How we cite our quotes:
Quote #7
What she meant by it was that they were at a time and a place in History that forced the trivial to fall away—and they were absolutely together. (1.12.5)
This feeling draws Meridian to the Civil Rights Movement. We're not saying that she isn't driven to support her community, because she is. But she especially loves the feeling of unity fostered by their protests. It's something she's never felt before in her life.
Quote #8
She studied hard and made the dean's list, and during her second year she joined the Atlanta Movement. She found it impossible to study while other were being beaten and jailed. (1.13.5)
Meridian tries to walk away from political activism and focus on herself, but it's just not in her nature. Not that it's a bad thing. Meridian has a much more sincere approach to politics than most, investing herself emotionally in everything she does. To be honest, we wouldn't mind if modern politicians and activists took after her example.
Quote #9
Didn't our Constitution provide for just such emergencies as the present racial crisis? What did she think of the Constitution? The founding fathers? (1.14.69)
Everything else aside, the founding fathers were just some dudes who happened to start a country—they weren't magical, all-knowing demi-gods. Most of these guys owned slaves, for goodness sake! This realization is a game-changer, opening Meridian's eyes to the reality behind her political overlords.