Race

The main setting of the novel is Harlem, a predominantly African-American neighborhood in New York City, and through the representation of the specific cultures of this setting, the narrative seeks to bring to light the importance of African-American community and heritage within the larger, surrounding sociopolitical context. The narrative demonstrates one of the significant characteristics of Harlem as the advantages afforded to African-Americans when they have widespread community with other African-Americans. Specifically, black residents of Harlem can reach levels of wealth and education that would normally be prevented in other settings due to discrimination. Pablo Peixota and the other leaders of the Hands to Ethiopia are all well-educated and seem to be well-to-do financially. Harlem is presented as a haven for African-Americans in which they may insulate themselves from many effects of racism through community and mutual support.

The novel presents racial heritage as another important...