How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
I vowed to find a way to be a father, even though I was in prison. This meant that I had to change my thinking. There could be no more settling for less in life. I could no longer think destructively about other Black males, and I could no longer justify shooting, beating, or selling drugsto those who looked like me. I had to reclaim my humanity and soften my heart so that I could be a voice of reason and wisdom for my boy. (10.55)
Being a parent doesn't just make Shaka more concerned about his son. It makes him more concerned about his whole community.
Quote #5
I had given up on myself, my parents, and my brothers and sisters—but I would be damned if I'd give up on my children. I was determined to fight against the side of me that didn't think I could be anything more than a thuggish criminal or a predator to my community […] No matter how many times I got knocked to the ground, I would get up over and over again, until I could stand strong as a proud African man and father. (10.56)
Being a parent seems to change Shaka in a way that being a son, brother, and romantic partner didn't. Is there something about becoming a parent that really brings people face to face with themselves?
Quote #6
But as much as I wanted to change, it would take eight years for me to have a true awakening and begin to grow into the fullness of my potential. Until then, my desire to change would do battle with the old instincts, angers, and fears I had carried into prison. (10.57)
This quote might be the book in a nutshell—Shaka desperately wants to change, and he does. But it takes a long time to overcome the struggles of his past.