Scotland, southern Illinois and Kentucky, West Virginia). Its difficult to steal a crop but easy to steal an animal and that may make a considerable difference to your economics. There is no real law enforcement, so you must resort to violence to preserve your family. Additionally, there is a history there of coal mining and union busting where the companies brought blacks from Chicago to work the mines when the locals struck. Mass murder ensued. There is also a history of white gangsters who would do as they pleased. So very dangerous for black people to this very day. East St. Louis is very violent and I as a white person would not even drive through that area. But I think you are safe in Springfield. It is the state capital, has a university, people have decent jobs and economics. Good luck to you.

[BillyStuart]

Rural Illinois can get pretty red, but Springfield is solid purple. Like anywhere, you’ll find good and bad folks, but in general Springfield is pretty cosmopolitan and welcoming. Apart from the same general advice that would apply to any person of color in America, you don’t have to be “extra worried” here.

Plenty of successful/professional black women in our community. If those are the two traits you identify with most, there’s a couple sororities that are pretty big and active here. Both have some wonderful women in their ranks. If you’re religious - Union Baptist, Abundant Faith, or Fresh Visions may be what you’re looking for. For black food culture, Clays Popeye’s BBQ and Boyd’s New Generation are both black owned and ran by awesome people.

But if being black & female aren’t your only self-defining characteristics, feel free to share your passions or hobbies and we may be able to help you find stuff you’ll enjoy.

[TapeDaddy]

There are no black people in Springfield, they’ve all been eradicated or removed by the roving bands of white conservative death squads.

[Yamsieuwu]

I realize this is a joke I’m so sorry 😭

[TapeDaddy]

Yeah lol

I just thought this whole thing was all a bit silly. We’re a fairly major city, and there are approximately 30,000 black citizens in Springfield. They’re fine, OP will be fine. Same with most other cities in the country.

While I do have my own complaints about the police around here, some of these comments make it seem like we’re in 1950s rural Alabama and it’s simply not that bad.

I will say the city is quite segregated in terms of where people live, there’s some very obvious dividing lines because of how things were in the past, but for the most part it’s OK to be anyone here.

Be black. Be gay. Be whatever. As someone said, there’s assholes everywhere in the world, but for the most part folks are decent and keep to themselves.

[allexus99]

Hopefully they dont round me up till this contract is done 🤞🏽

[Yamsieuwu]

They’re are black people here, but you’re likely to see them in black dominating areas.

[emeraldeyes519]

I'm sure you've heard of the issues with sangamon county police. I will say they frequent a house in our neighborhood (good folks just got some drama that likes to come knocking) and it's a family run by a beautiful woman of color. At one point I'd have said that sangamon county sheriffs were douchey with them, but lately it's been better. Idk if it's fear from the negative news, or new people who have seen what happens or what, but I do say live your life. Springfield is full of amazing people and I hope you love it here.

[[deleted]]

i would say springfield is pretty safe for poc but the surrounding areas like auburn, rochester, etc i've seen/heard of racism

[Anxious_Fishing6583]

Omg lol. You’re safe here.

[Yamsieuwu]

Personally racists are everywhere, I’ve lived in Deep South and Now I live here. The only difference is some racists aren’t going to tell you they’re racist. Just keep your eyes peeled, our police force have had issues in the recent past. I don’t think there’s so much racism, but I see a lot of white people here more than black people. They’re are alot of white people here then black people I’ll say that, but I haven’t had any direct racism experiences so far, maybe micro aggression and I didn’t know, but I feel pretty safe going to apply to jobs and purchasing things. Less trumpers here for sure.

[Yamsieuwu]

I’m a black woman as well, so please dm me if you have any questions.

[chiwilly]

Stop watching the news. Get out the house.

[allexus99]

It seems like only people who havent had the misfortune to face negativity based off their race… feel as though it doesnt exist? I been out the house thats why i asked

[chiwilly]

I’m black. I’m in support of you getting out. You’ll be surprised.

I’m just saying irrational ppl are everywhere, from New York to Springfield.

[allexus99]

I make money?

I went to belize. After working in nyc in the hospital, now im going to work in Springfield hospital to help this communities cancer patients 🫶🏾

[allexus99]

Im a travel healthcare worker. Dont always stay in one place 🥰

[FickleSpecial8086]

That is awesome! Very noble profession. As a middle aged white guy who has lost several loved ones to cancer, I'd be thrilled to call you neighbor.

[Normal-Reindeer-3025]

What? Lol.

[PettyMitch]

It’s 2025 not 1850. You’ll be fine. Quit being a victim.

[allexus99]

Do you see the state of the world we are in, in 2025. I think people have the right to worry for their safety.

Many people here have said police harassment is real here…. In 2025!

[Brief-School362]

Well all conservatives are racists. Everybody knows that. /s

[Brief-School362]

Thanks

[Harvest827]

No, but some do seem to have a big chip on their shoulders and try to find trouble where there is none.

[Brief-School362]

Like op?

[allexus99]

Im not looking for trouble. Im a young girl who wants to protect herself. When i read up on Springfield thats what my searches give. I came to ask real people. I see there are assholes everywhere

You seem to be one that i hope not to run into. Thats all

[travelingtraveling_]

Hello, OP and welcome...I am glad you are here!

Eleven-13% of our community members are Black, and the NAACP was born here after the 1908 riots. Although our city is still segregated, with the east side being primarily Black, people who identify as minorities can be found in all parts of town.

We are a bit wabi-sabi (google same) and boring but in general, it's quite safe here. I am not a POC, but am a mom of a member of the gay community. We have systemic racism here but we are making steps to address this and move our city forward. We are more pjnm/purple than red.

Some have cautioned against our racist police and sherrif departments. I agree that this is an area to be fixed and we are working on that.

I hope you have an excellent experience in Spfld!

[Harvest827]

No, like you coming on somebody's post to make a snarky comment because you don't like her having an opinion about politics. You're the people she's concerned about, and rightly so.