I actually Google searched "being black in Utah" and "black man in Utah" before moving here. I didn't really get may results or anything that would give me an idea of what to expect, so maybe this helps someone. All I hoped to find was someone saying, "It's not too bad". Actually, I really like it here.
I'll start by saying that being a black man in America has it's own challenges. I've lived in Virginia, Georgia, Florida, California, Maryland, South Carolina, and now Utah. No matter where I live, if I'm outside of my home, I have to be "on". "On" meaning being aware of how others may perceive what I'm doing or saying, because if I'm not smiling, I've been told I look big and scary. Big, scary black men don't live too long no matter which state they live in.
Ok, back to Utah. Black men make up less than 1% of the Salt Lake City suburb that I live in, so I can go days without seeing another black dude. What's surprising is when I see another black dude, I feel the need to say what's up, but I often times get looks of confusion. Even with being such a small percentage of the population, I'm not reminded of being black like I was when I lived in the deep south. If you've lived in the deep south, you'll know what I'm talking about. I know I'm black, so you don't have to call me certain names or watch me as I walk through your convenience store. I haven't experienced any of that here. My elementary age son also hasn't been treated any differently, even though I can count the number of brown kids on one hand at his school. Also, the people I've met here are usually pretty nice. They don't seem to realize I'm the only black dude they've seen all week until I bring it up.
Utah is a pretty good place to live, no matter what you look like. I love hiking, so this is the right spot for me. I feel as comfortable here as I have any other place I've lived in America. Meaning, no one's called me any bad names, but I still am aware enough to take my wife's French Bulldog with me if I walk around my neighborhood at night. It's messed up, but that cute dog keeps the neighbors from calling the cops.
If you're a black guy Googling like me, then don't worry, Utah isn't too bad. There are a few good barber shops, and I'm pretty sure there's at least one AME church. I hope this helps.
I'll start by saying that being a black man in America has it's own challenges. I've lived in Virginia, Georgia, Florida, California, Maryland, South Carolina, and now Utah. No matter where I live, if I'm outside of my home, I have to be "on". "On" meaning being aware of how others may perceive what I'm doing or saying, because if I'm not smiling, I've been told I look big and scary. Big, scary black men don't live too long no matter which state they live in.
Ok, back to Utah. Black men make up less than 1% of the Salt Lake City suburb that I live in, so I can go days without seeing another black dude. What's surprising is when I see another black dude, I feel the need to say what's up, but I often times get looks of confusion. Even with being such a small percentage of the population, I'm not reminded of being black like I was when I lived in the deep south. If you've lived in the deep south, you'll know what I'm talking about. I know I'm black, so you don't have to call me certain names or watch me as I walk through your convenience store. I haven't experienced any of that here. My elementary age son also hasn't been treated any differently, even though I can count the number of brown kids on one hand at his school. Also, the people I've met here are usually pretty nice. They don't seem to realize I'm the only black dude they've seen all week until I bring it up.
Utah is a pretty good place to live, no matter what you look like. I love hiking, so this is the right spot for me. I feel as comfortable here as I have any other place I've lived in America. Meaning, no one's called me any bad names, but I still am aware enough to take my wife's French Bulldog with me if I walk around my neighborhood at night. It's messed up, but that cute dog keeps the neighbors from calling the cops.
If you're a black guy Googling like me, then don't worry, Utah isn't too bad. There are a few good barber shops, and I'm pretty sure there's at least one AME church. I hope this helps.
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