Summary

In Chapter 2, Bakari speaks in more detail about the poverty that is prevalent in Denmark, South Carolina. Bakari writes, “Denmark is part of the forgotten South” (41), meaning it is one of many Southern towns that do not have sufficient social, political, or economic support. Bakari then discusses how poverty, like wealth, is often passed down through generations. Additionally, for black Americans, the history of slavery and the persistence of racial oppression further contribute to those cycles of poverty. Bakari mentions a childhood friend of his called Pop. Pop was from a poor family, and his father died in a car collision when Pop was young. Meanwhile, although Bakari’s family often struggled financially, his parents often had decent, stable sources of income. Pop spent a lot of time at the Sellers’ house, and it was almost as if he were part of the family...