Here are the top five cities across the United States that have a reputation for being relatively safe for African American children and families. It’s important to note that no city is completely immune to racism or any other form of discrimination, but we’ve found five with the best reputation for cultural diversity, cultural institutions, Black music, and the best educational opportunities for Black children:

 Raleigh, North Carolina – Raleigh has a diverse population and a strong economy, with a low crime rate compared to other cities in the United States. The city is also home to several prestigious universities and a thriving arts and culture scene.

Raleigh has a number of cultural offerings that make it a good place for African American families. Here are a few reasons why:

Diverse Arts and Culture Scene – Raleigh has a diverse arts and culture scene, with a variety of museums, theaters, and galleries that showcase African American culture and history. The African American Cultural Complex, for example, is a museum and cultural center that celebrates the contributions of African Americans to North Carolina and beyond.

Historical Significance – Raleigh has a rich African American history, with several historic sites and landmarks that tell the story of the city’s African American community. The city was home to several prominent African American figures, including educator Anna Julia Cooper and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson.

Vibrant Music Scene – Raleigh has a vibrant music scene, with a variety of venues and festivals that celebrate African American music and culture. The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County, for example, is an annual festival that celebrates African American arts and culture through music, dance, and visual arts.

Educational Opportunities – Raleigh is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, including North Carolina State University and Shaw University, which was the first historically black university in the South. These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities for African American students and contribute to the city’s diverse and educated workforce.

 Seattle, Washington – Seattle has a progressive reputation and is known for its commitment to social justice and equality. The city has a diverse population and a low crime rate, and is home to several well-regarded public schools and universities.

When it comes to cultural offerings, Seattle is a top choice for African American families. Here’s why:

Cultural Diversity – Seattle has a reputation for being a welcoming and inclusive city, with a diverse population that includes a strong African American community. The city celebrates this diversity with a variety of cultural events and festivals, such as the African American Heritage Celebration, which showcases African American arts and culture.

Cultural Institutions – Seattle is home to several cultural institutions that celebrate African American history and culture. The Northwest African American Museum, for example, is a museum that showcases the contributions of African Americans to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

Music Scene – Seattle has a vibrant music scene, with a long history of producing influential African American musicians. The city is particularly known for its contributions to jazz and blues music, with venues like the Jazz Alley and the Triple Door hosting regular performances.

Educational Opportunities – Seattle is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, including the University of Washington and Seattle University. These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities for African American students and contribute to the city’s diverse and educated workforce.

 Arlington, Virginia – Arlington is a suburb of Washington D.C., known for its high-quality schools and low crime rate. The city has a diverse population and a thriving economy and is home to several historic landmarks and cultural institutions.

Arlington boasts a range of cultural offerings that make it an ideal location for African American families. Here are some examples:

Diverse Arts and Culture Scene – Arlington has a diverse arts and culture scene, with several museums, theaters, and galleries that showcase African American culture and history. The Arlington Cultural Affairs division promotes cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year, including the National Freedom Walk Statue, which honors African American contributions to the Civil War.

Educational Opportunities – Arlington is home to several highly ranked schools, including the nationally ranked Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. The county also offers a variety of programs and services aimed at supporting the academic and social needs of African American students.

Historical Significance – Arlington has a rich African American history, with several historic sites and landmarks that tell the story of the city’s African American community. The Freedom House Museum, for example, is a museum located in a building that was once a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Safe Neighborhoods – Arlington is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the United States, with low rates of violent crime. This makes it an attractive place for families looking for a safe and welcoming environment.

 Plano, Texas – Plano has a diverse population and a strong economy, with a low crime rate compared to other cities in Texas. The city is known for its high-quality schools and family-friendly neighborhoods.

For African American families, Plano is a top destination because of its rich cultural offerings. Here are a few reasons why:

Diverse Arts and Culture Scene – Plano has a growing arts and culture scene, with several museums and theaters that showcase African American culture and history. The ArtCentre of Plano, for example, offers exhibitions featuring artists of diverse backgrounds, including African American artists.

Educational Opportunities – Plano is home to several highly ranked schools, including the nationally ranked Plano West Senior High School. The city also offers a variety of programs and services aimed at supporting the academic and social needs of African American students.

Safe Neighborhoods – Plano is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the United States, with low rates of violent crime. This makes it an attractive place for families looking for a safe and welcoming environment.

Diversity – Plano is a diverse city with a growing African American population. This diversity is celebrated through a variety of community events and festivals, such as the Plano International Festival, which showcases the cultural traditions of different ethnic groups.

 Madison, Wisconsin – Yes, Madison, Wisconsin. Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and is known for its progressive politics and commitment to social justice. The city has a diverse population and a strong economy, with a low crime rate and several well-regarded public schools and universities.

There are several cultural offerings in Madison that make it a great destination for African American families. Here are some of the reasons why:

University of Wisconsin-Madison – The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a highly-ranked university that offers a range of educational opportunities for African American students. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and has several programs and services aimed at supporting underrepresented students.

Cultural Institutions – Madison is home to several cultural institutions that celebrate African American history and culture. The Wisconsin Historical Society, for example, has a collection of over 60,000 African American artifacts and archives.

Community Organizations – Madison has a strong African American community, with several community organizations that provide support and resources for families. The Urban League of Greater Madison offers programs and services aimed at promoting economic and social equality for African Americans in the community.

Safe Neighborhoods – Madison is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the United States, with low rates of violent crime. This makes it an attractive place for families looking for a safe and welcoming environment.

These cities listed here have a reputation for being relatively safe and are welcoming to African American families and children. It’s important to research and consider various factors, such as school districts, crime rates, and diversity, when considering a move to a new city or neighborhood.