Bolingbrook Diversity

Most people don't know that Bolingbrook is a diverse environment that is lacking in cultural stimulation.  For instance, the 2000 census showed 64.5% of the population is white, 20% black, and 13% Hispanic.  Since then, the number of diverse individuals have moved into Bolingbrook, running the demographics to about 32% equally.  In the meantime, the administration and environment has not changed to adapt to the cultural differences.

For example, the diversity of the teachers hired has not compensated for the gaps in the diversity of the students.  The stores allowed to come into the community do not represent the community demographics.  Although the Asian community is relatively small in Bolingbrook, they are allowed to open more small culturally diverse stores then the Hispanics and the Black population. 

The lovely stage and lights in the back of the Police station hosts many family friendly events and concerts.  However, the majority of the plays, bands, and events are catered towards "white" residents, favoring 1980 rock bands, regular beer and non-cultural foods.

One resident asked us to point out this issue this week.  He stated, "When I want to take my son to see a concert in town I want to see the Chicago Blues, have a malt beer and eat something that has flavor.  Is that too much to ask for?  I pay the taxes too!  Where are the small mom and pop places to cater towards our different cultures?  It is either pizza or Chinese foods...  High priced foods, or bland foods.  We want more!"

It is true that Bolingbook caters towards the chain stores and restaurants?  It is a fact that this has caused many vacant buildings around town.  Bolingbrook does not watch over small businesses that come into town to protect the self interest of local entrepreneurs.  They work with (or have ownership) in the local strip plazas and charge them enormous fees for permits, construction, etc.  They eat up the little guys and spit them out the door, broke and closed for business. 

But the residents want more.  The residents are tired of large chains and processed foods.  They are tired of it costing them $100 a meal to take their family out for a simple dinner.  They want culture in their food.  They want culture in their environment.  They want people to put together Village events with culture in mind.  They want a change.