Raisin in the Sun: Explore: Chicago

Kitchenettes & Life in South Side Chicago

Instructions:

1. Read this short article on Kitchenettes.
2. Then Watch the video below. 
3. Lastly, Read  Gwendolyn Brooks poem Kitchenette  Building. (Below)
4. Explore images of Black communities in Chicago from the first half of 20th century.
5. Complete entry in reflection document

The Kitchenette

by Gwendolyn Brooks

We are things of dry hours and the involuntary plan,

Grayed in, and gray. “Dream” makes a giddy sound, not strong

Like “rent,” “feeding a wife,” “satisfying a man.”

But could a dream send up through onion fumes

Its white and violet, fight with fried potatoes

And yesterday’s garbage ripening in the hall,

Flutter, or sing an aria down these rooms

Even if we were willing to let it in,

Had time to warm it, keep it very clean,

Anticipate a message, let it begin?

We wonder. But not well! not for a minute!

Since Number Five is out of the bathroom now,

We think of lukewarm water, hope to get in it.

Restrictive Covenants in Chicago

Instructions:

1. Read the short article on "Restrictive Covenants."
2. Then watch the video below.
3. Read the poem "Restrictive Covenants" below.
4. Explore images of Black communities in Chicago from the first half of 20th century.
5. Complete entry in reflection document

Restrictive Covenants 

by Langston Hughes

When I move

Into a neighborhood

Folks fly,

Even every foreigner

That can move, moves.

Why?

The moon doesn't run.

Neither does the sun.

In Chicago 

They've got covenants

Restricting me--

Hemmed in 

On the South Side,

Can't breathe free.

But the wind blows there.

I reckon the wind

Must care.