My grandmother and great grandmother once lived there during my grandmothers childhood. She just turned 70 July 3 2011 and my greatgrandmother would have been 90 July 28 2011. They lived in the Pyramid Courts "black folks projects" as my grandmother calls it. One of my Uncles still visit cairo faithfully. Wonder why Cairo has so many Egyptian references?
@grip314 In short the reason for all the Egyptian references is because when the explorers Lewis & Clark (or so I have been told) arrived here the geographical layout reminded them of Cairo,Egypt layout where the rivers (and other bodies of water meet) therefore it was named Cairo as well as further north you travel from Cairo,IL you will find other references as well, as in Thebes and so on. Other locations vary based on native Americans such as Ullin and so on. Check Wikipedia it gives detail
My mother's family was from just north of Cairo - Mounds and Villa Ridge. In 1968, we went back to see all my mom's elderly relatives before they died (which they promptly began doing in the next two years.) I was full of 1960s idealism, and was trying to figure out the "boycott." My Uncle Melvin fixed a gaze on me, then asked if I knew that Cairo was farther south than Richmond, VA (capital of Confederacy.) He gazed at me a little harder to see if I "got it." I got it.
So sad...Racism many years before integration was ingrained in the minds of the oppressed blacks, so when integration came the blacks grew more powerful and took what was rightfully theirs in the area. Following that, white folk moved out because they still had racist mind sets and with no money coming in, the blacks are still stuck in a impoverish, economyless community. Who is to blame? Everyone. Whites for racism, blacks for racism. Open minds on both sides would have led to less ignorance.
I know Bobby and Anthony Simmons. Grew up on going across the bridge from Kentucky to go to King Tuts. My mom and Dad used to go to King Tuts. Love growing up in the area. Great memories of Cairo, The Turf and their late night cravings for their pizza and the sandwich that was so yummy at 2:00 am.
I hear Frank Bondurant on this video. How sad that whoever recorded this couldn't find someone who lives in Cairo who isn't crazy. ALL the Cairo residents know Frank is crazy. Find real productive residents is you want to learn about Cairo.
Sorry, but it's not pronounced "Kay-ro", although everyone from St. Louis seems to think that for some reason. It's pronounced "Care-o". I was born there and still have family there. Yes, it's a mess. That's a shame, because it was a great, little city at one time.
Born and raised in Cairo... and glad I moved away. I wish I was proud but you know I can not. I have thought of coming back to actively help for years. After visiting many times I did learn this... The community/city/people of Cairo must first deal with their leaders that line their pockets with money while the city suffers and declines. In the United States of America this is the worse community recorded in the country. Even Detroit has better to offer. If you don;t believe me than check.
Cairo still has hope if the ppl try to do something
alexisrocks2456 2 months ago
My grandmother and great grandmother once lived there during my grandmothers childhood. She just turned 70 July 3 2011 and my greatgrandmother would have been 90 July 28 2011. They lived in the Pyramid Courts "black folks projects" as my grandmother calls it. One of my Uncles still visit cairo faithfully. Wonder why Cairo has so many Egyptian references?
grip314 7 months ago
@grip314 In short the reason for all the Egyptian references is because when the explorers Lewis & Clark (or so I have been told) arrived here the geographical layout reminded them of Cairo,Egypt layout where the rivers (and other bodies of water meet) therefore it was named Cairo as well as further north you travel from Cairo,IL you will find other references as well, as in Thebes and so on. Other locations vary based on native Americans such as Ullin and so on. Check Wikipedia it gives detail
Hoodmonsa 2 months ago
My mother's family was from just north of Cairo - Mounds and Villa Ridge. In 1968, we went back to see all my mom's elderly relatives before they died (which they promptly began doing in the next two years.) I was full of 1960s idealism, and was trying to figure out the "boycott." My Uncle Melvin fixed a gaze on me, then asked if I knew that Cairo was farther south than Richmond, VA (capital of Confederacy.) He gazed at me a little harder to see if I "got it." I got it.
jonball52 9 months ago
I remember the fear we northern blacks had in the 50's when traveling thru Cairo to go South. The police were more racist than any I've ever known.
Corduroy66 10 months ago
@Corduroy66 Please elaborate if you will...
lewiske 9 months ago
So sad...Racism many years before integration was ingrained in the minds of the oppressed blacks, so when integration came the blacks grew more powerful and took what was rightfully theirs in the area. Following that, white folk moved out because they still had racist mind sets and with no money coming in, the blacks are still stuck in a impoverish, economyless community. Who is to blame? Everyone. Whites for racism, blacks for racism. Open minds on both sides would have led to less ignorance.
Jonnyferrari202 10 months ago
I know Bobby and Anthony Simmons. Grew up on going across the bridge from Kentucky to go to King Tuts. My mom and Dad used to go to King Tuts. Love growing up in the area. Great memories of Cairo, The Turf and their late night cravings for their pizza and the sandwich that was so yummy at 2:00 am.
michaelkylie 10 months ago
I hear Frank Bondurant on this video. How sad that whoever recorded this couldn't find someone who lives in Cairo who isn't crazy. ALL the Cairo residents know Frank is crazy. Find real productive residents is you want to learn about Cairo.
MsGoosehunter 1 year ago
My family is from Cairo. Does anybody know the Phillips??
natrob6 1 year ago
@natrob6 hey there, yes, my grandmother and great grandmother were Phillips and were from there.
scrump1971 10 months ago
I Lived In Cairo For Twelve Years Mt Grandfather Is Bobby Simmons, If Anyone Knows Me Message Me
But I Love Cairo So Much
sunnieJALC 1 year ago
I remember when Cairo was really something...It's just the past now.
micdevious 1 year ago
Sorry, but it's not pronounced "Kay-ro", although everyone from St. Louis seems to think that for some reason. It's pronounced "Care-o". I was born there and still have family there. Yes, it's a mess. That's a shame, because it was a great, little city at one time.
jananney 1 year ago
Born and raised in Cairo... and glad I moved away. I wish I was proud but you know I can not. I have thought of coming back to actively help for years. After visiting many times I did learn this... The community/city/people of Cairo must first deal with their leaders that line their pockets with money while the city suffers and declines. In the United States of America this is the worse community recorded in the country. Even Detroit has better to offer. If you don;t believe me than check.
Soulinsane 1 year ago