I'm from South Los Angeles and been to Black congregations all my life, but I moved 70-75 miles north from where I grew up. I just want to know the difference .
Great question. I like many others did the same thing. I actually loved participating and having friends in the black hall. I LOVED the people. I felt guilty when I missed a meeting. In the white hall that I attended in the Antelope Valley, the black friends went out of their way to show warmth. The white friends seemed to be more concerned about the clothes or shoes my wife wore. Some would not talk if she had on something new. It was a weird energy in the hall because it was KINDA integrated. People interacted, but still had segregated parties. Everyone had a long commute, so missing the meetings was not a problem. I loved that about the white halls. We NEVER had a sheparding call from a white elder. I work in an integrated environment and I get more LOVE from co-workers.
80 miles out? Are you going to Palmdale or Moreno Valley?