James Baldwin Reading Response

For Project 1, you will write a 1-2 page response to James Baldwins essay The Harlem Ghetto from Notes of a Native Son and connect it to ideas from chapters 2, 5 and 6 of your textbook, Writing to Read, Reading to Write.

The goal of this assignment will be to practice active reading, annotation, summarizing, and developing a thoughtful written response that connects Baldwins context to your own.

Language Awareness Reminder: Some words that were once common are now considered antiquated, offensive, or inappropriate. Please avoid using outdated terms when discussing race, gender, culture, or identity. Instead, choose respectful, current language that reflects awareness and inclusivity.

Assignment Instructions

Prompt

After reading James Baldwins essay The Harlem Ghetto from Notes of a Native Son and the relevant sections of your textbook, respond to the following:

What aspects of Baldwins description of Harlem and its challenges feel familiar, relatable, or resonant with your own community or experiences?

How does recognizing Baldwins historical and cultural context help you understand his perspective more fully?

How might your own context as a student, a reader, and a member of your community shape the way you interpret Baldwins essay?

Task

Write a 12 page response that addresses all three questions in a connected, wellorganized piece of writing (not three separate minianswers).

Submit your typed response via Blackboard by the end of the day on Monday, Feb 9th.

Formatting requirements:

Typed and submitted digitally (no handwritten work)

1 margins on all sides

Doublespaced

12pt font, easily legible (Calibri, Georgia, or Times New Roman)

Include:

Your full name

Page numbers

A title for the assignment (for example: Responding to James Baldwins The Harlem Ghetto)