WBEZ, BGA Document Decline Of South Suburban Dolton

By Nereida Moreno
Dolton series
The freight train frequently pass through Riverdale and Dolton, usually stopping for more than two hours at a time, barricading families with a timely journeys. Sebastian Hidalgo for Better Government Association, WBEZ
Dolton series
The freight train frequently pass through Riverdale and Dolton, usually stopping for more than two hours at a time, barricading families with a timely journeys. Sebastian Hidalgo for Better Government Association, WBEZ

WBEZ, BGA Document Decline Of South Suburban Dolton

By Nereida Moreno
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Once a booming suburban town, the Village of Dolton has experienced a decline in industry followed by white flight, job loss and economic turmoil.

Longtime residents left the area and were replaced by African-Americans who left the city for cheaper housing opportunities and instead found themselves in a deteriorating community.

The decline of Dolton mirrors a disturbing nationwide trend — for the first time in U.S. history, poverty in the suburbs has eclipsed urban poverty, according to the Brookings Institution.

WBEZ reporter Miles Bryan, Chicago-based photographer Sebastian Hidalgo and Better Government Association reporter Casey Toner join the Morning Shift to discuss the history of south suburban Dolton.

GUESTS: Miles Bryan, WBEZ reporter

Casey Toner, investigative reporter at Better Government Association

Sebastian Hidalgo, freelance photographer

LEARN MORE:

An American Suburb, 2018: Stories and photos from Dolton, Illinois