Our Community

Assignment:

Research the demographics of the zip code where you live and a zip code that is across Fresno's "Mason-Dixon line" (i.e. Shaw Ave.). For example, if you live in the 93706 zip code, you live south of Shaw. So, you would research your own zip code and a zip code that is north of Shaw Ave. Click here to view a zip code map of Fresno. There are only two zip codes in Fresno that straddle Shaw Ave. (93704 and 93722). If you live in one of those zip code areas, your home is still north or south of Shaw Ave. If you live north of Shaw, then the second zip code you research should be south of Shaw Ave. Create an infographic using a site like Canva.com comparing the two zip codes you research using at least 4 points of comparison.

Demographics to include in your research

• Median household income

• Percent of household incomes under $50,000

• Percent of household incomes above $100,000

• Families vs. singles

• Type of housing available

• Racial composition

• Level of education of adults

• Number of grocery stores

• Access to healthcare facilities

• Access to public transportations

• Number of parks

• Population

• Unemployment rate

• School test performance

Websites to find demographic information:

https://www.unitedstateszipcodes.org/

http://www.city-data.com/

Our Nation

Reparations

Culminating Project

For your project, you will be writing or speaking to a specific audience of your choice regarding the legacy of racism in the city of Fresno. You will need to consider the rhetorical situation. What is your purpose (to persuade, to inform)? What is your message? What is the persona you are adopting to get your message across (are you already part of an organization or club that could lend credibility to your argument)? What is your message? Who is your target audience?

Decide if you want to work alone, with a partner, or with a small group. Decide how much time and energy you want to invest. Do you care deeply about this issue? Consider the final outcome for your project - are you willing to go the distance? (i.e. don't choose to create a lesson for 6th/7th graders unless you are willing to go to a school to present to a class). Consider who in class you want to work with (if anyone) to create this project. Could you combine a project of yours with a project of someone else? 

Options for the project:

• Write a letter to a city council member or an organization

• Create a campaign

• Produce a podcast

• Create a lesson for 6th graders (Story Map JS or Padlet would be great for this)

• Create a lesson for 7th graders (Story Map JS or Padlet would be great for this)

• Promote a business in Chinatown

• Research how the high speed rail might cause further separation of Southwest Fresno and write a research paper, or create an infographic

• Read the Southwest Fresno Plan and create a Story Map JS, a Padlet, or a brochure

• Research organizations in Southwest Fresno that advocate for residents and create a Story Map JS, a Padlet, or a brochure

• Ask a council person or someone from an organization to come talk to our class (convince them and arrange their visit)

• Solve a community problem

• Create a community proposal

• Create a school proposal

• Propose to the city council that the city commission a piece of art that celebrates contributions of African American people to the city of Fresno

• Make a video advertisement

• Use Story Map JS to make an interactive map telling history and stories of Fresno

• Write a guest editorial for the Illuminator (Edison's newspaper)

Deadline 1 - 

• Submit what project you will be doing. Include all elements of the rhetorical situation.

Deadline 2 - 

• Submit a rough draft. You will receive feedback from peers and from me. At this point, you will be able to see if there is anyone else in class with whom you would want to join forces to expand the scope of your project.

Deadline 3 - 

• Submit final draft.

Deadline 4 - 

• For the projects that are outstanding, you/your group will publish/present your project to the appropriate audience.