Welcome to the South Side, My Side

WOW is sometimes the only word I can use to explain my side of town. I see everything from homelessness to people rolling around in BMW's and everything in between. When I first moved to Chicago in 2000 I definitely had a culture shock to say the least. So many Black people in one area was a bit overwhelming for me. Now some may read this and go HMMM but I come from the Quad Cities and there you are lucky to see a Black person outside of a five block radius most days. So coming from that to the south side of Chicago which has the largest Black population in one area in the country is just overwhelmingly amazing.

The south side often gets a bad rep because of the high crime rate, but what I say to that is HELLO, we live in the third largest city in the United States (http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0763098.html#axzz0x4dSqRNT) and we have a high poverty rate, so crime is definitely going to happen. That being said, I think the news makes my side of town seem worse than what it is. You're not going to get shot or robbed as soon as you step out of your car (unless you're wearing a Cubs hat!) LOL

The south side has so much to offer. Take a ride down Stony Island and be treated by the awesome landscaping that runs down the center divider. Visit the South Shore neighborhood and relax at the beach or visit the Cultural Center to take a dance class or golf lessons. Cruise down King Drive to see the beautifully built buildings that have been in existence since Chicago has been on the map. Visit Hyde Park which is the most diverse neighborhood in Chicago, and enjoy a nice walk down 53rd street for shopping, eating, or just a relaxing stroll.

There is so much culture on the south side. You can ride down 47th, 79th or 87th streets and see a variety of mom and pop shops, clothing boutiques, African American book stores, and the abundant hair salons that stay jam packed from morning till the wee hours of the night. Not to mention the always stylish brothas and sistas that stay fly with the latest fashion trends!

Visit one of the many parks on a sunny Saturday to really get a taste of how we do it. You'll see multiple families out enjoying a bbq and you can always count on someone setting up a tent with turntables to give everyone something to jam to. There's the Bud Biliken parade down King Drive, there's the Old School picnic in Jackson Park, the Jazz Festival at the Cultural Center, and how could I dare forget the Chicago White Sox!!!

Welcome to the south side, my side.
SOUTH SIIIIDDDDEEEE!!!