Who is Bertha Flowers?

Bertha Flowers is a black woman in Stamps who is wealthy, and who takes a liking to Maya. When Maya returns to Stamps, somewhat broken following her molestation, Bertha takes her under her wing. Maya is entranced by Bertha and her formal education. She is often embarrassed as her grandmother speaks to Bertha without using formal English and sometimes using wrong words. Maya later understands her mother and Bertha were like sisters, separated only by education but bound together by so many other, important things. Bertha teaches Maya to speak again, using language not only as a tool, but as a weapon when she needs it. She explained that even though her people were "homely," their knowledge was vast and highly valued. It was Bertha who taught Maya that her heritage was important and that her language was powerful. It was also Bertha who introduced Maya to poetry, an art form Maya would continue to practice throughout her life.