The Henry Horner Blues

          There are No Children Here brings to light a number of issues regarding just how terrible the reality of the Chicago projects is. Never having visited, let alone grown up, in such an area, it is hard to imagine the daily struggles individuals faced yet this book gives the reader a vivid account of the hardships. While reading, I was struck with the bravery of LaJoe and saddened by the conditions in which Lafeyette, Pharoah, and the other children were stuck growing up. My initial reaction upon finishing the first half of the book was just how relevant it is to a short story I just finished reading in my English class entitled, “Sonny’s Blues,” by James Baldwin. Though this short story takes place in the late 50’s, it is about the story of a man and his brother, Sonny, who live in the projects and fall victim to the suffering that these areas can bring. 

Both pieces of literature reflect the strong bonds between brothers. In There are No Children Here, Lafeyette is the older brother who looks out for Pharoah. Lafeyette uses tough love to guide and protect Pharoah from the many dangers they encounter in their neighborhood. With gangs controlling most territory, Lafeyette often worries that his little brother, both in years and stature, is not tough enough to protect himself. Also without a constant father figure present, he tries to guide him and look out for his well being as best as he can. This theme of brotherhood is the foundation of “Sonny’s Blues.” The older brother (the narrator), sees himself as the wiser sibling that must protect his younger brother, Sonny. However, in this story the threat is not gangs, but rather, drugs. Sonny gets addicted to heroin at a young age, going in and out of sobriety throughout the story. The narrator cannot control what his brother does with himself; he can only be there to support him in leading a better life. This support is present in Lafeyette as well; he is not only an older brother to look up to, but a confidant for many.

Another common theme present in these works is that of racism and segregation. In the Riverses’ neighborhood, the racial inequality is especially evident. The projects are nearly entirely black and it is apparent just how difficult it is to leave. They basically live in a warzone lacking community resources and aid. White acquaintances are rarely mentioned. Even in the opening chapter we are exposed to racial hostilities when the boys see a commuter train which is headed to the suburbs and probably contains many white folks. They have heard stories that the commuters will shoot at the boys for trespassing which works to instill fear in their minds. In “Sonny’s Blues,” this black-white divide is also apparent. Even though the narrator is a successful school teacher, he still lives in the Harlem projects where he must cope with violence and poverty. They rarely come into contact with white individuals. Sonny lives his life in black jazz clubs surrounded by heroin addicts and other musicians. Racial isolation is certainly present in both scenarios.

Lastly, the idea of suffering is of the utmost importance in both stories. The Rivers are poor and must rely on welfare to buy their groceries and for other expenses. They cram many individuals in their apartment, some of whom, like the older sister and father, do drugs. There are No Children Here mentions many problems with drug abuse which often is a means to end suffering in the short term. Furthermore, the family is around death almost constantly. People they know and love are killed or go to jail on a frequent basis. Similarly, the underlying theme in “Sonny’s Blues” is suffering and how to deal with it. Sonny chooses the path of drug abuse while the narrator chooses to bottle his suffering up inside. Suffering is unavoidable, but the extent to which all of these individuals experience it is shocking. Overall, There are No Children Here is an eye-opening account of the realities those living in the projects must face. Unfortunately, the short story, “Sonny’s Blues” is fictional whereas the accounts of Lafeyette’s, Pharaoh’s, LaJoe’s and countless others’ experience is firsthand and devastating. Regardless, both pieces of literature are remarkably similar and express the hardships of living in the projects.