Do not speak to me of martyrdom, / of men who die to be remembered / on some parish day. / I don't believe in dying / though, I too shall die. / And violets like castanets / will echo me.
-- Sonia Sanchez (Prologue)

Importance: This quote, from African-American poet Sonia Sanchez, serves as prologue to Part 1 of the book.

...the host wished to know why I felt that white America's progress, or rather the progress of those Americans who believe that they are white, was built on looting and violence. Hearing this, I felt an old and indistinct sadness well up in me. The answer to this question is in the record of the believers themselves. The answer is American history.
-- The Author (Section 1, Part 1)

Importance: In quoting an interviewer, the author establishes and defines the basic, fundamental question he is asking, and attempting to answer, in the writing of the book.

...it must be said that the process of washing the disparate tribes...
-- The Author (Section 1, Part 1)