Franklin Grove, Illinois

Recently moved back home to Illinois and I live with my dad in this town…we’re the only Black people who live here and I can count on one hand on how many neighbors are genuinely nice. It’s a very small town, a lot of historic buildings and places to check out but it’s one of those towns you just pass on through. It’s a town over from Dixon, IL (where Reagan was born).

I originally grew up in the Chicago suburbs and my dad is originally from the south side and truthfully I don’t know how he does it. Our neighbor on the right hangs with Klansfolk and I’ve heard him say slurs under his breath whenever I walk the dogs.

I wouldn’t recommend being out here after dark. Not only is it an eerie vibe there’s at least one neighbor with their head in the window wondering what you’re doing and why you’re out late. Especially as a young Black woman who loves to hang out with her friends in the summer, I’m already starting to save to be back in the Burbs.