Black Culture Book Club discussion

Thank You, Ma'am (by Langston Hughes)
http://photos.state.gov/libraries/hoc...

Love Langston! Haven't read this yet.

Let us know what you think!

I think this story is so awesome! Reminds me of 'Lauryn is only human/don't think I haven't been through the same predicament' you know? One thing that I always try to remind myself is to never place myself above another and that I am no better than the next man. When helping folks, it's important to exude that idea to let people know that we are all in this struggle together.
Mrs. Jones took Roger in and showed him love because she knew what it was like to live the life he lived. When she revealed the little bit of herself that she did, the boy's entire attitude changed. He even offered to help her and didn't want her to mistrust him. To lash out at the young man would've done nothing. There is no follow up but you hope that this act of kindness may have changed the trajectory of his life.
That's in our culture, to help each other when one is down on hard times - and without judgement. That's the blackness that I love.

Roger learned a whole lot in his brief encounter with Luella. This story spoke volumes about how we relate to those in need. I equated the weight of Ms. Luella's handbag with the weight of the world and trying to survive in this society. Many have to beg, borrow or steal to survive. If only there were more people like Ms. Luella who would offer a helping hand and a little guidance rather than a judgmental stare and a trip to the slammer. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of care to change a life, even if only for a brief moment. This was an excellent read full of life, empathy and understanding.