Belmonte Flats / Tyson Apts. (1893) – Former Gwendolyn Brooks’ kitchenette in Bronzeville
102 Chicago locations from Kevin Coval’s 2017 book of historical poems mapped.
Fellow readers of Kevin Coval’s poetry history A People’s History of Chicago can use this map as a companion to visualize the events as they read and as a guide for where to go after, if they want to see the place for themselves. Like all CBA maps, it is both a record of bike rides past -over half the markers have pictures – and a source of inspiration – more pics will be added. Included for each marker is the title of the poem(s) in which it is found and a link to more information for the curious or forgetful (me).
An alphabetical list of all the sites is located below the map.
Updated 5/2026
This map is just one layer on the bigger Map where you can plan your own ride, run, or walk. Also, you can contact CBA for a custom guided ride that includes some of these sights and for gift certificates for the other cyclists in your life.
Sources: A People’s History of Chicago, Kevin Coval (Haymarket Books, Chicago 2017), Encyclopedia of Chicago, CBA abbreviations, icons by Icons8,
