Street Love

Junice frequently speaks of the street, using it as a metaphor for herself: “I am Street” (39). She identifies herself as streetwise, someone from a long line of ancestors who survived financial hardship. At times, she is frustrated by the idea of a perpetual street, a fate set in stone. At other times, Junice takes pride in her family’s resilience. Though her future at the end of Street Love is uncertain, she reminds herself that she is “Street”—to reassure herself of her strength in difficult situations. This truth sets her apart from Damien, as he comes from a privileged family, a stable home. In this way, the symbol of the street conveys to him disapproval—specifically, his parents’ disapproval of a potential relationship between him and Junice.

The novel’s setting of Harlem, New York is in itself symbolic, described as having unique sights, sounds, and smells. The opening chapter insists Harlem is not “any easy place to grow old” (1), suggesting it takes a toll on people as they age. Both Damien and Junice speak of such struggles as if the city—and by extension, financial hardship—has agency. Junice blames many of her financial challenges on her ancestors settling in Harlem, while Damien’s privilege allows him opportunities barred from other residents.