4:00 p.m. CDT, April 1, 2011

New census data shows Milwaukee is the most segregated city in America, and many are not surprised by this information. This new data has long been the perception, since the city is regularly ranks among the top segregated cities in America. The uncomfortable topic of race is now unavoidable after Milwaukee has been named the most segregated in America.

Milwaukee now has a new way to start tough conversations about race. According to the latest census data Milwaukee beat New York City, Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland for the dubious honor of being America's most segregated city.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says the reason for this is rooted in the region's economic and political history. "We've got housing policies, zoning policies, steering that occurs in real estate industry. Historically that offers, and I think there are still some people who don't want to live with people who have different skin colors than theirs."

Stephanie Harling from Milwaukee predominately white neighborhood Bay View says, "Right now in Milwaukee, there are segregated areas of poverty, and unfortunately that translates to race in Milwaukee as well."

The latest census data shows that 90% of the black population in Milwaukee's metro area, which spans four counties, lives on the north side of Milwaukee.

Mayor Barrett also says the history of suburban opposition of affordable housing means black people are more likely to live in the City of Milwaukee.