How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Tamica and I had grown up fighting side by side; no matter who she got into it with, I was right there with her, and she never hesitated to return the favor. I told her the details of what had happened (leaving out the part about me smoking laced joints), and she told me I could stay with her as long as I needed. It wasn't home, but after months of fighting to survive on my own in the streets, here was a chance to start anew. (7.35)
This is a good example of how family loyalty helps Shaka, but also how his whole family is affected by the tough societal conditions that surround him. His sister Tamica takes care of him faithfully. At the same time, they're both affected by the crack epidemic in their neighborhood, as Shaka gets pulled further into drug use and dealing and Tamica tries to help him deal with the fallout.
Quote #5
I had given up on myself, my parents, and my brothers and sisters—but I would be damned if I'd give up on my children. I was determined to fight against the side of me that didn't think I could be anything more than a thuggish criminal or a predator to my community […] No matter how many times I got knocked to the ground, I would get up over and over again, until I could stand strong as a proud African man and father. (10.56)
For Shaka being a dad is the thing that really lets him know he has to turn his life around. Parenting truly changes him, and helps him help his whole community.
Quote #6
Those first few days of my release went by in a blur. On the first day, all of my siblings, cousins, and friends came by my father's house (with the exception of my sister Tamica, who was living in Seattle).(26.7)
This detail reminds us how important Shaka's family has been all along the way. His father visited him faithfully in prison, and often brought Shaka's siblings or son along. Having a family that really cares is one of the things that makes a difference for Shaka along the way.