I am a Lij if a title is necessary, I prefer the African to the European.
-- Tekla Alamaya (chapter 2)

Importance: Tekla Alamaya says this to the leaders of the Hands to Ethiopia while having dinner at Pablo Peixota's house. His statement is a response to the guests' inquiries about whether he is really a prince. Alamaya's subsequent rejection of the European term not only highlights his aversion to European influence, but it also acts as a minor sign of the cultural differences between Alamaya and the Harlemites.

Maxim Tasan wanted...to turn their mind to Soviet Russia as a promised Land.
-- Narration (chapter 6)

Importance: This quotation serves to indicate the true goals of Maxim Tasan and his associates, such as Newton Castle. Tasan merely feigns support for the defense of Ethiopia so that he can gain access to the population of Harlem and attempt to convert them to communist and Soviet doctrines.

Aframerican students must go forward...
-- Newton Castle (chapter 7)