Writing Assignment 1
The urban geography of New York plots focus on life in neighborhoods of inner cities where African Americans live and thrive. The urban geography of New York is significant because it gives you an inside look at the everyday struggles and triumphs that blacks experienced. In addition, urban literature highlights these benefits because it is written by people of color. One of the most common themes of urban literature is survival. Therefore, it appeals to readers because it offers an opportunity to investigate, validate, and make sense of life in these urban communities.


Survival-In the inner cities of New York the main goal was to survive. Living paycheck to paycheck and going without, often put people at war with one another.

"Life is parallel to hell, but I must maintain
and be prosperous, though we live dangerous"-Nas- NY State of Mind(1994)

This quote shows how no matter what the conditions were, people were mainly focused on doing anything to survive.

Opportunity- During the Harlem Renaissance many black writers, singers and artists fled to New York in hopes of pursuing their dreams.

"Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothin' you can't do
Now you're in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you" -Jay-Z -Empire State of Mind (2009)

This quote provides us with an understanding of what it feels like to be in the big city, where everyone is pursuing their dreams.

Discrimination-In the early 1900's blacks were treated unequal to whites and other ethnic groups.
"I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen when company comes."-I, too sing America-Langston Hughes(1959)

This shows how blacks were treated unequally by whites during the 1900's.

Determination-Despite the inequality,struggle,lack of opportunity and money. Many blacks refused to give up in pursuit of their dreams, no matter how much life knocked them down.

"So boy don't you turn back. Don't you set down on the steps."-Langston Hughes -Mother to Son (1922)

This quote shows the will drive and push that African Americans gave to one another to face all obstacles and never give in.

Expression-During the Harlem Renaissance, African Americans used art, literature, poetry, dance and music to express themselves.

"This debt we pay to human guile;
with torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
and mouth with myriad subtleties." -Paul Laurence Dunbar

This quote is an example of how blacks expressed their feelings through poetry and art.

Pride: Although, African Americans experienced inequality and discrimination in New York, they still took pride in the city and made it their own.

"But, ah! Manhattans sights and sounds, her smells,
her crowds, her throbbing force, the thrill that comes
from being of her part"-James Weldon Johnson-My City(1981)

This quote shows how excited and prideful African Americans were about the city of New York. Although they struggled to maintain, they took pride in what they had.