Uncle Robert and Activism

     An important theme of Brown Girl Dreaming written by Jacqueline Woodson is family. Throughout the novel we are introduced to Jacqueline's close-knit family, and how each family member brings importance and growth to Jacqueline's life and journey toward becoming a writer. Specifically, Jacqueline's Uncle Robert plays a special role in Jacqueline's life. Bringing a sense of comfort and home to New York, as well as caring for the children, it is evident that Uncle Robert resides in an intimate place in Jacqueline's heart.

    In "Rikers Island" we learn that Robert has been sent to prison upstate. Mama tells the children, "It doesn't matter. We love him. That's all we need to know and keep remembering. Robert walked the wide road, she says. And now he's paying for it," (Woodson 264). 'The wide road' Mama refers to alludes to the tones of racism, activism, and the Civil Rights Movement which is extremely influential throughout the text. While characters like Mama, Gunnar, Georgiana, and Ms. Bell are quiet supporters of the movements around them in order to keep themselves and their families safe, Uncle Robert was more bold in his stance against racism. Incidents of prejudice have affected all aspects of Jacqueline's life, as well as her family. Unlike his family, Uncle Robert has been outwardly bold for standing up for what is right. Yet, his voice has landed him in prison.

Even before Uncle Robert is put in prison, it is assumed that his political beliefs and stances are evolving. Jacqueline dedicates one poem to Uncle Robert now having an afro, as she admires his new hair and wishes her own hair would be like that. This reference is small yet significant as this hair style was prominent in Black Power movements. Following the Civil Rights Movements, the Black Power Movements were centered around black pride, strengthening black communities, and socialist politics. Also, unlike prior movements, this one was not specifically non-violent. Uncle Robert returns from prison in "The Promise Land" and he has now converted to Islam. Jacqueline observes his changed physical appearance as well as his changed outlook on religion and the black community. Robert's change has signified he has become fully immersed in the Black Power Movement and has taken a more radical stance on activism. 

The discussion of Black Power Movements and Uncle Robert aligns to our nation's history and how many young black men opted to join this more radicalized movement. Uncle Robert actively seeks change, and finds a strong sense of hope and community among the Islam and the Black Power Movement community. 

    

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