the negro in chicago: a study of race relations and a race riot  "the negro in chicago" is a sociological study published in 1922 by the university of chicago press. the study included a substantial review of the background of the chicago riots of july and august 1919, the riots themselves, and their aftermath, together with original work and investigation into the relations between and perceptions of the black and white communities in chicago. at this time, the city experienced a substantial increase of black migration from the south. world war i had brought industrial jobs to cities in the north but many of these jobs were subject to a color bar and only available to whites. the arrival of black people in northern cities led to an increase in rent in underdeveloped neighborhoods and white flight. expansion of the ghetto caused friction among white residents, which eventually led to riots.