The African American population of Gary increased greatly during the decade of 1910-20, from fewer than 400 to more than 5,000. Most Black families, like most families with foreign born members, lived on the South Side, due to racist segregationist sentiments held by white, native born, powerful people in Gary. Also rooted in white racism, the lower wages earned by African American workers further limited their housing choices. Many Black families lived in cramped housing. Conditions were sometimes unsanitary as well.