Race

The theme of race in Louisiana in the 1960s and beyond is prevalent in Little Altars Everywhere. While the white characters seldom think about it, the African-American characters are constantly aware of the effect race has on their lives and their interactions with others. Chaney Lloyd is Big Shep Walker's second-in-command, yet he is paid a pittance. He drives a truck that Walker gave him and lives in a tiny house rented from Walker. Chaney cannot afford to feed his family nutritious meals, and dinner is often cornbread with greens. His daughters wear the Walkers' hand-me-down clothes, and Chaney attends his brother's funeral in a suit that once belonged to Big Shep Walker. Despite the face that Chaney works harder, is more knowledgeable and is not a drunk, he is poor while Big Shep Walker is rich. This disparity in status makes Chaney reluctant to intercede when Vivi...