The census provided us with an instant in time when we get an accurate account of who lives where. The 2010 census brought Oak Park some interesting insight on the change that is occurring here and around us.
There can no longer be any doubt that the Chicago region is broadening in its diversity. Regrettably, there can also be no doubt that the Chicago region is still hyper-segregated. Nearby, this hyper-segregation is still developing. In Berwyn, racial changes happened at an extremely rapid rate. White flight is occurring at lightning speed there. It is happening even faster in Cicero for the small population of non-Hispanic whites still living there. Elmwood Park also experienced rapid demographic shifts. Austin suffered a staggering decline in population, losing more than 23,000 people. River Forest’s population loss was entirely from non-Hispanic whites.
Conversely, within Oak Park changes are occurring in a relatively slow and even manner. There are no census tracts that are rapidly segregating. A testament, I think, to our intentional efforts to promote a diverse and integrated community. Where increases are occurring, internal changes are generally heading in the direction of more integration. However, the data also suggests that there is still work to be done here. Oak Park is not perfect. There are still perceptions to overcome. There are still gaps to be narrowed. Our efforts are still necessary. The integration of our housing market provides the foundation for progress.
Invariably, the census brings voice to some who proclaim that attention to race is counterproductive. That by counting people by race only divides us. While we would love to believe that we live in a post-racial society, sadly, we live in a different reality. These population changes and the rate at which they occur bring with them challenges and opportunities. We will suffer if we fail to deal with the challenges. But, if we make the effort we will benefit from the resulting opportunities.
I think it is clear that our stability, and the prosperity that accompanies it, is the result of rising to the challenges of racial transitions that befuddle other communities. We continue to benefit from our common and intentional aspiration to foster an open and inclusive community. It is a strategy that attracts people of all races to live here. And it is a strategy that unites our community through a core value of diversity. It is an Oak Park strategy for the 21st century — aspiring to create a community that is equally open, prosperous and beneficial to all. Creating and sustaining a community where everyone wants to live.
The Oak Park Regional Housing Center takes pride in the fact that we have played a central role in promoting a diverse community for 39 years. And, we are grateful that so many others have joined us, including village hall, rental property owners, real estate agents and, most importantly, all of you reading this who chose to live here. As executive director of the housing center, you have my pledge to continue to face the challenges and embrace the opportunities of sustaining a diverse and integrated community in Oak Park.
Rob Breymaier is the executive director of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, an agency that has worked for 39 years to promote racial integration in the village.