Sudhir's Fight Chapter Summary

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Sudhir goes back to his studio apartment, wondering whether he should continue with his normal graduate routine that day, of classes and department business. But after showering, he buys beer and goes back to the same project. He finds JT and says that, if JT says Sudhir should observe people and their daily lives, then he, Sudhir, is happy to do it. JT says that Sudhir is courageous for returning, even if JT is still slightly confused by his persistent desire to research the community. They talk for a time, and when JT is called away on gang business, he tells Sudhir to return the following week, to continue observing life in the Oakland projects. Sudhir decides to go to the Projects to give people a questionnaire, with the quest of finding …show more content…

Eventually, Sudhir “takes over” JT’s position as gang leader for one day, and sees how JT manages the “foot soldiers” who sell drugs, the community organizers (like Pastor Wilkins, Officer Reggie, and Autry) who mediate between gangs, and the other people like Johnny, who run stores in the area, and whose small businesses often pay financial tribute to the Black Kings. Sudhir realizes just how complex JT’s business operations are. Similarly, he begins shadowing Ms. Bailey after his advisers urge him to get a different, and more women-centric, understanding of the projects. Ms. Bailey, in her position as “local area coordinator,” is charged with making sure families get what they need from the city’s housing authority, including apartment repairs and appliances. But she also hands out food and clothing, which she convinces area shops to “donate,” often for a fee. And she makes sure that women and their families are cared for, especially when abusive men stop by, demanding money or other favors. Sometimes Sudhir wonders at how Ms. Bailey can accept cash payments and other tributes for her “charitable” services, which she does regularly. But her assistant Catrina urges Sudhir to see Ms. Bailey on the whole as a giving, well-intentioned member of the Robert Taylor

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