Today, we reaffirm our commitment to democracy by bearing witness to the peaceful transfer of power.”
-- Newscaster (chapter 1 paragraph Frame two)

Importance: The newscaster is on television as Lewis is getting his day started. The reader already knows the date is January 20, 2009, and the newscaster's announcement makes it clear that Obama's inauguration is an important event for the book.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
-- Young John Lewis (chapter 1 paragraph Frame two)

Importance: Lewis is preaching to the chickens he cares for on the family farm, but this verse is significant because it gives a foreshadowing of the persecution Lewis will face as a protestor associated with the Civil Rights Movement.

The thing is, when I was young, there wasn't much of a Civil Rights Movement. I wanted to work at something, but growing up in rural Alabama, my parents knew it could be dangerous to make any waves."
-- John Lewis (chapter 1 paragraph Frame one)

Importance: Lewis is talking to Jacob...