African-American Identity Politics

Throughout the play, Walker explores a variety of approaches to black struggles for racial equality. Several of the different political philosophies and organizations active among African Americans during the early 1970s are mentioned, discussed, and debated by various characters. Mo, Al, Chips, and Skeeter have chosen to fight racism through belonging to a "revolutionary" organization resembling the Black Panthers. Their approach is to attempt to commit a violent act in the name of revolution. The early black nationalist and separatist leader Marcus Garvey is mentioned, as well as Muslim black nationalist leader Malcolm X.

Jeff chooses to struggle against racism within the law, by planning to become a lawyer. John's wish for his son is that Jeff will succeed in the "United States of America Air Force"—that is, in the white, mainstream world. John himself, however, is unsure of where to direct his energies...