View Full Version : African-American Residents?
kintemom
03-30-2009, 09:21 AM
We're an African-American couple who have visited The Villages at least four times now (most recently last week) and have a VERY strong interest in purchasing and spending the remainder of our "happy" years there - hopefully by middle of next year. Although I've read many posts from TV folks indicating that age, ethnicity, ability to play golf!, etc., etc. doesn't matter in the community, I've not specifically seen anything on this forum - to my knowledge - about (or from) people of color who either live or aspire to live in The Villages. Are there any "experiences" out there that could be shared with us - good or bad - on this subject?
Maybe it hasn't been discussed because there's no real "need" to discuss it - and that's a good thing! But we're just curious...and I feel that this forum has always offered honest, thought-provoking, and to-the-point information about any and all subject matters...so I challenge you to keep up the good work!
PS: My hubby's the golfer in the family, while I am addicted to the computer and the techy world and stay as far away from "sports" as possible! THANKS for any responses that you'd like to share.
If for whatever reason, you'd prefer to send me a private message re: this topic, please feel free to do so (although I have no idea where I'd retrieve that private message!!!).
SteveFromNY
03-30-2009, 09:45 AM
People here are from all over the country, and in fact the world (at least the UK). I've met people from all parts of the US. All have a common interest - living their "Golden Years" out in TV. Having that common bond is more important than any of the differences.
graciegirl
03-30-2009, 09:53 AM
What differences?
SteveFromNY
03-30-2009, 10:09 AM
Gracie, you're from Ohio, I'm from NYC. Take my word for it, we're different! :)
We're an African-American couple who have visited The Villages at least four times now (most recently last week) and have a VERY strong interest in purchasing and spending the remainder of our "happy" years there - hopefully by middle of next year. Although I've read many posts from TV folks indicating that age, ethnicity, ability to play golf!, etc., etc. doesn't matter in the community, I've not specifically seen anything on this forum - to my knowledge - about (or from) people of color who either live or aspire to live in The Villages. Are there any "experiences" out there that could be shared with us - good or bad - on this subject?
Maybe it hasn't been discussed because there's no real "need" to discuss it - and that's a good thing! But we're just curious...and I feel that this forum has always offered honest, thought-provoking, and to-the-point information about any and all subject matters...so I challenge you to keep up the good work!
PS: My hubby's the golfer in the family, while I am addicted to the computer and the techy world and stay as far away from "sports" as possible! THANKS for any responses that you'd like to share.
If for whatever reason, you'd prefer to send me a private message re: this topic, please feel free to do so (although I have no idea where I'd retrieve that private message!!!).
We don't live here yet but here are my observations. I think that your attitude toward being in a 98% or so white community are most important. On our visits, I have seen blacks doing the same thing as everyone else, with everyone else. They seem to be Villagers. They look the same. They dress the same. The do the same. The only reason that I even noticed them is because they were few. I am sure that you will fit in as well as any.
Best of luck.
Yoda
redwitch
03-30-2009, 12:57 PM
Obviously, I can't reply from your point of view but I can discuss what I've observed. People of all colors seem to be well accepted here. I've seen them on the golf courses with all ethnic groups mingled together. There are a few that play bridge (my game of choice) and we "sharks" happily beat up on them as much as we do everyone else (and they happily beat up on us since one of these sharks is a wonderful African-American gentleman).
As was said, you would be a minority but, from what I've seen, not treated differently because of that. Now, admit you're a liberal or a Democrat and be prepared to duck. Some of those conservative Republicans are downright mean!
dillywho
03-30-2009, 12:58 PM
We're an African-American couple who have visited The Villages at least four times now (most recently last week) and have a VERY strong interest in purchasing and spending the remainder of our "happy" years there - hopefully by middle of next year. Although I've read many posts from TV folks indicating that age, ethnicity, ability to play golf!, etc., etc. doesn't matter in the community, I've not specifically seen anything on this forum - to my knowledge - about (or from) people of color who either live or aspire to live in The Villages. Are there any "experiences" out there that could be shared with us - good or bad - on this subject?
Maybe it hasn't been discussed because there's no real "need" to discuss it - and that's a good thing! But we're just curious...and I feel that this forum has always offered honest, thought-provoking, and to-the-point information about any and all subject matters...so I challenge you to keep up the good work!
PS: My hubby's the golfer in the family, while I am addicted to the computer and the techy world and stay as far away from "sports" as possible! THANKS for any responses that you'd like to share.
If for whatever reason, you'd prefer to send me a private message re: this topic, please feel free to do so (although I have no idea where I'd retrieve that private message!!!).
The couple two doors down from us are African-American. I don't know what the numbers are and don't care. They are wonderful neighbors and we are becoming fast friends. I can't say as much for some of the people in TV that are not. The character of the people is what is important and not the color or lack thereof. We are all mixed up here, but most all of us are here for the same reason you want to come. There is plenty to do for both of you to do your own things or to do them together. Welcome!
ouma1938
03-30-2009, 03:18 PM
I am still a Villages Wannabee but I have visited and have never noticed any difference in treatment of anyone. I marvel at the wonderful generosity and spirit of Villagers of all ages and enthnicities. Iam sure that there are a few who pay attention to color, ages, religion, etc., but you will find that anywhere. The wonderful thing about TV is that the open, friendly people so outnumber any others that may be out there that its not even noticed. Now as Red said, conservatives outnumber liberals and there have been some very heated discussions on these boards but even those are not vicious and rarely get personal. Just passionate. I think you will love living in TV so go for it. I hope we get to meet someday!
Avista
03-30-2009, 03:30 PM
We have friends here in The Villages that are African American. Met them at church. She is an author, and I love her books.
gardenia
03-30-2009, 04:55 PM
Kintemom,
I am an African American female, and planning to buy/become a full time resident within 2 years. I have nothing but great things to say about the folks in TV and on this forum (love, love, love TOTV!). I visited TV a few times and felt very welcome everywhere I went. I have a few cousins who have lived in TV for over 10 years and they have had nothing but great experiences/stories to tell, have great friends and are all extremely active. I too am a techie and don't play golf (but love to run, dance and all physical activity), so we can look forward to meeting up sometime!
billethkid
03-30-2009, 06:33 PM
If we all went around with a hat to display a different color for each of our different ethnic backgrounds, one would note there are many different colored hats being worn. And if we went to the next step and said all the non US born should wear a shirt of distinction, there would be another minority group.
I know the responses could be yeah but that is not the same. I have too many friends in TV and else where and have been color blind most of my personal and professional life.
I do not think folks of "color" will draw any more attention or different treatment than some of us who may have different speech accents...it really doesn't matter....that 98% VS 2% distinction is a distraction from the real life reality here in TV.....in my very humble opinion.
Come on down!!!
BTK
kintemom
03-30-2009, 07:37 PM
What differences?
To all: I guess Graciegirl said it best! Thank you all for the many wonderful and thoughtful responses to my inquiry. I've made at least 2 or 3 chit-chat friends already and even have an invite for my husband and I for drinks!!! What else could anyone want?
Life is what YOU make it.....and we're going to be making it in TV real soon, I pray. See you all when we get there!
Shirleevee
03-30-2009, 08:16 PM
To all: I guess Graciegirl said it best! Thank you all for the many wonderful and thoughtful responses to my inquiry. I've made at least 2 or 3 chit-chat friends already and even have an invite for my husband and I for drinks!!! What else could anyone want?
Life is what YOU make it.....and we're going to be making it in TV real soon, I pray. See you all when we get there!
See you at Crispers!:pepper2:
Taj44
03-30-2009, 08:31 PM
Kintemom, I sent you a private message. If you look in the upper right hand corner of your screen, you'll see Private Messages. We're a friendly bunch here in The Villages. If you like the lifestyle, you'll like living in the community. Best of luck in your decision!
It's not about anyone's ethnicity here, that I have seen, but the class, and content of the people. As a very famous man once said "content of character, not color of skin" Get here and enjoy the golden years of your life like you deserve to.
Cassie325
03-31-2009, 06:02 AM
While everyone is typically very excepting of just about everyone...race, sex, religion, etc....most cultures have certain traditions or events that are shared amongst themselves...that is why there are so many clubs and organizations in TV's....so while one has many friends in TV's and in their neighborhoods....they still have people of their own heritage or culture or lifestyle to connect with as well.
There are clubs for almost every heritage here...including an African-American club....
My point is....get down here and enjoy life with everyone....but you also have the chance to join a club of people that are steaped in your specific traditions....it is always a wonderful thing to share in ones heritage and cultural traditions.....
Most of these clubs also have wonderful evenings where they cook traditional meals.....I have been able to participate in the Korean and Japanese club dinners...WOW!!! Talk about good food!! YUM
bimmertl
03-31-2009, 06:10 AM
Here's the link to TV African American club.
http://taaclub.org/
graciegirl
03-31-2009, 08:01 AM
It's not about anyone's ethnicity here, that I have seen, but the class, and content of the people. As a very famous man once said "content of character, not color of skin" Get here and enjoy the golden years of your life like you deserve to.
RCT, I enjoy what you have to say and I couldn't agree with you more on this post. Well said as usual!
njgranny
03-31-2009, 06:04 PM
We've visited and have never seen such a friendly place. I'm with you on the "keeping away from sports." Hopefully, if we get to TV, I'll get a wee bit more active.
I would say move there as fast as you can, so you can start enjoying all the benefits of the Villages.
Jan
SABRMnLgs
04-02-2009, 08:22 PM
My Great Grandparents moved here from Poland and the Balkans. After they moved here there was never a hyphen in their ethnicity. Never even a thought of it. They were never Polish-American or Balkan-American.
They moved here so they could call themselves what they are, not what they were. "American".
My Grandfather told me a story when I was very young about my Great Grandfather being asked to join a "Polish-American" club in Chicago. My Great Grandfather retorted, "We may have come from Poland, but I am American now".
barb1191
04-02-2009, 08:56 PM
My next-door neighbor is a delightful woman of color who is so beautiful on the inside and outside. She's very active in many social activities here in TV, as well as the African-American Club. Hubby and I adore her and feel like she's part of our family.
Yes, we are all human beings with diverse backgrounds and ethnicity that we treasure and respect in all. The Villages is truly "The Friendliest Hometown" with no "class" distinction; everyone is considered equal here. One could be in the company of millionaires and blue-collars and not know the difference, or even care because it's the goodness of all that is what it's all about.
downeaster
04-02-2009, 08:56 PM
My Great Grandparents moved here from Poland and the Balkans. After they moved here there was never a hyphen in their ethnicity. Never even a thought of it. They were never Polish-American or Balkan-American.
They moved here so they could call themselves what they are, not what they were. "American".
My Grandfather told me a story when I was very young about my Great Grandfather being asked to join a "Polish-American" club in Chicago. My Great Grandfather retorted, "We may have come from Poland, but I am American now".
On the one hand I tend to agree with your grandfather, SABR. On the other I am a little envious of those who can say they are Afro-American, Irish-American, Polish-American, etc., etc.
I am from such a mixed background I can't lay claim to any definite ethnic, racial, religious or national background. One of my grandfathers ran away from home in his early teens and would never reveal where he was from.
My surname is of no help. It is fairly common in a number of countries. It is also the Anglicized version of a number of names of even other countries.
I'll just keep on celebrating every national and ethnic holiday that comes along with special emphasis on July Fourth.
Shirleevee
04-02-2009, 10:03 PM
On the one hand I tend to agree with your grandfather, SABR. On the other I am a little envious of those who can say they are Afro-American, Irish-American, Polish-American, etc., etc.
I am from such a mixed background I can't lay claim to any definite ethnic, racial, religious or national background. One of my grandfathers ran away from home in his early teens and would never reveal where he was from.
My surname is of no help. It is fairly common in a number of countries. It is also the Anglicized version of a number of names of even other countries.
I'll just keep on celebrating every national and ethnic holiday that comes along with special emphasis on July Fourth.
A wonderful American-American story!
graciegirl
04-02-2009, 10:30 PM
A wonderful American-American story!
Beautiful summation Shirleevee!:eclipsee_gold_cup:
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