Ohio is a state with a long and troubled history of racism, from the days of slavery and segregation to the present day. According to a recent analysis by RoadSnacks, a website that ranks cities based on various criteria, one Ohio city stands out as the most racist in the state: Smithfield.
How was the ranking determined?
RoadSnacks used data from a research report by Virginia Commonwealth University that mapped the locations of historic Ku Klux Klan organizations in each state from 1915 to 1940. The report identified 50 cities in Ohio that had at least one Klan chapter during that period. RoadSnacks then divided the number of Klans by the current population of each city to get a ratio of Klans per capita. The higher the ratio, the more racist the city was deemed to be.
Why is Smithfield the most racist city in Ohio?
Smithfield, a small town in Jefferson County with a population of about 800, had four Klans during the peak of the KKK’s second wave in the 1920s. That means there was one Klan for every 200 people in the town, which is the highest ratio in the state. Smithfield also had the highest percentage of white residents (98.8%) among the top 10 most racist cities in Ohio, according to the 2010 census.
The KKK was not only a violent and hateful group that terrorized Black people, but also a political and social force that influenced local and state policies. The KKK opposed immigration, especially from Catholic and Jewish countries, and advocated for white supremacy and Protestantism. The KKK also targeted other groups that they considered inferior or immoral, such as Native Americans, Asians, Latinos, homosexuals, and communists.
The legacy of the KKK’s racism and discrimination can still be seen today in the economic and health disparities that affect Black and minority communities in Ohio. According to the American Public Health Association, racism is a public health crisis that contributes to poor health outcomes, such as higher rates of infant mortality, chronic diseases, and COVID-19 infections and deaths. Racism also affects access to quality education, housing, employment, and justice.
What are the other most racist cities in Ohio?
The other nine cities that made the top 10 most racist cities in Ohio, according to RoadSnacks, are:
1.) Clinton, a village in Summit County with a population of about 1,200 and three Klans (one Klan per 400 people).
2.)Lewisburg, a village in Preble County with a population of about 1,800 and four Klans (one Klan per 450 people).
3.) West Alexandria, a village in Preble County with a population of about 1,300 and two Klans (one Klan per 650 people).
4.) Middleport, a village in Meigs County with a population of about 2,500 and three Klans (one Klan per 833 people).
5.) Crooksville, a village in Perry County with a population of about 2,500 and three Klans (one Klan per 833 people).
6.) Minerva, a village in Stark County with a population of about 3,700 and four Klans (one Klan per 925 people).
7.) Blanchester, a village in Clinton County with a population of about 4,200 and four Klans (one Klan per 1,050 people).
8.) Bellaire, a village in Belmont County with a population of about 4,300 and four Klans (one Klan per 1,075 people).
9.) Sebring, a village in Mahoning County with a population of about 4,400 and four Klans (one Klan per 1,100 people).
What can be done to address racism in Ohio?
Many Ohio cities and counties have declared racism a public health crisis in the wake of the racial justice protests that followed the murder of George Floyd, a Black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis in 2020. However, declaring racism a public health crisis is not enough to solve the problem. It requires concrete actions and policies that address the root causes and effects of racism in all aspects of society.
Some of the possible steps that can be taken to combat racism in Ohio include:
1.) Educating the public about the history and impact of racism and promoting cultural diversity and inclusion.
2.) Supporting Black and minority-owned businesses and organizations and investing in their communities.
3.) Reforming the criminal justice system and ensuring accountability and transparency for police misconduct and brutality.
4.) Expanding access to health care, mental health services, and social support for Black and minority populations.
5.) Improving the quality and equity of education, housing, and employment opportunities for Black and minority populations.
6.) Engaging in dialogue and collaboration with Black and minority leaders and activists and listening to their voices and demands.
Conclusion
Racism is a serious and pervasive issue that affects the lives and well-being of millions of Ohioans, especially Black and minority populations. It is not a thing of the past, but a present and ongoing challenge that requires collective and individual responsibility and action. By acknowledging and addressing the history and reality of racism in Ohio, we can create a more just and inclusive society for all.