African American History and Culture

10 Questions

What event is taking place at the corner of Taliaferro and Fifth, and what does it reveal about the community?

A celebration or gathering related to the completion of the mural on the wall, revealing a strong sense of community and pride.

How does the narrator's relationship with Lou reflect their friendship, and what does it suggest about their personalities?

The narrator and Lou share a moment of mutual understanding and silent communication, suggesting a close and trusting friendship, and implying that they are both resourceful and determined individuals.

What role does the mural play in the story, and what message does it convey about the community's values?

The mural is a symbol of community pride and celebration of African American heritage, conveying the community's values of unity, creativity, and cultural identity.

How does the story reflect the Civil Rights Movement, and what impact does it have on the community?

The story subtly references the Civil Rights Movement through the inclusion of Martin Luther King Jr. in the mural, symbolizing the community's connection to the movement and its ideals of equality and justice.

What does the character of Mrs. Morris reveal about community life, and what role does she play in the story?

Mrs. Morris is a pillar of the community, providing a sense of warmth and familiarity, and serving as a connector among the community members, highlighting the importance of community support and relationships.

The painter lady had found the ______ marks and had painted Jimmy Lyons’s name in a rainbow.

chisel

The fierce man was not so much guarding the kids as ______ their right to do what they were doing.

defending

The painter had painted a ______ on the wall with Jimmy Lyons’s name.

rainbow

The inscription on the wall was dedicated to the ______ of Taliaferro Street.

People

The narrator and the other kids were in awe of the ______ of respect on the wall.

Wall

Study Notes

The Wall of Respect

The wall features images of Minister Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, and Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer.
The wall also features a "vine" with faces that resemble Frieda Morris and Hattie Morris, and flags of liberation from various African countries.
The flags of liberation are red, black, and green, and represent Ghana, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau, Angola, and Mozambique.

The Children and the Fierce-Looking Man

The wall depicts a fierce-looking man with his arms crossed, guarding a group of children.
The children are engaged in various activities, such as reading books, spinning a globe, and using microscopes and compasses.
The man appears to be defending the children's right to learn and explore.

The Painter's Work

The painter lady has included a rainbow with the name "Jimmy Lyons" in honor of her cousin.
The inscription on the wall reads: "To the People of Taliaferro Street, I Dedicate This Wall of Respect, Painted in Memory of My Cousin, Jimmy Lyons."

The Community's Reaction

The community has gathered to admire the wall, with people from the neighborhood, including Side Pocket, Daddy, Mrs. Morris, and Mr. Eubanks, among others.
The wall has become a source of community pride and a celebration of African American heritage and liberation.

Setting

The story takes place during the Vietnam War.

Characters

The narrator and Lou are two kids who consider the wall as their own.
The painter lady is an outsider who paints the wall without permission.
Mr. Eubanks is the barber who gives the painter lady permission to paint the wall.
Mrs. Morris is a character who talks with some customers.
Daddy is the narrator's father who catches a ride with a lineman on Mondays.

The Wall

The wall is a significant part of the community, with kids playing handball against it and old folks sitting in its shade.
The wall has been used for pitching pennies and leaving marks, like Jimmy Lyons's name, which was chiseled by the narrator and Lou.
The painter lady transforms the wall with a mural, featuring Martin Luther King Jr., a man with glasses, and other figures.

Community

The community is close-knit, with neighbors gathering in front of the wall.
The community is affected by the Vietnam War, with Jimmy Lyons not coming back to take the kids fishing.

Symbolism

The wall represents the community's identity and history.
The mural on the wall represents freedom, respect, and memory.
The rainbow-colored inscription of Jimmy Lyons's name symbolizes hope and remembrance.