How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The promise of the Black middle class was eroding as crack and all of its associated vices entrenched themselves deep into the heart of the 'hood. In the sixties and seventies, it was heroin that had wreaked the havoc, but the damage caused by crack would make heroin seem like little more than a footnote. (5.69)
Tragically, Shaka is basically describing his own life here. He comes from a middle class family, and he has options. But the societal problems associated with crack keep pulling him toward more and more trouble.
Quote #2
Donald Goines's novels had created in me a desire to read, but Malcolm's words snatched my eyes open and embedded in me a burning desire to do something meaningful with my life. His ability to go from a common street thug to a world-renowned orator and scholar inspired me in a way that nothing had before. (10.35)
The power of example is pretty awesome. It's not just Malcolm X's ideas that inspire Shaka—it's also his story.
Quote #3
I brought the book to the clerk for checkout, and she gave me a form to sign that said I would be charged five dollars if I lost the book or it got stolen. The only books we were required to fill out these forms for were ones written by Black authors. I mumbled to myself about racism as I looked around the room for other books that might interest me.(10.23)
This seems pretty ironic, in a grim way. The books by Black authors are one of the things that help Shaka change. So why are they harder to access than the other books?