3720-22 S. Indiana Ave., twin of the building that sat at Bigger’s address.
Young Black man Bigger Thomas’ tragic odyssey through the systemic racism of 1930s Bronzeville Chicago
Fellow readers of Richard Wright’s Native Son (1940) can use this map as a companion to visualize 39 book locations while they read and as a guide to see the places in person. Like all CBA maps, it is both a record of bike rides past and a source of inspiration. Twenty-eight markers have modern pictures of book era structures but a few more pics still need to be added. I have included historical photos for specifically referenced buildings that have been demolished since the book’s publication.
Included in each marker is the book (1-3) in which the location is first mentioned and a link to more information for the curious or forgetful (me).
An alphabetical list of all the sites is located below the map. A click on the list will jump you to the location on the map.
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: Native Son (Harper Collins, NY), Encyclopedia of Chicago, Chicagology, icons by Icons8
Click for custom guided bike tours, gift certificates, pics of CBA rides in action and The Map.