Introduction
Chicago is beautifully diverse. Its population is almost evenly split between African Americans, Latino and White. Granted, most ethnic groups live in separate neighborhoods throughout Chicago, such as Greektown, the Polish Triangle, Pilsen, Bronzeville, Chinatown and Humbolt Park just to name a few. This segregation dates back to the Jim Crow Laws of 1877 and the Great Migration of 1916, to more recent historical events such as Redlining and public-school closings in Chicago. Despite the intentional segregation of people of color that was used as a catalyst for oppression, especially true for African American, Latino, and Chinese Americans, neighborhoods in Chicago have used art to preserve cultural identity, and also as a vehicle for activism.
Aside from being known as a diversely segregated city, Chicago is known for its arts. From classical museum art found at the Art Institute, to more recent art found at the Museum of Contemporary Art, to small local neighborhood galleries, Chicago has it all. One of Chicago’s specialties includes its array of public art stretching from murals, to sculptures, to mosaics, and even graffiti. Chicago’s arts expand even more, from blues and jazz music to poetry readings during open mic nights at the Green Mill. Artists use their work as their voice and as a tool to drive change. In this unit, through discussion and interpretations of poetry and other works of art, students will gain confidence to use their voice through ekphrastic poetry and other works of art to promote change and make their community a place they’re proud to call home.
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