Illinois and the Changing South

Great Migration

As is the case with the Changing South, Illinois has continued to have a large African American presence ever since the Great Migration out of the Southern United States took place. After slavery was abolished, many African Americans left the South in search of better opportunities in the industrialized cities of the North and also on the West Coast. Also prevalent in Illinois that is similar to the Changing South is the recent growth of the southern portion of the state in and around the Metro-East Area. This area, in recent decades, has grown substantially into Illinois' second most cosmopolitan region. Cities within this metropolitan area include Belleville, Granite City, Alton, East St. Louis, and Collinsville. 

African Americans in Illinois:
The African American population in Illinois continues to be dominant as African Americans are the second demographic group in the state after Whites. Hispanics are close behind at third and might overtake African Americans at the second spot. Racism has also plagued African Americans in Illinois, but it has not been as great as in the Southern United States. African Americans have had better opportunities in seeking jobs in Illinois than they did in the South and they also have a lot more mobility than African Americans in the South. 

Illinois' Metro-East Area

Metro-East Area: 
As is the case with the Changing South, The Metro-East Area continues to grow over the years. It was once dominated by agriculture, but today the Metro-East Area continues to grow exponentially becoming more urban in nature. The reason behind Metro-East's growth lies just across the river in Missouri in the city of St. Louis. St. Louis has grown into a fairly large city with demand for more space for workers, housing, transportation, industry, etc. spilling into Illinois. Metro-East is now home to more than 700,000 residents and has become another cosmopolitan region in Illinois. The region includes four counties which are Clinton County,  Jersey County, Madison County, and St. Clair County. There are several colleges and universities in the area as well as a diverse transportation network. The region is also home to some major employers such as U.S. Steel, National Steel, Boeing, Anheuser-Busch, and ConocoPhillips. Just as it is in the Changing South, this region has changed the rural character of the areas within the region.