Back of the Yards, located in the New City community area of Chicago, is a historically significant neighborhood that has captivated the attention of writers, activists, and social scientists throughout the twentieth century. Situated in a heavily industrialized area, it was once home to the largest livestock yards and meatpacking center in the country. The neighborhood's vibrant working-class communities, predominantly composed of Polish, Lithuanian, Slovak, and Czech immigrants, were known for their resilience and strong sense of community.
Despite the challenges posed by pollution, poverty, and low wages, the residents of Back of the Yards organized themselves into powerful social movements, such as the Packinghouse Workers Organizing Committee and the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council. These movements fought for improved working conditions, higher wages, and civil rights, leaving a lasting impact on the labor movement and community organizing. Today, as the neighborhood faces economic decline and physical deterioration, newer residents continue the struggle to maintain a strong and united community.
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