Region racial divide blurring -- slowly

Alicia Rios, center foreground, and her husband, Oscar Rios, to her left, both Mexican-American, have lived in Crown Point for 12 years. Before that they lived in Merrillville for 20 years, moving there from East Chicago in 1979. They pose for a portrait with their family and neighbors in Crown Point. On the left behind Oscar and Alicia are granddaughter Ashley Rios, daughter-in-law Sherry Rios and son Oscar Rios Jr. Behind them are neighbors Peggy Fralinger and Sabina Haniford. On the right in the foreground are Feme Liapes and her husband, Lucas Liapes, and their dog Koube. Behind them are Teresa Rench and her husband Steve Rench. Their granddaughter Emma Hernandez is in front next to Rios.