I chose this picture because it is the perfect example of the hopes that African Americans had for the North. They believed migrating to the North was the ideal situation in search of a new life and seeking new opportunities that were not granted to them in the South. African Americans literally picked up their lives and moved them to the North in hopes that they would be treated as equally as white folks. This included cities such as Chicago and New York. They were seeking jobs, education, and all the rights that they did not have in the South. This is similar to my other pieces in this section because it shows African Americans trying to find "their song" and seeking a new life. This connects to the term "American Dream" because the American Dream is supposed to be about freedom and being able to have equal rights and this is what the North represented for many African Americans.
- “Detroit Bound Blues” by Blind Arthur Blake- I'm goin' to Detroit, get myself a good job
Tried to stay around here with the starvation mob
I'm goin' to get a job, up there in Mr. Ford's place
I'm goin' to get a job, up there in Mr. Ford's place
Stop these eatless days from starin' me in the face
When I start to makin' money, she don't need to come around
When I start to makin' money, she don't need to come around
'Cause I don't want her now, Lord. I'm Detroit bound
- “August Turner’s Come and Gone” By August Wilson (page 70) Bynum speaking