A Comparison of the African American and Chinese American Experience in 1950’s St. Louis

STUDENT DIRECTIONS

In this activity you will compare the experiences of African Americans and Chinese Americans in St. Louis during the 1950’s. Although you will find information about both groups throughout the city, there are two important
areas of the city you may want to visit. During this period, a large African American community was located in the Mill Creek Valley, bounded by 20th Street, Grand Avenue, Olive Street and Scott Avenue. St. Louis’ Chinatown
existed on the southern edge of downtown within the confines of Seventh, Tenth, Walnut and Chestnut Streets. You may want to explore these areas as you search for information to answer the following questions.

 

The Chinese American Experience	The African American Experience
What type jobs were available to people in this group? How did people make a living?	What type jobs were available to people in this group? How did people make a living?
What sorts of prejudice and stereotyping did this group have to face?	What sorts of prejudice and stereotyping did this group have to face?
How did the educational system respond to the needs of people from this group?	How did the educational system respond to the needs of people from this group?
How did urban renewal projects affect people from this group?	How did urban renewal projects affect people from this group?
How did people from this group work to maintain their values and protect their interests in St. Louis?	How did people from this group work to maintain their values and protect their interests in St. Louis?