Family Quotes in Having Our Say

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

They could read and write, and they hadn't been abused, and their family was still together. That's a lot more than most former slaves had going for them. (2.5.15)

It shouldn't be underestimated how much a solid family life can help someone reach their full potential. It was very common for families to be separated during the slavery era, often out of fear of rebellion or insurgency.

Quote #2

But James Miliam had no white wife, and was entirely devoted to Grandma. They weren't legally married but they lived like man and wife for fifty years and didn't part until death. (2.6.10)

There were plenty of interracial relationships at the time, but marriage laws turned most of them into clandestine affairs. James and Martha, on the other hand, are man and wife, to heck with what the law says. That's love, people.

Quote #3

Mama and Papa were the two busiest people I ever knew, but they always had time for us. They made time for us. (3.8.1)

Nanny and Henry are pros at being parents. They manage to rise up the social ladder and raise a football-team's worth of kids at the same time—impressive.