Slavery in New York: a case study in forced migration and local history

"For most of it's history, New York has been the largest, most diverse and most economically ambitious city in the nation. No place on earth has welcomed the human enterprise more warmly. New York was also, paradoxically, the capital of American slavery for more than two centuries. ... 'Slavery in New York' spans the period from 1600-1827 when slavery was legally abolished in New York State... it focuses on the rediscovery of the collective and personal history of African and African Americans in New York City." ( www.slaveryinnewyork.org)

Navigate through the New York Historical Society's online exhibit "Slavery in New York" at:http://www.slaveryinnewyork.org/gallery_1.htm

Examine at least three of the online galleries. Summarize the new information you learned from these exhibits (make direct references to primary source images and documents by gallery number as if writing a DBQ). What were some reasons why slavery was so widely practiced in New York while other major northern cities had a far lower population of residents living in slavery? Identify two events/ trends that led to the abolition of slavery in New York. Conclude your post by explaining why you believe most New Yorkers (and Americans, for that matter) know very little about slavery in New York.

Minimum 200 words. Please respond to at least one other post.Due Friday, 12.28.07

Happy Holidays!

Modern Issues in NYC: photo essay research assignment

Image from Jacob Riis' How the Other Half Lives.

This week our class participated in a workshop on photo journalism led by guest educator Barbara Beirne in preparation for our upcoming project on issues in local communities. Ms. Beirne showed us samples of her work as well as important photo essays that have shaped public opinion on many issues including child labor, immigration and traffic congestion in New York City. She reminded us of the power of photography and the responsibilty of photographers and journalists alike to be "ethical, honest... and prove something."

In order to think critically about the elements of photography and plan a poignant photo essay for the project, this weeks blog asks that you analyze photo essays, research your potential subject and consider what the message of your photo essay should be.

1) View one or more of Ms. Beirne's photo essays on her photography website at: http://www.barbarabeirne.com/
Summarize one essay of your choice and explain what it teaches you about photo journalism.

2) Read and summarize an article related to one of the topics you are interested in as the potential subject of your photo essay. I have posted links to some of the topics brainstormed in class. You are NOT limited to these topics or articles, but I do ask that you post a link to any article you use for this portion of the assignment.

3) Explain why this topic makes a strong subject for a photo essay. What do you intend to show/ prove/promote in your photo essay? How do you plan to get that message across.

4) Post a response or feedback for to at least one classmates proposal
Minimum 200 words

Immigration in the news: As a nation comprised mainly of migrant cultures, what are are just expectations and regulations for immigration?

In order to prepare for our upcoming work with Ellis Island and the Save Our History Project, this week's blog asks you to consider some ways in which modern-day immigration is affecting politics, culture and economics in the United States and, more specifically, New York City.

1) Read
"Immigrants make up 40 percent of New York City's population"
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2000/jul2000/nyc-j31.shtml

and one of the following articles:

a) Topic: Immigrant workers rights
"Two cases reveal wretched conditions for immigrant laborers in New York City"
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2000/jan2000/nyc-j19_prn.shtml


b) Topic: Immigrant experiences on Staten Island
“On Staten Island, Without a Lifeboat”
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/26/nyregion/26staten.html?_r=1&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/I/Immigration%20and%20Refugees&oref=slogin

c) Topic: Rudy Guliani's immigration policies as mayor of NYC and his postion on immigration as presidential nominee
“Romney blasts Rudy's immigration stance as NYC mayor”
http://www.examiner.com/printa1040442~Romney_blasts_Rudy

2. Summarize each article, identitfying the major issues and conflicts immigrant populations face in modern US society. Discuss the perspectives each author presents on these matters. Take and defend a position on at least ONE of the conflicts you identified in your summaries.

3. Answer the focus question: As a nation comprised mainly of migrant cultures, what are are just expectations and regulations for immigration?

Minimum 200 words, please respond to at least one other post.
Due Friday, 12/7