The storefront church ministry in African American communities of the urban north during the great migration: The making of an ethnic niche

Abstract

An ethnic niche is an occupation or industry into which an ethnic minority group concentrates in order to avoid or overcome its disadvantages in the larger economy. Such a niche is often based upon the special consumer demands of co-ethnics. During the Great Migration, African Americans from the South brought to the urban North a demand for religious services that were traditional, emotional and intimate. The old-line churches of northern African American communities failed to satisfy these demands. Hence, a niche arose for those African Americans who were willing and able to start churches that could accomodate the religious demands of the southern migrants. This niche was relatively easy to enter, and it offered reasonable rewards to its occupants. It was also an important source of social support to many African Americans.