From The Book
Name 3 important times of Coates life that are mentioned in the book
Childhood/school, college, after college, becoming a father, etc
What is the main character's full name
Ta-Nehisi Coates
What does the book argue about the theme "racism"?
many answers
Define "theme" + give 1 example
Theme: 1, 2, 3 word main ideas or important big topics discussed in the book
ex. racism, education, the American Dream, police brutality, death, violence, family
What was the Civil Rights Movement + who was 1 leader in it?
The Civil Rights Movement fought to end the segregation of African Americans and whites in America and overall improve the conditions of racism. Important figures include MLK, Rosa Parks, Malcom X, and Thurgood Marshall
Explain the meaning of the quote "but race is the child of racism, not the father"
This means that race has not existed forever, but the idea of racism created the separations of race and noth the other way around
Where did Coates meet his wife?
At Howard University
What does the book argue about the theme "police brutality"?
The book argues that police brutality is a very big issue, affects people of color and specifically black people disproportionately, and/or is an example of racism
Define HBCU
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Who was Malcom X and what did he fight for?
Malcom X was a radical and anti-racist activist who was NOT pro peace
Where is Coates originally from?
Baltimore, Maryland
What is the name of Coates friend who was killed from police brutality?
Prince Jones
What does the book argue about the theme "education"?
The book argues that the education system is often more interested in compliance than curiosity OR the education system does not teach real world things OR Coates enjoys reading and writing
Define symbol
A symbol is a simple object or drawing that represents something more complex
What was the Black Panther Party + who were the main founders?
The Black Panther Party was a group in the late 1960's who fought for anti racism, anti imperialism, anti police brutality, and pro guns. Main founders: Huey Newton, Bobby Seale
Why did Coates drop out of college? Explain what he wanted to do AND why he was unable to do that in college
Coates dropped out to become a journalist. He wanted to connect with real people and work with real life problems and felt that school felt too disconnected from real people and their problems
What is the name of Coates son?
Samori Coates
What does the book argue about how Politics/Government affects big ideas like racism?
Coates argues that on one hand, there is not enough diversity in politics which leads to racism and other discriminatory laws. On the other hand, he argues that a more diverse set of politicians won't solve the issues in the government
Explain what "say", "mean", and "matter" mean?
Say: Summarize in your own words
Mean: What does the quote really mean? What does it argue about its themes?
Matter: Why should this quote matter to readers?
What is Brown vs Board of Education?
Brown vs Board of Education fought to end segregation in schools. This case won, which lead to schools becoming integrated
Explain WHY we are reading this book and what you are supposed to be learning from it
Many answers
Dr. Mable Jones was Prince Jones mother. Explain her significance to the story and/or how she affected Coates
She becomes an important character when Coates visits her years after Prince’s murder. Coates respects her composure and determination to break the poverty cycle and give her children an excellent life.
What is the American Dream and what does the book argue about it?
The American Dream refers to the idea that anyone can succeed in America and fit into the ideal of success (ie. a "normal" family, a house with a white picket fence, a job that makes a lot of money, etc). The book argues that it is false that anyone can achieve it and that this idea of success is created from racism
Define the "the Mecca"
The Mecca refers to Howard University (the HBCU Coates attends) OR a place of black community and culture
What is "post-slavery integration" and name one consequence that came after slavery was abolished?
Post-slavery integration refers to how African Americans integrated into society after they were set free from slavery. Some consequences included the Great Migration, sharecropping, Black Codes, sunset towns, etc