Status Updates From The Ways of White Folks

Oh, test tube of life! Crucible of the South, find the right powder and you’ll never be the same again—the cotton will blaze and the cabins will burn and the chains will be broken and men, all of a sudden, will shake hands, black men and white men, like steel melting steel!
- “Father and Son”

Bow down and pray in fear and trembling, go way back in the dark afraid; or work harder and harder; or stumble and learn; or raise your fist and strike—but once the idea comes into your head you’ll never be the same again.
- “Father and Son”

“The ways of white folks, I mean some white folks, is too much for me. I reckon they must be some good ones, but most of ‘em ain’t good—leastwise they don’t treat me good.
-Milberry Jones, “Berry”