RESEARCH PROJECT

1

HIST 318 – HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICANS IN AMERICAN CITIES

SPRING 2021

POLICING AFRICAN AMERICANS IN AMERICAN CITIES

RESEARCH PROJECT (20%)

DUE DATE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

Since the end of the second wave of the Great Migration in 1970, American cities have witnessed the

ongoing contentious relationship that has existed between the African American community and local

police departments. In addition to controversial criminal justice policies, instances of police brutality

against black citizens have remained a permanent fixture in American society and have led to numerous

protests and acts of civil unrest.

For this project, please choose from the list of 7 topics below and research and write a 4-6-page paper

(double spaced, 12-point font only) on your selection. The paper must include at least five cited

references (books, journal articles, documentaries or web articles). Wikipedia articles are not permitted

sources for this assignment, although you may use them for guidance. Your research topic must be

emailed to Dr. Dupree-Wilson by Monday, March 15, 2021 at 11:59 PM.

1) The Philadelphia Police Department and the MOVE Bombing of 1985

2) The Los Angeles Riots and the Case of Rodney King

3) The New York Police Department and the Cases of Abner Louima and Amadou Diallo

4) The New York Police Department and the Policy of “Stop and Frisk”

5) The Chicago Police Department and the Killing of Laquan McDonald

6) The New York Police Department and the Case of Sean Bell

7) Say Her Name: Black Women’s Invisible Struggle Against Police Brutality

THOSE WHO ENGAGE IN PLAGIARISM OR ACADEMIC DISHONESTY WILL RECEIVE

AN AUTOMATIC “F” ON THIS RESEARCH PROJECT.

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RESEARCH PROJECT RUBRIC

Requirements Description Points

Timely Submission of Your

Proposed Topic

Submission of your topic by 3/15/2021, as

instructed

2

Format 4-6 full pages, double-spaced, Times New

Roman, 12-point font (Cover pages and

your bibliography will not count

towards your page total)

2

Integration of Knowledge The paper demonstrates that the author

fully understands and has applied concepts

learned in this course

2

Topic Focus The topic is focused narrowly enough for

the scope of the assignment

2

Depth of Discussion/Cohesiveness In-depth discussion and elaboration in

addition to tying together information

from all the sources relied upon

6

Spelling/Grammar No spelling or grammar mistakes 2

Sources Use of 5 or more approved sources 2

Citations Cites data obtained from other sources.

Proper use of APA, MLA or Chicago style

citations

2

TOTAL 20