Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers

The South Side of Chicago, as portrayed in Michelle Obama’s Becoming, is more than just a setting; it plays a crucial role in shaping the entire narrative. The cultural context of this area is deeply intertwined with the experiences and values Michelle shares throughout her memoir. The South Side, historically home to a predominantly African American population, has long been a symbol of both the challenges and the resilience that define urban Black America.

The South Side is a community with a rich cultural heritage, forged by the waves of African American migration during the Great Migration. This migration saw millions of Black families move from the rural South to Northern cities like Chicago, seeking better opportunities and escaping the oppressive conditions of the Jim Crow South. The influx of African Americans into the South Side created a vibrant, close-knit community characterized by strong family bonds, a deep sense of solidarity, and a shared cultural identity. These elements are reflected throughout the narrative of Becoming, as Michelle Obama writes about the values and experiences that shaped her upbringing.

Cultural elements such as the emphasis on community support and the importance of family are central to life on the South Side. Families often lived in the same neighborhoods for generations, creating a network of support and shared responsibility. This cultural ethos is evident in Michelle’s descriptions of her childhood, where neighbors looked out for one another, and the community played a crucial collective role in raising its children. The sense of belonging and pride in one’s roots forms a recurring theme in the memoir, reflecting the cultural fabric of the South Side.

Education is another significant cultural element that defines the South Side. Despite the systemic challenges, including underfunded schools and racial segregation, education is seen as a pathway to social mobility and success. Families in the South Side prioritize education as a means to overcome the barriers imposed by racial and economic inequality. Michelle’s journey from the South Side to Princeton University and Harvard Law School reflects this cultural emphasis on education as a tool for empowerment and change.

The South Side is also a hub of cultural richness, with a deep appreciation for music, arts, and oral traditions. The neighborhood has produced some of the most influential artists, musicians, and intellectuals in American history, contributing to a strong sense of cultural pride. The cultural scene of the South Side is more than just entertainment; it is a means of preserving history, passing down traditions, and fostering a collective identity.

The legacy of segregation and economic disenfranchisement in the South Side is another crucial aspect of its cultural context. The neighborhood’s history of racial segregation has left deep scars, manifesting in economic disparities, limited access to resources, and systemic challenges that have persisted for generations. Michelle’s reflections on the South Side’s struggles with these issues highlight the resilience of its residents, who have continuously fought to improve their community and create opportunities for the next generation.

In Becoming, Michelle portrays the South Side of Chicago as a place of both struggle and strength, where cultural elements like community, education, and resilience are central to the narrative. These cultural dynamics are not just background details but are integral to understanding the identity, values, and worldview that Michelle Obama presents in her memoir.