The piece by Janelle Richards and Rehema Ellis entitled Black Tech Entrepreneurs Move to the South, A Great Migration in Reverse is a news story report from NBC News examining recent economic and demographic shifts in the United States. Historically, the African American community had not been given economic opportunities compared to their white counterparts. This was evident in the post-Civil war period and into the 20th century with Jim Crow laws in the South that led to the initial Great Migration, as well as the disenfranchised urban ghettos of Northern cities from the mid-20th century to the modern day (Richards & Ellis, 2020). Taking this into consideration, the demographic migration patterns within the United States for African Americans are largely based on social and economic opportunities. However, despite the deeply hurtful history of the South, it remains a cultural home for much of the black community. The increased benefits and diversity offered by rapidly growing cities such as Atlanta demonstrate tremendous changes that the South had undergone in the last 50 years, making it both attractive to minorities again and economically competitive with powerhouses such as New York, Chicago, and the Silicon Valley.
The investigative news report offered by Richards and Ellis (2020) offers a compelling insight into the mindset of African American professionals, ranging from entrepreneurs and company owners to regular blue- and white-collar workers. There is increased interest across the board, and “a welcome restart” for many who have been feeling either disenfranchised or culturally disconnected. Atlanta is one of many Southern cities that is seeing increased growth, others being urban centers such as Houston and Miami. There is a certain attraction to these cities for black professionals because the South has deep cultural roots for many African American families. Meanwhile, the urban centers already have significant African American populations, influencing the socio-economic growth and even political change in traditionally Republican states. The cultural and social familiarity allows for better connections within the black community, such as those stemming from The Gathering Spot discussed in the article (Richards & Ellis, 2020). It allows for community members to support each other and promote industry growth as well as African American representation in various industries and leadership roles. It contrasts with the nature of the black community in Northern urban areas where crime is prospering and it is largely a survival, ‘every man for himself type of attitude.
While the news story by Richards and Ellis (2020) appeals to the personal nature and stories of these African American professionals, entrepreneurs, and families – it is important to recognize that it is potentially a beginning of a broader pattern. Just as the Great Migration is seen as one of the largest demographic shifts in the country between regions, the current trends can match. Driven by economics and social connection, in a meaningful way, it is a positive event. While the Great Migration was due to the persecution and socio-political isolation of African Americans in the South, the modern tendencies instead demonstrate that people are chasing positive opportunities and benefiting from returning to the region where their ancestors were based. It is currently early on in the process, but the migration back to the South is symbolically significant as the United States is facing a racial reckoning and its dark historic past related to the African American Community.
Reference
Richards, J., & Ellis, R. (2020). Black tech entrepreneurs move to the South, a Great Migration in reverse. NBC News.