Springfield Named One of the Best Cities for African Americans
SPRINGFIELD — The City of Springfield has been named one of the 10 Best Cities for African Americans, 2016 by Livability.com. The cities were selected based on basic indicators of livability including cost of living, health care availability, economic equality, commute time, access to parks, and safety. Editors looked for cities with higher-than-average and growing African-American populations, and where they are succeeding in terms of income, academic achievement, and homeownership.
Springfield is cited for its diverse economy and recovery from the financial recession of 2008, as well as ongoing economic development. Also noted are the strong presence of corporate headquarters, which offer employment opportunities and commitments to workforce diversity. Local nonprofit organizations are noted for leveling the educational and economic playing field for African Americans through providing afterschool programs for children, as well as mentoring, and housing and parenting skills training.
Livability.com states that African Americans are the ethnic group most likely to stress the importance of a college education, and Springfield and the surrounding area is home to more than two dozen colleges and universities.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “In this age of ‘reality TV’ where negativity sells with some media outlets, especially in how they depict our urban American cities, it’s nice to know that our Springfield does and will continue to make ‘good lists’ too. We’ve always believed there is plenty of good that our diverse city has to offer.”
More information on the 10 Best Cities for African Americans can be found at: http://www.livability.com/top-10/families/10-best-cities-for-african-americans/2016.
