But whenever people rise up against bad things, bad things tend to get worse. You know the old saying, When the going gets tough, the tough get... racist. Or something like that
-- Reynolds (chapter 3 paragraph 2)

Importance: Frequently throughout the text, Reynolds uses humor both to bring light to an otherwise grim narrative and to succinctly summarize racist thought that could otherwise feel repetitive. Several times throughout his history of racist ideas in America, the Black community stands up for their rights, and the backlash from White racists is immediate and fierce. With this quote, Reynolds humorously highlights the fact that this relationship between empowerment and backlash is cyclical.

But you know how death is. Your body goes, but your ideas don't. Your impact lingers on, even when it's poisonous
-- Reynolds (chapter 4 paragraph 1)

Importance: This quote directly supports one of the text's major themes: the power of storytelling. From Zurara to Thomas Jefferson, many of the most influential pieces...