Back at home, Cassie is angry. Stacey tries to explain that Big Ma had no choice: she had to make Cassie apologize. They argue, and then they see a strange car in their barn. Uncle Hammer is visiting. The children are shocked to learn that he owns a car. Everyone is happy to see Hammer. When Cassie tells him what happened to her in town, he gets very angry. Though Big Ma pleads with him, he says he is taking his gun and going to see Lillian Jean's father. The women send Mr. Morrison after him. Mama explains to Cassie, "Big Ma didn't want you hurt. That was the only thing on her mind." Chapter 6, pg. 126 She explains that Mr. Simms believes that white people are better than black people, and though that might make Cassie angry, she has to realize that it is reality. She explains that slavery made so much money that white people convinced themselves that black people were not as good as they were--which made using them as slaves okay.
Cassie's great-grandparents were slaves. Cassie goes to sleep, and the next morning she finds Hammer sulking over his coffee--Mr. Morrison brought him home after all. They all dress up and go to church in his car. He gives Stacey a fancy new jacket. They meet T.J. on the road and he makes fun of Stacey's jacket, which makes Stacey angry. As they pass the Wallace store, Hammer talks about setting fire to it. Mama and Big Ma beg him not to talk that way, even though they understand his anger. Mama says, "There might be another way, Hammer...Wait for David. Talk to him." Chapter 6, pg. 138 They reach a bridge that can only take one car at a time, and though a car full of white people has started to cross at the other side, Hammer pulls onto the bridge. Thinking that the fancy car belongs to Mr. Granger, the white driver backs off. When the white driver--one of the Wallaces-- sees Hammer, he is shocked and furious. Hammer is pleased at his trick, but Mama is worried they will one day be punished for it.
