How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The reason they passed those Jim Crow laws is that powerful white people were getting more and more nervous with the way colored people [...] were starting to accumulate some wealth, to vote, to make demands (4.10.2)
Now that slavery is done, the powers-that-be need a new way to oppress the masses. Step one: limit their educational opportunities and undermine their right to free speech. Step two: reinforce the fact that white people and black people have different cultural backgrounds in the hopes of inciting tension in the masses.
Quote #2
We may have been little children but, honey, we got the message loud and clear. But when nobody was looking, Bessie took the dipper from the white side and drank from it. (4.10.8)
Bessie and Sadie were born before Jim Crow, so these new regulations don't make too much sense to them. All we know is that Bessie will always say F.U. ("Forget Underwear!") to anyone who tries to hold her back
Quote #3
Knowing people like Miss Moseley and out white grandfather, Mr. Miliam, made this Jim Crow mess seem mighty puzzling. (4.11.7)
The injustice of Jim Crow is downright silly at times. Sadie and Bessie have white family members and friends, yet they wouldn't be able to eat at the same restaurant if they tried.