Joy is a fragile thing, my boy, and must be treated as such.
-- Mr. G (The Griot of Grover Street: Part One)

Importance: This quote establishes the main theme of the entirety of “Black Boy Joy.” Every story has some sense of joy within it and is meant to be hopeful. Cornell’s story, for example, focuses on a happy, growing boy’s attempts to understand their favorite superhero. Even in stories like “The McCoy Game” where Jamal and Dre are mourning the loss of their grandfather and their own friendship, they find joy in the memories that Big Mac left behind. Yet, there is also a continuing sense that joy can be broken at any moment if not cherished enough. Grief at the loss of a close family member or friend. Anger toward broken friendships. All of that is a part of life, but joy can be found if one continues looking for it.

I think that’s against...
-- Cornell and his Mother (There’s Going to be a Fight in the Cafeteria on Friday and You Better Not Bring Batman)