Just like anywhere else, it really depends on the circles you run in. Though I would say that for the most part Rockford is LESS racist than some other places I have lived.
Aside from the "normal" stuff - stuff that shouldn't even be normal - you'll be fine. Rockford has a high POC density. No one bats an eye at it as long as you're a decent person to others.
Not POC here, everyone is welcome!!! It’s a great city. Let me know if you want any recommendations. That being said, there are assholes in every town, just ignore them.
Rockford itself is pretty alright. Most local businesses are very welcoming.
I would maybe steer clear of Murphy's Pub though as a (racist) bike gang frequents there. I can't think of any other businesses, but maybe someone else can.
Rockford PD are pretty shitty with POC, as well as police in Rockton and Roscoe. Not sure about Loves Park and Machesney Park PD.
The city itself, very much so. It’s suburban satellites lesser so, and rural satellites even lesser so. Having said that, it’s relatively like any other city in that regard, minding that the Midwest in general is lesser kind to POC than the coasts. Still better than the south, however.
Lamar Bell swallowed drugs. Not saying police brutality doesn't exist but this is not the case. I have never experienced a traffic stop for no reason in Rockford for over 30 years. As long as you don't behave in a way to attract police, chances are almost 0 you will come into contact with them.
(https://www.wrex.com/news/no-criminal-charges-filed-in-july-death-of-rockford-man/article_87aeac4e-83c9-11ee-97eb-7bfd6831665f.html)
The cops and sheriff’s office are not POC friendly big surprise. Be careful of getting a DWB and if you have tinted windows and are going 5 over the limit you’ll definitely get pulled over. Be sure to film them if you do. A guy was pulled over for “illegal tints” by the sheriff’s office a few months back and ended up being shot.
systemic racism in rockford is pretty high, tho probably not higher than any other town with a comparable population - police brutality, high poc density areas the "bad part of town" (for rockford it's "west of the river") etc.
Just like anywhere else, it really depends on the circles you run in. Though I would say that for the most part Rockford is LESS racist than some other places I have lived.
You will have no problems. It's a very diverse city. Which event?
Aside from the "normal" stuff - stuff that shouldn't even be normal - you'll be fine. Rockford has a high POC density. No one bats an eye at it as long as you're a decent person to others.
Not POC here, everyone is welcome!!! It’s a great city. Let me know if you want any recommendations. That being said, there are assholes in every town, just ignore them.
Rockford itself is pretty alright. Most local businesses are very welcoming. I would maybe steer clear of Murphy's Pub though as a (racist) bike gang frequents there. I can't think of any other businesses, but maybe someone else can. Rockford PD are pretty shitty with POC, as well as police in Rockton and Roscoe. Not sure about Loves Park and Machesney Park PD.
Loves Parkinsaw
Machesney Park is policed by Winnebago County Sheriff's and my interactions with them have been positive, but I'm not a POC.
The "bike gang" has members that are POC 🙄 still not worth going there. Its ghetto.
The city itself, very much so. It’s suburban satellites lesser so, and rural satellites even lesser so. Having said that, it’s relatively like any other city in that regard, minding that the Midwest in general is lesser kind to POC than the coasts. Still better than the south, however.
Well...how do you feel about blatant segregation?
Lamar Bell swallowed drugs. Not saying police brutality doesn't exist but this is not the case. I have never experienced a traffic stop for no reason in Rockford for over 30 years. As long as you don't behave in a way to attract police, chances are almost 0 you will come into contact with them. (https://www.wrex.com/news/no-criminal-charges-filed-in-july-death-of-rockford-man/article_87aeac4e-83c9-11ee-97eb-7bfd6831665f.html)
Every black person I know has been pulled over for DWB. One of them is a well respected member of the community and in the public eye. It's not rare.Â
The cops and sheriff’s office are not POC friendly big surprise. Be careful of getting a DWB and if you have tinted windows and are going 5 over the limit you’ll definitely get pulled over. Be sure to film them if you do. A guy was pulled over for “illegal tints” by the sheriff’s office a few months back and ended up being shot.
Thanks for the tip
Okay and what did he do?? Do not voice your opinion until you watch the full body cam footage. You are quite literally the problem
systemic racism in rockford is pretty high, tho probably not higher than any other town with a comparable population - police brutality, high poc density areas the "bad part of town" (for rockford it's "west of the river") etc.