History of Auburn Gresham

The recent history of Auburn Gresham is somewhat similar to that of the areas that surround it: once predominantly Irish Catholic, the racial makeup of the neighborhood quickly changed in the the 1960s and 1970s when African Americans began moving into the area from surrounding communities. 

Where this neighborhood differs from many others, though, is the fact that the transition was aided by strong community leadership and churches in the neighborhood, most notably St. Sabina. The community was able to make the transition "more peaceful" than in surrounding areas because of this support and leadership, and it had "less of a destructive effect on property values and a less embittering experience for many."

source: The Chicago Neighborhoods - 0ne designer's take on Chicago - Steve Shanabruch