Detroit

Detroit is the primary setting for the short story "the river." For years, the primary citizens of Detroit have been black and brown individuals. In the narrative present, the city has begun to change. The city's string of white mayors and its onslaught of white citizens has contributed to this new social and cultural dynamic. Then one summer, the river near Detroit begins to lash out at the city's white residents. The main character's friend tells her that the city's river is essentially a burial ground for black and brown bodies. The river is therefore disappearing white individuals as vengeance for these black individuals' violent deaths years prior.

New York City

New York city is the primary setting for the short story "Black Angel." After the main character, A., is dismissed from Heaven, she comes to Earth and begins living among humans in New York City. Because she...