Newspapers

Newspapers symbolize an opportunity to voice opinions. In the novel, Talley features three newspapers: the Davisburg Gazette, the town’s newspaper, for which Mr. Hairston edits and Mr. Dunbar writes; the Davisburg Free Press, the town’s newspaper primarily for Davisburg’s black residents, for which Mr. Dunbar writes; and the Jefferson High Clarion, the school newspaper, for which Linda writes editorials. These characters’ newspaper articles give them each the freedom to express their beliefs about important topics and influence others who read their work.

Jefferson High School

Jefferson High School represents a chance at equal educational opportunity for the new black students. Even though attending the school comes with many barriers, Jefferson’s new students gain resources and overall better conditions that they cannot have at their previous segregated high school.

Integration

Integration is a symbol of equal rights. The concept that white and black...