Race and Community

In the city most people who show their faces outside are African American and Hispanic people. Some Caucasians are seen downtown, mostly because of businesses and schools. Some are seen in the city buying drugs, or in the Little Italy on the other side of the city. 56 percent of Wilmington is African American, while 35 percent is Caucasian. (Census, 2000) I asked my mother about race today and how it compares to the old days and she said, “Race is not a factor now as it was years ago.” (Personal communication, April 2, 2006)

Most of the people in my community look the same. There are a lot of minorities. The city itself has more African Americans than any other race. Most of the places you go to will only have African Americans out on the streets, and other minorities running the stores. “Moving here from Virginia was different, there are more black people on the streets, more black people shopping in stores, and there’s more traffic on the roads,” Meosha James said. (Personal communication, April 2, 2006)

Everyone here seems to talk the same. Before Caucasian people would talk a little more accurate, and would not use much slang. I notice that people do adjust when talking to certain people. “I find myself talking very proper to Caucasians and it is easy for them to understand me,” said Leroy Robinson. “I do this to leave a good impression on myself for all the bosses ranked higher than me, so I can one day take one of their positions.” (Personal communication, April 2, 2006)

Most of the minorities in my communities have their trouble makers that try to make trouble with all no matter what race you are. I can't say these individuals will seek trouble from a certain race over another, but depending on what they plan to do, will depend on how the victim carries himself. If you are wondering around the streets with money, there’s a high chance that you will get robbed if you’re not popular and known by most individuals out on the streets. If you start trouble with certain groups or people, there is always someone in that group or someone that person knows that will avenge them. If someone commits a crime and they get away until someone reports it to the police, that someone who reported it will be a victim as well. Most minorities see Caucasians as people who will just report crimes all the time, not knowing what will happen to the criminal. Most families around here don’t have many males. (African, 2006)

In the city I live on right off of 4th Street. It is populated with mostly Puerto Ricans and other Hispanics. 9.8 percent of Wilmington is Hispanic. (Census, 2000) The Puerto Ricans are much like the African Americans since they usually get themselves into trouble and like to start trouble with certain individuals as well. The Dominicans have an attitude that they are superior to other Hispanics around, and they tend to down the Puerto Ricans. Mexican Americans are usually quiet unless they are in large groups or partying. “Hispanics people rarely start trouble with African Americans,” Marques Trader said. “Usually African American people are their main friends besides others like them, especially Puerto Ricans.” (Personal communication, April 2, 2006)

African American people are actually the worst of all races. They tend to be more racist than Caucasian people back in the day. African American people hate each other more than any other race. That is actually why there is so much conflict between African Americans. They just can’t seem to get along with each other. African American people commit a lot of crimes around here, and in the country. African Americans have the highest crime rate of all even though they are not the majority. (African, 2006) Robinson, who is also a member of the church, said there are a lot of people in church these days. The majority of people I see in the churches I go to are black and they are all very peaceful people. (Personal communication, April 2, 2006)

Caucasians treat minorities very good. They don’t hesitate to appreciate anything minorities do for them and they are the most generous of all races around here. It’s sad to say, but African Americans treat most people badly around here. They are hard to get along with, and violent. Of course there are some nice African Americans out there, but where I live they it’s not many. All other minorities are similar to the Caucasians. Most have problems with those who share the same language as them, but do not share the same culture or race. All Hispanic Americans have trouble with each other. Mexican Americans don’t like Puerto Ricans; Puerto Ricans don’t like Dominicans, etc. Everyone knows racism still exist out there it’s not likely that you see it these days. (African, 2006)

.7 percent of Wilmington is Asian American. (Census, 2000) Asian Americans which you mainly find in stores, treat everyone good. My friend I call