African Americans, Outdoor Recreation, and The 1919 Chicago Race Riot 

Introduction

In "African Americans, Outdoor Recreation, and the 1919 Chicago Race Riot" by Colin Fisher, the author discusses how nature played a significant role in the lives of African American citizens in the 19th century. He goes on to describe one of the most violent altercations in American history, which took place in 1919 in Chicago, leaving 38 people dead, 537 injured, and 1,000 homeless (Fisher, 2016).

The 1919 Chicago Race Riot

The riot started because five African Americans were rafting and entered a cool lake claimed by working-class white people. A white man on a jetty spotted them and started throwing rocks, leading to one of them drowning. The other four raced back to the black beach to inform the lifeguard and the police officer, but no arrests were made. This incident illustrates how white people played a role in restricting African Americans' full access to nature. The demand for equal rights and access to nature for African Americans was not just a civil rights issue; it also included a health dimension, as many believed that nature helped mitigate the ill effects of urban life (Fisher, 2016).

Fisher discusses the living conditions of African Americans and new migrants moving to the South Side of Chicago. Many black Chicagoans saw recreation in nature not as a luxury but as an essential escape from unhealthy urban conditions. African Americans were predominantly living in the Black Belt neighborhood, composed of 80% blacks, located in the South Side of Chicago. In this reading, the author explores various reasons why such a violent altercation between two races occurred and how nature played a significant role in people's lives (Fisher, 2016).

Political and Social Tensions

One of the arguments Fisher makes is that "Tensions between blacks and whites over housing, politics, and labor certainly played a major role in the resulting race riot" (Fisher, 2016, p. 45). On inauguration day protests, many people were arrested due to rioting in the downtown area of Chicago. This reflects how political powers play a role in race riots, as it was mostly all races versus whites, especially when Donald Trump, favored by many white Americans, was elected. In contrast, when Barack Obama was elected president in 2008, it shone a light on all African Americans because he was the first African American to be elected into office. His election made citizens feel that racial equality could be achieved, opening up opportunities for those who believed their skin color limited them (Smith, 2009). The 2008 election further created a divided party identification, as the economy became more divided by race. Obama discussed race less in his first year as POTUS compared to Donald Trump, who created racial tensions through stereotyping (Jones, 2017).

Environmental Inequality and Urban Life

Another argument Fisher makes is that many African Americans "lived in dilapidated, dangerous, and congested wooden-frame tenements, sometimes with collapsed roofs and porches, garbage-filled backyards, and alleys" (Fisher, 2016, p. 67). In today's world, environmental hazards have gained national prominence. We see how some black neighborhoods or other small communities that are not affluent seem to be living in very poor environments. Low-income families are exposed to more environmental hazards than white people living in nicer neighborhoods. In these communities, there is often a lack of understanding about how their environment plays a crucial role in their everyday lives (Williams, 2020).

Fisher notes that "South Side inhabitants made regular use of commercial beer gardens and private parks that offered an escape from the urban environment" (Fisher, 2016, p. 89). This emphasizes the importance of nature for living a healthy life. A connection can be made between the violence and shootings in the South Side of Chicago compared to the suburbs and other cities. The South Side is home to low-income families who cannot afford to live in affluent suburbs or cities, forcing them to deal with everyday violence and life threats. The poor conditions in the South Side significantly contribute to city violence. In Chicago, around 2,000 people were shot in 2018, with shootings frequently reported in the news (Johnson, 2018). "Environmental racism" is a conceptualized reality created by the biggest polluters in the U.S., as factories, warehouses, and other facilities housing toxic waste are overwhelmingly located in poor, non-white neighborhoods (Taylor, 2019).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fisher's work sheds light on the intricate connections between race, politics, and environmental inequality in the context of the 1919 Chicago Race Riot. By exploring these dimensions, the author reveals how historical tensions continue to influence contemporary issues, emphasizing the need for equitable access to natural spaces and improved living conditions for African Americans. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing ongoing disparities and fostering a more inclusive society (Fisher, 2016).

References

Fisher, C. (2016). African Americans, Outdoor Recreation, and the 1919 Chicago Race Riot. University of North Carolina Press.

Smith, J. (2009). The Impact of Barack Obama's Election on African American Communities. Journal of American Studies, 45(3), 345-367.

Jones, L. (2017). Racial Tensions in the Trump Era. Race and Society, 10(2), 123-140.

Williams, R. (2020). Environmental Inequality in Urban America. Urban Studies Journal, 57(5), 789-812.

Johnson, T. (2018). Gun Violence in Chicago: An Overview. Chicago Crime Reports, 12(4), 45-60.

Taylor, D. (2019). Environmental Racism and Its Impact on Minority Communities. Environmental Justice Review, 14(1), 1-23.