Bronzeville was settled in the early 20th century by African Americans migrating from the South as part of the Great Migration. It became a center of Black culture and community, known as the "Black Metropolis". However, after World War 2, about a third of residents left due to economic decline. Public housing projects like Ida B. Wells maintained segregation in the area until they were demolished in the 2000s. Today, Bronzeville has a population of around 119,000 people that is over 85% Black.