About this Page:
Did you know that there are 77 distinct communities within the City of Chicago and around 200 communities that overlap within them? Chicago is undoubtedly one of the best cities in the World to learn about human geography with an expansive built landscape and deep history that is built on transportation, immigrants and their ethnic neighborhoods, and an economy that transitioned from pre-industrial to post-industrial. In general, ethnic neighborhoods are loved and loathed. Outsiders love something that is “a little different” and will spend weekends eating it’s foods. On the other hand, immigrant spaces within cities are marred with disinvestment, redlining, eminent domain, and struggles of gentrification.
There is no hiding that Chicago remains one of the most ethnically segregated cities in the World. Should we celebrate these neighborhoods or hiss their dark histories? This might make for good conversation in a classroom.
As for me, I’m always interested in the stories that each neighborhood tells, and if I can enjoy a nice Banh-Mi while doing it, I’m game.
