A Avenida

Acushnet is the name of a rural town just to the east and north of New Bedford. It is also the name of an avenue, often known simply as "The Avenue." That would be "A Avenida" in Portuguese, the most prominent of several languages one can hear in this vibrant neighborhood -- perhaps the most diverse locale in one of the most diverse cities in the most diverse country on the planet. In other words, a must-visit place for geographers.

So on August 29, 2017, I decided to take a bit of a stroll, to explore a half-mile or so of a street that I had mainly viewed from my car windows. (NOT that there is anything wrong with that -- geographers can learn a lot from a "windshield survey," which is our professional name for "driving around.")

Here is some of what I found.

Calling Acushnet Avenue "The Ave" is not just something my local friends say. It is a recognized place, and people are proud of it.

The role of the arts -- especially public art such as this mural -- in social and economic development will be a central theme of the course.

The outward-facing parts of homes and businesses comprise what geographers call the vernacular landscape, and at times they can provide insight into what people consider most important about their own identities.

To prepare for a special occasion, one does not go to the mall.

I have not yet been to this café, but it is now on my list -- the Sunflower Cafe. In the Germanic languages, the flower is named for the sun. In the Romance languages, it is named for turning with the sun.

Some of the most successful businesses in Central America are fried-chicken restaurants, some of which have expanded to migrant communities in the United States. I have not yet figured out whether the connection in this case is one of ownership or one of symbolic reference.

Although its Lusophone connections are best known, Central American and other parts of the world are well represented in New Bedford's neighborhoods. 

In many ways, communities are defined in very local institutions such as hairdressers and barbershops.

This city of migrants is full of symbolism that exhibits pride in places of origin and places of destination alike, as on this sign marking the approach to Madeira Field.

A friend who grew up in another part of the city ALWAYS brings something from this case if she is coming to dinner at our house.

This one is a bit of a trick -- it is not on Acushnet Avenue, nor is it in New Bedford. This is White Factory, on the Acushnet River in Acushnet, less than a mile from the eponymous Avenue. 

Students in the New Bedford Fortnight class will have opportunities to find much more in this and other neighborhoods throughout the 24 square miles of the Whaling City.