The South Side of Chicago, as portrayed in Michelle Obama’s Becoming, is more than just a setting; it plays a crucial role in shaping the entire narrative. The cultural context of this area is deeply intertwined with the experiences and values Michelle shares throughout her memoir. The South Side, historically home to a predominantly African American population, has long been a symbol of both the challenges and the resilience that define urban Black America.

The South Side is a community with a rich cultural heritage, forged by the waves of African American migration during the Great Migration. This migration saw millions of Black families move from the rural South to Northern cities like Chicago, seeking better opportunities and escaping the oppressive conditions of the Jim Crow South. The influx of African Americans into the South Side created a vibrant, close-knit community characterized by strong family bonds, a deep sense of solidarity, and a shared cultural identity. These elements are reflected throughout the narrative of Becoming, as Michelle Obama writes about the values and experiences that shaped her upbringing.

Cultural elements such as the emphasis on community support and the importance of family are central to life on the South Side.