We Rise Program

The We Rise program is a symbol of hope. Ruby is among the 12 students chosen to participate in this enrichment program. Two students will be chosen for a scholarship to Cheyney University. Ruby believes the program offers her the only chance to attend college and live a better life than her mother and the rest of her family.

Kiss

The kiss is a symbol of desperation. Ruby is desperate for a way to get to her class with the enrichment program We Rise on time when Leap offers to give her a quarter if she will kiss him.

Tube of Lavender Paint

The tube of lavender paint is a symbol of talent and attraction. Shimmy gives Ruby a tube of lavender paint as a gift both because he wants her to like him and because he sees her talent.

Shotgun House

The shotgun house...