The Black and White

by August Pittman

Did you know that Warwick is the second largest city in Rhode Island?

Here in our city, it’s important for students to be aware of the challenges that might be in their environment. That’s what Urban Sociology class is trying to accomplish.

Taught by Mr. SanGiovanni, this is a senior only class that also serves as a pathway to graduation. Here, students learn about issues facing cities such as food insecurity, poverty, and deindustrialization. But more than that, they find ways to actively serve their community and learn about these challenges firsthand through projects such as donating gifts at the winter holidays and calendar raffles.

Another way they are doing this is through their annual food drive for West Bay Community Action. West Bay Community Action is an organization that offers services for the West Bay, including Warwick, such as a food pantry and heating assistance.

Last year, the class donated 1,800 pounds of food to and according to Mr. SanGiovanni “we’re hoping to hit that goal again”. During one class period, Urban Sociology students distribute flyers in the nearby Ward One that ask for non perishable food and have a date that the students will be returning on. They mark where they put the flyers, and the residents of the area leave out food for the students to collect.

The work doesn’t stop there, however. Students organize the food by product before bringing the food to the pantry, where it is weighed. Finally, the class members help the pantry stock the shelves before writing a reflection about the entire experience.

All in all, this class is learning about their community and actively improving it too. They are truly making a difference right here in our city.