(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Black men are more likely to face hostility on public trains and buses in the Chicago area, according to a recently published study from the University of Notre Dame.
The study was based on years of observation on Chicago-area public transit between 2010 – 2022, during which time researchers said they found “repeated avoidance of Black male passengers by non-Black passengers.” Examples included ignoring requests for directions, physically moving away or avoiding eye contact. Interactions between authority figures, such as police in train stations, were also noted.
“Black men who want to go to work, school, appointments, visit others, or do any of the other things that people use public transport for, find the experience to be degrading rather than liberating,” said Gwendolyn Purifoye, assistant professor of racial justice and conflict transformation in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. “Any hostile encounter in a public space is stressful, but it’s magnified when you are trapped in a space until a vehicle stops.”
Researchers said it didn’t matter if they were passengers or public transit workers: The data showed that Black men are more likely to experience frequent avoidance, fear and increased surveillance by non-Black passengers and authorities.
“Black men’s status as transit personnel or security does not shield them from racial animus,” Purifoye said.
The study focused on routes that pass through diverse neighborhoods, including downtown. Researchers traveled at various times and in different weather conditions.
Research, along with recommendations, were shared with Chicago's Regional Transportation Authority. Purifoye said the study revealed a need for further research on how negative interactions on public transportation inform conditions that leave Black men at risk in public.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok