Why (O)U(R)Chicago Anonymous

"As a Black man, you must work ten times harder than everyone to succeed."

My father's words hit home every time I commute to my predominantly white high school. I always lock eyes with several homeless people while riding the train.

They all look like me.

While in school, I dive into the philosophy of critical race theory and debrief the sociopolitical implications of slavery with friends. I immerse myself in literature, politics, sociology, education, psychology, philosophy, and various topical interests when analyzing the intricacies of Black History.

Under UChicago's Inequality, Problems, & Social Change Program within the Crown Family School, I'd continue uniting those academic disciplines to explore how race shapes my daily interactions. Analyzing the intersection between race and class in 25810 will expose me to why I—a Black man—must work harder than everyone. In 25002, I'll examine the factors perpetuating poverty within urban neighborhoods to uncover why I hear silent cries for help from the homeless people I encounter daily. Such a robust analytical foundation will prepare me to engage in economics and sociology, writing and psychology, and any social sciences and humanities fields to unearth how my racial...