For decades, Washington D.C. has been as known as ‘Chocolate City'. In 1957 D.C. became the first majority-Black major city in the United States. However, in recent years, gentrification has changed the residential landscape of D.C.—pushing out many longtime Black residents. As the cost of living rises, the future of Chocolate City remains ambiguous. This course hopes to honor D.C.'s Black identity by analyzing Black literature—novels, short stories, and poetry—set in the nation’s capital. We will read contemporary poets and authors such as Marita Golden and Edward P. Jones. Through their writing, I hope we will experience The District in a new light.  By the conclusion of the course students will be able to answer important questions regarding Black culture, identity and the city: 

•       How do these artists experience D.C? 
•       How do authors weave Black culture and history into narratives about the city?
•       What does it mean to be Black in D.C. during the 1960’s,1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s and early 2000’s? 
•       How do authors represent issues of race, gender, health, and social life?