We have this knowledge now, and that gives us a little power. That’s about all I got in my back pocket.”
-- Papa (chapter 2)

Importance: Papa says this after learning about the Klan meeting. This sentiment reflects that while the average black man may not wield much political or societal power, he can use knowledge to his advantage.

My papa always tells me we gotta be twice as smart to get half as much.
-- Stella (chapter 3)

Importance: Stella says this to Tony as a means of defining what it means to be black in their current society. The idea indicates that black people must try extremely hard if they hope to have even a fraction of the respect, success, or wealth as a white individual.

Writing was more like trying to chew an unripe apple--bitter and hard and not worth the effort.
-- Narrator (chapter 8)

Importance: Though Stella struggles with writing and believes she is unskilled, her written work throughout...